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  • Published: 12 August 2025
  • ISBN: 9780593813508
  • Imprint: RHUS Children's Books
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 48
  • RRP: $14.99

Elizabeth, Queen of the Seas

  • Lynne Cox



This heartwarming tale -- now available in paperback -- is based on the real-life story of an elephant seal who kept swimming back to her home in the middle of a busy road in New Zealand, no matter how far she was taken out to sea.

World-renowned swimmer and bestselling author Lynne Cox and Caldecott Medal-winning illustrator Brian Floca team up to bring us this inspiring story of an elephant seal who knew exactly where she belonged.

Here is the incredible story of Elizabeth, a real-life elephant seal who made her home in the Avon River in the city of Christchurch, New Zealand. When Elizabeth decides to stretch out across a two-lane road, the citizens worry she might get hurt or cause traffic accidents, so a group of volunteers tows her out to sea. But Elizabeth swims all the way back to Christchurch. The volunteers catch her again and again—each time towing her farther, even hundreds of miles away—but, still, Elizabeth finds her way back home.

Includes back matter with information about elephant seals.

  • Published: 12 August 2025
  • ISBN: 9780593813508
  • Imprint: RHUS Children's Books
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 48
  • RRP: $14.99
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