Hey Baby – The Elk That Survived! tells the story of an injured young elk who is rescued, cared for through a long, harsh winter, and eventually nursed back to health so he can return to his herd. What inspired you to create this story?

I believe Annie mentioned it to her grandchildren, and they loved our story about the Elk.  A few days later I thought we needed to share this with children everywhere.  It sat on my desk for over 9 years while I was caring for my husband Jay with early-onset Alzheimer’s.  I promised him I would publish it someday, and the time was now after he passed away in October 2024.

Were there moments from the real experience that were too emotional or difficult to include in the book? 

The look in his eyes as he sat alone every night while we could hear the coyotes.

One of the book’s strongest messages is that we can love wild animals without trying to keep them. Why was that lesson important for you to share?

Rarely will we have the opportunity to help a wild animal, as nature usually takes care of them, whether good or bad.

There are times when you just know it is safe and can help the best way you know how.

What emotions did you hope readers would feel when Hey Baby returned to his herd?

First and foremost the wonderful satisfaction the animal is alive and can go back to his home in nature.  The excitement of how the animal accepts help. The sadness that we had to lose him in order to save him.

Author Links: pamelahowardauthor.com | pamelajhoward.com