SILVER MEDAL (October 2015) Moonbeam Children's Book Awards for Early Chapter Reader category
indieBRAG Medallion Award (January 2015)
Savanna's Treasure: Wild New Children's Book Proves that Danger, Adversity & Even Poachers are No Match for the Power of Unlikely Friendships.
Enthralling young readers and adults alike, Chris Behrens' 'Savanna's Treasure' shares the story of two unlikely allies who literally take on the troubles of the world. Nobody would think that a baby elephant and a mouse could fight off poachers and pirates - but this engrossing and educational narrative showcases the boundless potential afforded by never giving up and sticking close to those one loves. It's no wonder Kirkus Reviews hailed the book a "story enriched by an inspiring animal alliance....a good fit for early readers."
While every human faces adversity, most fail to recognize the difficulties some of the world's most beautiful animals also face out in the wild. Fusing the two together, children's author Chris Behrens is delighted to announce the launch of 'Savanna's Treasure'.
Children and adults from coast to coast are having their hearts and minds captured by Shamba and Kali - two very different animals whose unlikely friendship can fight the dangers of the world around them. The narrative is a testament to the power of family, kin and passionate perseverance. (that is the beginning of the P.R.)
*2015 indieBRAG Medallion Recipient*
"...filled with fun-facts!" —Writer's Digest
"Lessons on friendship, perseverance, endurance, and handling adversity and surprises abound as the animals face down everything from poachers to pirates. As with any read (but especially true in a children's book), it's the protagonists that capture attention - and C. Behrens does a fine job of creating personable creatures that are engaging and fun. The 'glue' of any story is how its characters are depicted, how they react to one another, and how they bond. Savanna's Treasure...takes an adventure story format and weaves it into something far greater than simple entertainment. Kids...(likely, in grades 2-4) will relish this enchanting saga!" —Midwest Book Review, Diane Donovan
BIO:
Prior to receiving positive reviews for my debut children's book, the biggest thrill of my writing life came from Lorian Hemingway, one of Ernest's grandchildren. In an email after her 2010 short story contest, she wrote: "You are a superb writer, and it isn't fair for me to say this because it might come as bittersweet, but "Paladin" was in my top 100." My story "The Paladin" was my debut short story, and I followed that up with another top 100 story in 2011. My head was in the clouds for weeks after receiving her first email. She even mentioned how her email was unbidden and out of the blue. And it was, because it arrived about three months after the contest had ended. I wasn't a winner, but top 100 out of over 1,200 stories (the most ever) was awesome! I also had a poem accepted to be published in "Sunflowers and Seashells" in 2010. In late March of 2014 I released my debut children's book: "Savanna's Treasure."
As for some personal info., I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Dominican College (Blauvelt, NY) in 2010. I also received the Mother Lawrence Marie Award for Academic Excellence. And I accomplished that while being employed for a small town government and raising my two beautiful daughters. My girls continue to be my biggest inspirations in life! When I am not working, writing, or spending time with my daughters, I can usually be found coaching high school basketball.
“...an inspiring animal alliance. Brief chapters and easy-to-follow language make this story a good fit for early readers.”
– Kirkus Reviews
CHILDREN'S & TEEN
Savanna's Treasure
BY Chris J. Behrens • POSTED ON March 31, 2014
In Behren’s first illustrated children’s book, a field mouse and a young elephant form an unlikely friendship as they seek refuge from evil poachers.
Shamba, a friendly Serengeti field mouse, lives at an American zoologist’s campsite with his friend Panya. The two mice enjoy the American’s food and protection from the gnarly gang of poachers who entrap field mice. One day, when the mice wander offsite in search of entertainment, they return to find the camp’s been burned to the ground. In place of Sarah, their American protector, they find a black bandanna marking the recent presence of the poacher gang. Fleeing the site and losing Panya, Shamba encounters a small elephant named Kali and catches a ride on her tail to safety from the poachers. Shamba befriends Kali and her elephant family as they learn that many of the Serengeti animals now share the common goal of escaping the evil poachers. Kali’s wise grandmother Savanna devises a plan for the elephants to safely migrate, and the elephants give Shamba a ride as they embark on their great journey. Along the way, Shamba and Kali meet other animal friends, united in their evasion of the poachers. However, more danger lies ahead, and the young animals must bravely fight for their survival. Brief chapters and easy-to-follow language make this story a good fit for early readers. A few simple black-and-white illustrations highlight moments throughout the story. At times, though, Behren’s descriptions of some of the more action-packed sequences are a bit convoluted; more illustrations might facilitate a young reader’s understanding of the detailed events being described. Ultimately, the story shows how the animals’ abilities to overcome their differences and join as allies, along with the help of their human friends, aid them in their success. Some readers, however, might wonder what happens to other animals at the hands of poachers.
A typical good guys/bad guys story enriched by an inspiring animal alliance.
Review Posted Online: June 18, 2014
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