This book is dedicated to the Pilanesberg National Reserve and WWF for their constant

care for the protection of Rhinos in South Africa.

http://www.wwf.orghttp://www.pilanesberg-game-reserve.co.za

There once was a Rhino, not very tall. For this young Rhino, was growing but small. Rhino was strolling through trees and grass, Yet not one single animal, did he pass. He called for his mother for he was lost, He had to find her whatever the cost. He called and he called but heard no reply, Then saw something yellow in the corner of his eye.

A great mountain lion so huge and wide, Made the young Rhino just want to hideLion stood in his path and growled, “hello! I haven’t had breakfast yet, you know.“ Rhino replied: “Well neither have I, And if you don’t mind, I’d like to pass by.““Haha poor young Rhino don’t you seeYou cannot possibly run away from me“

“Just you wait, old Lion you’ll soon recognizeThat I can make fire appear in front of your eyes“But what young Rhino did not knowWas that a fire appeared – just as he said so.

Lion sharpened his claws and prepared to eat! But Rhino just stood there and tapped his feet.Bravely, he said, “Old Lion, don’t you see? I’m far more dangerous than you think me to be.“

As the hot fire flames got so very near It gave old Lion a mighty taste of fear“Alas little Rhino, away I must run! Getting fried does not sound like too much fun!“ Scared old Lion ran as fast as he could, But Rhino was still unaware of the burning wood.“Haha how could silly old Lion believe He was just to easy to decieve“

Then Rhino stopped in horror and stared,The fire was there! Now he was feeling scared! No! He would not run, he had to be brave, He ran at the fire for the animals he could save. The fire burned hot on little Rhinos skin,But he kept on running and held up his chin.Rhino jumped on the fire, he stamped everywhere nearHe stamped and he tramped until it would disappear.

As the smoke settled, a vision became clearLittle Rhino saw that his mother was also here!At first he thought she was taking a napBut then he saw she was caught in a trap!

The fire was gone! The jungle was safe!Now all the animals could return to their place.“Thank you little Rhino! If it wasn’t for youOur jungle would’ve vanished into the blue.“

A poacher held his mother, he shouted, “go away!We’re taking her horn“, he heard them say.Rhino charged and yelled, “Leave her alone!Give her back to me and then you go home!“ Then the other animals gathered and joined in too“Yea leave her alone, how would you like it if we did that you?“The poachers were frightened and said, “we’d better dashThen they left Rhino’s mother and fled in a flash.“

Rhino ran to his mother, “why did they want your horn, The one you have had since you were born?“Mother replied, “My little, brave Rhino, it is quiet tragicThe poachers want our horns because they think they are magic.“ “Magic? How is that so? How silly is that!“ Little Rhino said.“They think it is medicine.“ She answered whilst shaking her head. Rhino looked up and said, “The readers, what can they do?““Well little Rhino, they can tell everyone that it is not true.“

About the Author

Elia Hansjee Altmann is 15 years old and lives in Switzerland. He is part South-African, Danish and Swiss. He has a brother, Luca , aged 7, also the illustrator of this very book, and both children live with their parents in Basel. The Stop Rhino Poaching campaign idea originated in the Pilanesberg National Reserve in South Africa, where the critical state of the Rhino extinction was first brought to his attention. Another great source of influence was David Attenborough’s recent Africa series, where an emotional side of the Rhino’s was recently uncovered , showing these animals to be caring and social. This combination of facts made him choose Rhino’s as his main focus. Through his literature searches he realised how hard companies like WWF are struggling for animal protection and also learned more about the danger that all Rhinos face in our world today.

About the Illustrator

Luca Hansjee Altmann is 7 years old and loves to draw and read. One of his favourite artists is Quentin Blake, which is where the idea originated from to make the illustrations for this book very simple. Keep white as the background colour, to bring forward the characters. The fingerprint-painting was chosen by Luca for its simplicity, the children-friendliness as well as adding a very unique personal touch to all the figures.

Note from the authorThis book is part of my Grade 10 personal project, the goal is to raise awareness for Rhino Poaching- so as to help put a stop to it. I figured the more people that knew about the situation, the more could be done in order to stop it. It doesn’t really matter how old you are or where you live – just by talking about this helps to spread the word.To raise awareness, I set up a website: http://raisingawarenessforrhinopoaching.blogspot.ch/Here you can get information about current Rhino Poaching. Please visit my website!I decided to target young children and that is why I have written this book “Clever Rhino”. There is no real age limit to start talking about Rhino Poaching. However, I faced many challenges, since I could not link the book directly to the murderous Rhino Poaching itself. Instead, I portrayed a young, brave and witty Rhino to be my main character. The Rhino would trot through the jungle and encounter many obstacles, one of which is his mother, caught in a poacher’s net. Through his courageous actions and the help of his friends he manages to save her, a metaphor for what I am trying to do. Through the help of others and willpower, we can stop Rhino Poaching. With less than 30,000 Rhinos left on the planet, this really depicted the prospect of an endangered species into plain sight for me. I hope that it does the same for you!