Okay, whose heart wouldn’t go out to a tiny tiger, the sole survivor of her litter, rejected by her mother? When little Zoya, an Amur tiger born at the Philadelphia Zoo, is rejected, zoo staffers search the country for a foster mother to care for her. The only problem? That’s never been done successfully.
When Zoya not only survives, but thrives … well, wouldn’t you want to bring that story to kids? Debra Kim Wolf did. I invited her here to give us the inside scoop.
Jill: Hi, Debra. Welcome to Picture Book Builders! How did you first hear about Zoya? And why did you feel compelled to share her story with kids?
Debra: Jill, first let me say that I’ve subscribed to your wonderful blog ever since I decided to learn how to write for children. It’s really a dream come true to not only have my first book published but to have the chance to share my story with your readers.
My publishing journey is that, a few years ago I happened to be visiting the Philadelphia Zoo and heard an animal keeper tell the inspiring tale of little Zoya, a critically endangered Amur tiger cub who had been rejected by her mother. Thanks to the cooperation and dedication of three different American zoos, Zoya eventually found a new family and became the first cub ever to be “adopted” by another tiger subspecies. That charming and inspiring story–and the super cute photos of Zoya and her new tiger family–hooked me.
I’m an environmental lawyer and had written and published a fair amount for adults, but I decided to try to write a children’s book about Zoya. That led me down a rabbit hole to a whole new wonderful world of critique groups, SCBWI and Inked Voices membership, and many many webinars about the craft and business of writing.
Jill: Oh, gosh. I know lots of us stumble upon stories that same serendipitous way. I love how your story includes the people who cared for Zoya and helped her find a loving home. The time and effort and compassion that went into that process is tremendously inspirational. Did you speak to any of these folks directly?
Debra: I interviewed Big Cat keepers and administrators at the three zoos that worked to raise Zoya. Some of them probably got tired of hearing from me! I also fact checked the story with them and other zoo personnel.
Jill: Tell us a little more about critical endangered Amur tigers.
Debra: Zoya is an Amur, the tiger subspecies formerly called “Siberian.” These tigers became so rare in Siberia due to poaching and habitat destruction that they were renamed “Amurs” for the small Amur River Valley where the remaining wild ones live. Sadly, tigers often are also killed for their skin and their bones, which are used in traditional Asian medicine. In fact, in the last 100 years, four of the nine tiger subspecies have disappeared from the wild. But scientists and conservation groups are working to pass hunting bans and stop illegal clearcutting of forest habitat. And modern zoos are working with the Amur Tiger Species Survival Plan to try to help increase the number of tigers and make them healthier.
Jill: What kind of promotion are you doing for ZOYA? Her story seems a natural fit for zoo gift shops.
Debra: I did a zoom author reading for the Roosevelt Park Zoo in North Dakota for World Tiger Day in July. They created a wonderful event that I was happy to be a part of, announcing the names of Zoya’s latest litter of cubs and “unveiling” the new cubs themselves for public viewing. Given that my author reading was competing with a litter of cute baby tigers, I was quite pleased with the turnout! The Philadelphia Zoo also was generous enough to host my book launch party at their Big Cat Falls exhibit. Both of those zoos and the Oklahoma Zoo also are carrying A FAMILY FOR ZOYA in their gift shops.
Jill: That’s great! What do you hope is the takeaway for children and adults who read ZOYA?
Debra: One theme I hope readers take away is that if animals can be accepting of differences, maybe people should too! Amurs like Zoya are the largest type of tiger, with brown stripes and thick fur that keeps them warm in their freezing habitat. The zookeepers tried to have Zoya adopted by a family of Sumatran tigers. Sumatrans are the smallest subspecies, with black stripes and dark fur to help camouflage them in the Indonesian jungle. But tigers rarely if ever care for cubs that are not their own. And cross-fostering between two different tiger subspecies had never even been tried before! Luckily, after a few anxious hours, Lola, the Sumatran tiger mother, welcomed Zoya into her litter. Lola even taught the new baby how to nurse, because Zoya had only been bottle-fed up to that point.
Jill: Thanks so much, Debra, for chatting with us and filling us in on all things ZOYA. Readers, you can see quite a bit of the book by clicking “Read Sample” under the cover photo oh its Amazon page, here: https://tinyurl.com/yzm844f2
GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY! If you’d like the chance to win your own copy of ZOYA, simply leave a comment below. A winner will be chosen by random drawing on Friday, October 3rd. U.S. mailing addresses only, please.
Read more about Debra here: https://www.onelittleearth.org/founder
Nice interview and book journey share! A success story like Zoya’s is definitely too beautiful not to create a picture book from. Bravo!
What a heartwarming story with so many layers…looking forward to reading!
Thanks, Laura. In addition to the wildlife conservation” layer,” many readers tell me that the story really resonates with their children who are adopted.
Thanks, Laura. In addition the book’s obvious wildlife conservation “layer,” several readers told me that Zoya’s story really resonated with their kids who were adopted.
Thanks, Laura. In addition to the book’s obvious wildlife conservation “layer,” several readers have told me the story really resonates with their children who are adopted.
Oh my daughter would love to read this story…even as a “big girl” 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Katie. Because of the “Did You Know?” facts at the bottom of most pages, the story could be of interest to a fairly wide range of ages.
I love the way this book supports conservation and the work that zoos do behind the scenes!
Thanks, Susan.
During the manuscript’s ubmission process, several editors told me they wouldn’t publish a book about zoos–even though those are the places most kids first see (and learn to love) wildlife….
This is such a heartwarming story! Hooray for Zoya! Congratulations, Debra!
Thanks, Angie.
What a fascinating and inspirational story! I love the Did you know? Sections on the pages. This looks like an amazing book.
Thanks, Sandra. Because of the “Did You Know” facts on each page, the book is suitable for a pretty wide age range of readers!
What a beautiful, optimistic story! I love animals and look forward to reading this one. Congrats!!
Thanks, Claire!
Absolutely fascinating! Thank you for sharing.
Thanks, Kathy!
Debra, what a gorgeous debut picture book! All your hard work paid off!
Thanks, the illustrators — two Italian sisters who are medical illustrators! — did an amazing job, I think.
Love, love, love this book. I can hardly wait to read it. Congrats Debra!
Thank you, Deb!
What a sweet story that the world needs to know. Thanks for sharing your process & best wishes for its success.
Thanks, Becki! Tiger cubs are the CUTEST
Readers are going to love this heartwarming, feel good story. Thank you for the interview today!
Thanks, Danielle. The people who work in accredited zoos are SO dedicated and really are unsung heroes.
Such a wonderful, sweet story. Thank goodness for zoos and their cooperation, creativity, and compassion. If only all of us could be so good at these things!
Thanks, Colleen. My respect for the people who do this type of conservation work grew tremendously during the writing of the book.
I love this story so much! Thanks for sharing it.
Thanks, Robin. That means a lot coming from YOU! Your own books reflect your true love of the natural world.
What a wonderful story! Thanks for sharing it.
Thanks, Debbie!
Thanks for sharing this fascinating tiger story. So glad it had a happy outcome!
Zoya just had her second litter of cubs!
i always love hearing “the story behind the story.” Congratulations on your publication!
Thank you very much, Mary!
What a heartwarming story! It looks wonderful!
This looks like a book that all children (and most adults, too, if they’re honest) would LOVE! I can’t wait to get a copy! Thanks for sharing the background of this awesome story!
Requested for my library – can’t wait to read and review it!