*The Black Mambas: The World’s First All-Woman Anti-Poaching Unit by Kelly Crull

Young readers are introduced to The Black Mambas: The World’s First All Women Anti-poaching Unit.

*The Black Mambas: The World’s First All-Woman Anti-Poaching Unit by Kelly Crull. Millbrook Press, 2025. 40 pages.

• Reading Level: Picture books, ages 8-10
• Recommended For: Ages 8-10

In South Africa, a remarkable group of women work at the Olifants West Nature Reserve. They are the Black Mambas. Despite growing up in villages near the nature reserve, many had never seen the wild animals. Supervisor Leitah recalls, “. . . I had never seen an elephant, only the picture of one printed on our money.” However, all the women are now skilled wildlife spotters and protectors. 

Crull introduces young readers to the work of the Black Mambas. His simple, informative narrative is enhanced with informative text boxes and quotes from the Black Mambas. Together, this provides a compassionate explanation of why poachers are a threat while showing a more helpful way wildlife can boost the local economy. At first, many doubted women would be up for the job, but the Black Mambas have proved to be a success, protecting the wildlife preserve.

*indicates a Redeemed Reader starred review, an outstanding example in its field.

Considerations: None

Bottom Line: Informative text and engaging photographs introduce young nature lovers to the important wildlife conservation work of the Black Mambas, as well as the amazing animals they protect.

Recommended Reading at Redeemed Reader

• Review: Birdlore is a fun picture book biography about a woman nature-lover/conservationist. And Magic in a Drop (starred review) is another lovely picture book biography about a female conservationist.
• Book Reviews: Saving H’Non and Saving Sorya are two recommended middle grades graphic novels featuring conservationist efforts.
• Book Review: Another gifted woman in science was Lisa Meitner; we liked The Woman Who Split the Atom (a middle grades-level text, not a picture book; but it is illustrated!).

You can purchase The Black Mambas from Amazon.