Herd by Stephen Hogtun

Stephen Hogtun, the author/illustrator of Leaves (2023) and Deep (2023), has written another beautiful and poignant story called Herd. This book follows the journey of an elephant herd as they travel through the African landscape with baby elephant always wondering if he will “ever find a place that felt like home.”

The herd travels through the forest, to the river, across the grassy plains and each time they stop, the baby elephant asks the question but it never quite feels right. While the other elephants sleep, baby elephant searches for a place to call home but he loses his way and finally begins to realise that home is not necessarily a place.

This gentle story will resonate with young readers and evoke feelings of their own homes and families, and how they can feel safe there. The glorious illustrations are striking and showcase a range of colours to represent the landscapes the elephants are travelling through. A wonderful read.

Kathryn Beilby