In 1903, Theodore Roosevelt was depicted in an editorial cartoon, rather satirically, demonstrating mercy to a frail and ailing bear while on a hunt. He refused to shoot the bear which was emaciated and ill. This small gesture and the resulting media translated into Teddy Bears.

Books containing anthropomorphized animal characters were soon published and the bear image was transformed from a monster to a beloved character.

President Roosevelt later set aside millions of acres of land as National Parks to preserve the nations wild areas for animals and future generations to enjoy.

This book about a Komodo Dragon may not result in millions of acres/hectares of land being preserved for endangered animals – but perhaps it will generate new levels of awareness and empathy.