Amari's Safaris – Sammy the Vervet Monkey
A mindful African wildlife adventure for curious children aged 6–9
Where every safari begins with a story...
Join Amari and the Safari Seven Crew on an unforgettable adventure through the spectacular Eastern Cape of South Africa, inspired by real wildlife encounters near Addo Elephant National Park.
Guided by the playful and quick-witted Sammy the Vervet Monkey, young readers will discover a hidden world where every rustle in the bush tells a story and every animal has something to teach. Along the way, they'll learn about courage, kindness, respect, gratitude and caring for the natural world.
Written by qualified safari guide Marga Davis, drawing on more than 25 years of experience leading safaris across Southern Africa, and beautifully illustrated with authentic hand-painted watercolours by Jane De Vries, this delightful first book in the Amari's Safaris series blends authentic wildlife knowledge with engaging storytelling, gentle mindfulness and memorable adventures.
Inside this beautifully illustrated book, you'll discover:• A delightful rhyming story set in the heart of the African bush.
• An exciting treetop adventure featuring a boomslang that encourages courage, awareness and wise decision-making.
• Stunning hand-painted watercolour illustrations inspired by the landscapes and wildlife of the Eastern Cape.
• Fascinating wildlife facts presented with field-guide accuracy.
• Interactive activities, maps and 'On the Road with Amari' learning moments.
• Gentle themes of mindfulness, empathy, gratitude, resilience and environmental stewardship.
Perfect for:• Children aged 6–9 who love animals, nature and adventure.
• Parents and grandparents looking for meaningful stories with positive values.
• Teachers and home educators exploring African wildlife, environmental education and life skills.
• Classroom libraries and Grade 4 Environmental Studies, including Eastern Cape 'Know Your Area' themes.
• Thoughtful gifts for young explorers, wildlife enthusiasts and future conservationists.
• Safari lodges, museums, airports, gift shops and nature-inspired bookshops.
Why families will love the Amari's Safaris series
Every Amari's Safaris adventure invites children to slow down, look closely and reconnect with the wonder of nature. Blending captivating stories with authentic wildlife knowledge, each book inspires curiosity, confidence and a lifelong appreciation for Africa's remarkable animals and wild places.
Whether shared at bedtime, enjoyed in the classroom or packed for a family safari, Amari's Safaris – Sammy the Vervet Monkey is a joyful celebration of friendship, discovery and the magic of the African bush.
Marga Davis is a German-speaking South African author, mindful storyteller, qualified Safari Guide, and former junior school teacher. Her love for nature first took root on a sheep farm in the wide-open Karoo and deepened on the doorstep of Addo Elephant National Park, where she launched her guiding career, raised her children, and welcomed all seven grandchildren - affectionately known as the Safari Seven Crew in her Amari's Safaris Series.With more than 25 years of guiding guests through Southern Africa's wild heartlands, Marga carries a lifetime of bush wisdom, quiet observation, and a profound spiritual connection to the natural world. Her years as an Honorary Ranger in Addo sparked the nature notes she has gathered for over three decades - reflections she now transforms into mindful stories, blessings, and gentle teachings for children and families.Inspired by adventures with her family and the Safari Seven Crew, Marga created the Amari's Safari Collection(TM), a unique storytelling universe spanning four age bands (2-6, 6-9, 9-12, and 12+). Through animal messages, soft mindfulness, and the timeless rhythms of the wild, her stories celebrate courage, curiosity, kindness, and the deep interconnectedness of all living beings. This legacy of safari-rooted storytelling continues to grow across generations.Owning an Amari's Safari book is more than reading - it is an invitation to slow down, breathe deeply, honour every soul, and feel the heartbeat of Africa whispering its ancient wisdom.
Jane de Vries is a UK born artist now living in Germany. Originally trained and working as a physicist, her creative journey began unexpectedly during a holiday when she started a painting diary to capture her experiences - an artistic habit that followed her home and never left. Since then, Jane has exhibited her work at local markets and has led art workshops for both children and adults, sharing her love of colour, nature, and mindful observation. Her mission is simple and heartfelt: to inspire others to notice the beauty in everyday life and to bring More Art into Your Life.You can explore her artwork at: Instagram: instagram.com/janedevriesjdv Website: www.janedevries.com