Boots Hensel, an award winning children’s author, will be at the Little Rock Zoo today to sign copies of her latest book Johari’s Joy.

Johari, a lonely black rhinoceros, noticed the other animals with best friends.  He didn’t have a best friend.  A kind zookeeper noticed his dilemma and placed a lonely pig named Joy in his enclosure for companionship. Could this odd couple become friends?  Or is living with a stinky pig more than this rhinoceros can handle?

Hensel will be at the Zoo in conjunction with Rhino Awareness Day.  Copies of her book will be available for purchase.

Hensel’s previous book The Zoopendous Surprise was based on Mary and Ellen, two elephants who used to be at the Little Rock Zoo.  Hensel’s daughter cared for the elephants from 2002 to 2004.