Rhino in the House: A Picture Book Exploration
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Rhino in the House: The Story of Saving Samia, by Daniel Kirk is bringing us a bit of sunshine in the midst of November’s grey. November 17th is Anna Merz’s birthday. Anna was a British conservationist who established a rhino sanctuary in Kenya. Rhino in the House is a small glimpse at her life. My children have loved this story for a very long time and I hope your children will love it just as much! This story has ignited many games of having a rhino in the house. It has also helped us understand conservationism in the light of our God given duty to be good stewards of the earth. And that Africa is a continent, not a country…
Rhino in the House
This picture book is delightful and a great opportunity to discuss many things with our children. Daniel Kirk, the author and illustrator of Rhino in the House, learned of Anna Merz through her obituary; he was curious about her life and legacy and started investigating. His curiosity led him all the way to Kenya, retracing Anna Merz’s footsteps and creating this beautiful picture book. Daniel Kirk is a wonderful author-illustrator. I would highly recommend visiting his website, especially his video page where he has many videos of his visit to Kenya. Absolutely fascinating! This is truly a living picture book born of passion and curiosity.
Anna Merz
Anna was born in England in 1931. She grew up during World War II and became a lawyer. However her work took her to Africa, in the late 1950s, first to Ghana where she worked with ponies for the Ghanaian Game Department and National Park. She soon became involved in surveying sites for wildlife reserves, This work took her to Kenya where she discovered the plight of the rhinoceros. In Kenya, as well as in other parts of Africa, the rhinoceros was mercilessly hunted for its horn, believed to have medicinal purposes. There Anna Merz undertook what became her life mission: protecting the black rhinoceros.
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
Anna Merz invested 5,000 acres to create what is now the 93,000 acres Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. Her goal was to create a safe space for the black rhinoceros as well as other Kenyan wildlife. Through her indefatigable effort Anna Merz created a one of a kind wildlife reserve in the heart of Kenya. Her legacy still thrives today. During her time in Kenya, Anna had the opportunity to raise a rhino calf, neglected by its mother, that she named Samia. Anna raised Samia for infancy, having to learn all about caring for a baby rhino. Samia was devoted to Anna, bringing her her own calf to visit daily once an adult. This is their story.
Conservation
Anna Merz is a wonderful example of our God given duty to be good stewards of the earth. Understanding that conservationism is our God given duty to be good stewards of the earth rather than a political and fanatical game is crucial for our children. When the Lord created Adam he bade him to name the animals and take care of them (Genesis 2:18-20). This entails that we, Adam’s descendants, keep up with this duty and maintain the gift of Creation. But not at the cost of human life nor make it an idol.
As homesteaders we have many animals enter and leave our life and it has allowed our children to understand the necessity for mankind to be good stewards of the animals entrusted to us. It has taught all of us the importance of the care we provide for these animals, and consequently the importance of caring for the world at large. It does not require to be a homesteader for our children to discover this beautiful gift the Lord has given us. Taking care of a gerbil or a goldfish will have the same effect. And stories like this one help us awaken an awareness of the needs that lay beyond our small world.
Geography
Many people think of Africa as a country instead of a continent. This is a great opportunity to introduce the fact that Africa is a continent, and home to 54 countries! The picture book Africa Is Not a Country by Margy Burns Knight and Mark Melnicove is a delightful introduction to many of Africa’s countries. On a world map, and with the help of the picture books, locate Kenya. Then in Kenya find Nairobi, its capital and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. Add the Kenyan flag to your map. It is a very fun flag to draw!
Nature Study
Just as Anna Merz had to learn all about rhinos in order to raise Samia, so should you! Maybe not because you will have a rhino to raise anytime soon but because they are fascinating animals. Then create a beautiful Nature Journaling page describing what you have learned about the black rhinoceros.
Writing
If you could have any animal live in your house, what animal would that be? Imagine your life and adventures if you had to raise this animal from infancy to adulthood! Take some tips from Daniel Kirk himself on how to write and illustrate these adventures. Daniel Kirk also shares a very exciting tutorial on not only writing and illustrating your own story but also how to turn it into a delightful little book!
Recipe
Nothing is more enjoyable than to discover a new country and culture through its culinary traditions! Kenya is a country rich in history, culture and flavors. With this picture book instead of choosing just one recipe, let’s embark on a Kenyan safari discovering this country’s traditions and culture through its food. Furahieni chakula chenu!
I have found it so wonderful to learn about Anna Merz and the black rhinoceros through this picture book! Don’t be surprised if a few rhinos make their way into your home (I would just hide the oil, you know, just in case…)! Imaginary play is the best form of learning for children of all ages and I always find their version absolutely fascinating. I wish I could just sit there and observe them. If you have enjoyed this Picture Book Exploration visit A Daily Picture Book for daily Picture Book Explorations!
Love,
Mattie
