"A Different Kind of Safari" is an inspiration to all children looking for a place in the world. Sure to become a story time favorite". Sheri Gates - Activities Therapist

The Inspiration Behind the Story

The story behind the story unfolded when I went on an African safari back in 2001. The trip was lead by my father whose dream was to share the safari experience with his family. Little did I know that this trip was going to inspire me to write a children’s book but it did. The book is entitled " A Different Kind of Safari" . 

The storyline began in Africa when my family spotted a pod of hippos and one was pink! My son fourteen at the time immediately named her “Rosie”.  Curious and wanting to learn more about this unique hippo we asked our guide many questions about hippos and hippo behavior. Specifically I wanted to know why she stood so far outside of her pod. The familiarity of the guides answer took me by surprise, he explained that “Rosie” was tolerated but not necessarily accepted by the herd because of her differences. As a parent of a child with special needs I immediately felt inspired to weave this experience into a children's story that celebrates differences. Find out what you can learn from Rosie the pink hippo, and how you can share those lessons with the children in your life.