“My goal was to leave the reader with both the understanding that one person can make a difference in environmental conservation, and the impetus to become a change-maker”  — Dr Sarah Pye

The Power of Storytelling

In both Saving Sun Bears and the Wildlife Wong series, Dr Sarah Pye takes the everyday reader’s expectation of how a conservation story should be told and turns it on its head. She utilises a dynamic point of view and structure system to educate not only children but also adults. Drawing attention to some of the world’s most endangered species. Wong’s adventures come alive on and off the page through Sarah’s power of storytelling, bringing her powerful message to classrooms across North Brisbane.

The Tale of the World’s Forgotten Bear

‘Saving Sun Bears’ was Sarah’s debut biography and aimed at bringing the dire situation sun bears face to the forefront of readers’ minds. Through extensive research, she identified how best to approach an older audience. To have the greatest impact through storytelling. Sarah chose to give a voice to individual sun bears, enhancing the narrative and illustrating how each character’s story can resonate with readers. Sarah describes this intentional use of anthropomorphism as interpretative. She uses this literary technique to illustrate their natural behaviours and mentalistic predicates. 

The Writer as Interpreter

Saving Sun Bears is at its core a story about Wong’s life and all the incredible ups and downs he has experienced. However, the key to the story's successful impact on its readers is Sarah’s role as interpreter. Within the story, there is no assumption of scientific or political understanding. Without Sarah’s subjective role as an interpreter of Sun Bear science, Malaysian culture, and rainforest environment for a non-specialist reader, the themes of the story would not have been as impactful. Saving Sun Bears provides a macro approach for the general reader, providing accessibility to conservation science and Wong’s life.

Engaging the Next Generation in Conservation Through Storytelling

After her success in the adult market, Sarah found her true calling, to share Wong’s adventures with children all around the world. Utilising a three-part format for her children’s novels, Sarah engages children’s minds and hands. She takes them through one of Wong’s incredible stories before teaching them important scientific facts and showing them how to make their creative experiments. Her children’s books utilise anthropomorphism far more liberal than her non-fiction work to keep her readers engaged with the story. 

Wildlife Wong as a Teaching Tool

Wong’s adventures are told in six books through storytelling about a variety of animals, including orangutans, rhinos, fig wasps and, of course, sun bears. Sarah’s books are an excellent addition to any classroom. She also provides teachers with resources on how to integrate them into their curriculum. Using a creative narrative, scientific information, and a fun activity, these books engage children in the fight for animal conservation they will love. Currently, Sarah takes these lesson plans and her books to schools across North Brisbane to teach children how important conservation is, connecting with children in fun and exciting ways.

Conservationists Need to Harness Storytelling

Wong has lived an incredible life and has amazing stories to tell. Through his work with Sarah, his story is impacting adults and children across the world. Sarah’s unique book structures for children and anthropomorphism speak to the next generation. They make sure kids know they can become part of the change the world needs to protect these incredible animals.

- Blog post written by Teighlor Banks