Written by Candy Gourlay
Published by Otter Barry Books
Published by Otter Barry Books
A gentle story from the Philippines about kindness—with a lovable baby rhino character, and a strong argument for protecting the environment and making change.

Right in the middle of the crowded, bustling city, Maya meets a baby rhinoceros.
“Excuse me,” he says politely, “I am lost.”
Maya is sure she can help the baby rhino find his home, where there are tall trees, plants with giant, yummy leaves and where the ground is covered in delicious grass. They walk and walk, but can find only streets and buildings—nowhere a little rhino can feel at home.
Together Maya and her neighbors get to work and create a green city environment where people are happy and where a baby rhino might also feel at home... and perhaps return to visit Maya.
“Excuse me,” he says politely, “I am lost.”
Maya is sure she can help the baby rhino find his home, where there are tall trees, plants with giant, yummy leaves and where the ground is covered in delicious grass. They walk and walk, but can find only streets and buildings—nowhere a little rhino can feel at home.
Together Maya and her neighbors get to work and create a green city environment where people are happy and where a baby rhino might also feel at home... and perhaps return to visit Maya.

Full artwork for the cover spread





Here are some photos of the work in progress:

Character guide sheet that I used to help me keep track of all the colors/materials I used

Initial rhino sketches

Initial character sketches for the main characters



Clean draft of the storyboard