Author Joan Diehl has published her latest children’s book, “Kantu.” CONTRIBUTED

MADISON – Joan Diehl’s latest children’s book, “KANTU – Unsafe in Africa,” gives a charming tale of a baby elephant while bringing awareness to this majestic but threatened species.

“So far, my children’s books are about endangered or vulnerable animals. My oldest grandson, who is in his thirties, was the inspiration for the first one, ‘Little Hal – A Pygmy Hippo in Danger,'” Diehl said.

“As for my newest book, ‘KANTU’ – Unsafe in Africa,’ I have two granddaughters who love elephants. One is also in her thirties,” Diehl said. “I had never given much thought to wildlife conservation until I began researching these species. Now I love them, too.”

In this little book, readers will learn about the habits of African savanna elephants and how important they are to their ecosystem, Diehl said. “Highly intelligent and emotional, they are capable of giving and receiving love, caring deeply for their young and grieving for dead relatives.”

Elephants are the largest animals that walk on Earth, yet they’re “only a step away from becoming an endangered species,” she said. “Ivory-seeking poachers have been using cyanide to illegally kill these remarkable elephants. Yet, there is a way to help them.”

Diehl also has authored “Once Upon a War – The Diary of a Waiting Wife” and “Little Hal – A Pygmy Hippo in Danger.” Both books received five-star reviews from “Readers’ Favorite.” Her profile is available on Facebook/Joan Diehl/Author, LinkedIn and the WAE Network.

Diehl formerly worked as editor of “The Madison Record.” A native of Kansas, she graduated from Washburn University in Topeka. She is a member of the Topeka High School Historical Society and an alumna of Zeta Tau Alpha national sorority.

She lives in Madison with her husband, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel and Vietnam War veteran. They have five children; 20 grandchildren, one of whom is deceased; and two great-grandchildren.

“KANTU – Unsafe in Africa” is available from Amazon or sarahbookpublishing.com.