If you've heard me speak about this project you will probably remember the answers to all of those questions. The fact is I've always loved animals. Always. When I was young I made copious notes on the wild areas close to my house as what I felt were the horrors of development encroached. In school I became fascinated with tropical countries and something about the culture of the Thai people felt like, well, felt like a long lost home. It breaks my heart that within the next decade it is expected wild Asian elephants in Thailand will be extinct. Other animals like Orangutans face similar fates. What about the heroine being deaf? Shortly before I wrote the first Laehli & the Elephants book we found out my youngest grandson is deaf. In his world, it makes absolutely no difference. Yes, things are more difficult for him and his immediate family. He is still a funny, intelligent, caring and creative kid. His mother did not want me to make the book about him, she considered it an invasion of his privacy. So ok, I made the hero a heroine and gave her the name, "Laehli." Nothing else changed. In fact, if you read the script for the animated movie that is in process you'll find it remarkably similar to the dream I had in the beginning, yes I dreamt this entire project. This project is my heart. At this point in my life I don't care if you call me a hippie, a snowflake or a weirdo, these things matter deeply to me. Thank you for reading. Thank you for supporting this project. Most importantly, thank you for caring.
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