Book Reviews and Endorsements

Safari and Field Experience

“An immersive safari of soul and scenery”

Tau Pan clearly left a lasting impression on you, and I love how the thread of black-maned lions weaves through your adventures, writings, and upcoming editions. ‘Under African Skies: Tenting with Lions’ and the tales in Nine Days in Eden feel like an immersive safari of soul and scenery.

Your passion for shifting public perception about lions is refreshing — fear so often stems from misunderstanding. The care you take in your editorial choices is inspiring, striking a perfect balance of restraint and reverence for what deserves to be seen.

~Kate Nelson, General Manager (Operations), Kwando Safaris, Botswana

Zoos & Conservation Organizations

“Your book and photography are beautiful.”

~Saint Louis Zoo

“Gorgeous photography and beautiful watercolours.”

I got the book and the watercolor today, and WOW – they are incredible! The photos in the book are gorgeous, and the watercolors are so beautiful. The zebra piece is already hanging in our administration building, and people have been commenting on it all day. I also received a print of the African Painted Dog and plan to share it with our APD staff. Thank you for your support of wildlife conservation and these beautiful works of art!

~Devan A. George, Public Relations Coordinator, Dallas Zoo

“What a beautiful book! I’m not sure what I love more.”

What a beautiful book! I’m not sure what I love more – the stunning photos or the illustrations. Thank you for the wild dog print; it’s already framed and on my wall.

~Christina Gorsuch, Animal Welfare Coordinator, Cincinnati Zoo

Conservation

“Your passion for wildlife truly comes through.”

Very well done. I can only imagine how much work went into that book. Your passion for wildlife truly comes through, and I’m sure a lot of people will be touched by its spirit. I’m glad to have managed to say thank you in person at the airport. We all appreciate all the work you do for our cause.

The pack you saw at the den in June 2023 with me is doing very well. Seven of the puppies you saw made it to adulthood. We collared one male and one female with a satellite collar, in the hope to learn more about their dispersal. They are the right age to do so, so fingers crossed we picked the right individuals! The pack also raised ten puppies, which brings the pack size to 26 dogs in total. As you must have seen on your trip, we had some good rains and the grass has grown to a height which makes it very challenging to find the dogs, even with collars. But we are managing. I just saw them yesterday afternoon, see the video attached. Marine pack is having lots of fun!

~Peter Brack, Research Operations and Logistics Coordinator, Botswana Predator Conservation Trust, Maun, Botswana

“Ms. George’s way with words help bring the pages to life”

Elephants, giraffe, hippos and rhinos are what most of us think about, dream about, and what bring many of us to Africa that very first time. But it’s the birds that keep me going back. So I especially appreciated chapter 14, “A Pageantry of Winged Residents and Migratory Feathered Creatures.” And while the photos and watercolours will certainly “grab” you and draw you in—like African wildlife does, it’s the 17 Photo Tales and Ms. George’s way with words that helps to bring the pages to life and gives you a thorough understanding of Okavango’s precious resources.

Nine Days in Eden has something for those who have been, those who plan to go, and those who may never get to the Okavango. Most importantly, it shows we all have a stake in ensuring this corner of Africa (and other special places) need to be protected and saved.

~Karen Menczer, USAID Biodiversity Conservation Consultant and Founder/Director Animal-Kind International

Safari Expertise

“This book is a window into one of Africa’s true Edens”

Nine Days in Eden by Alexandra George provides readers with a front row seat to the wonders of the wild, untamed beauty of Botswana’s Okavango Delta—a place so teeming with life it feels like nature’s own masterpiece. Over 17 “photo tales,” Alexandra captures the spirit of a nine-day mobile safari, with the heart-stopping grace of leopards in tall grass, jaw-dropping scenes of elephants crossing waterways, lions patrolling at dawn and painted dogs romping in the grasslands.

Featuring over 200 photos and artfully rendered watercolours by Tom Shepherd, this book is a window into one of Africa’s last true Edens. Each page feels like a firsthand encounter with Africa’s wild at it most raw and beautiful. But it’s more than just a safari; it’s a heartfelt call to protect these extraordinary landscapes and the creatures that roam them. Proceeds support the Botswana Predator Conservation Trust’s Wild Dog Project, making every purchase a step toward preservation. If you’re ready to be transported and inspired, Nine Days in Eden is your next great escape into the wild.

~Ben Bressler, Founder and CEO, Natural Habitat Adventures, Boulder, Colorado

“Captures the life-changing experience of the Okavango Delta perfectly”

Nine Days in Eden is a beautifully illustrated journey into the heart of Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Expertly written by author Alexandra George, the reader is introduced to the region’s iconic mammals and birds through 17 Photo Tales that provide a unique insight into their lives. Having been lucky enough to visit the Delta on several occasions previously, Nine Days in Eden captures the life changing experience of a visit perfectly.

Ten stunning wildlife watercolours by Tom Shepherd offer a perfect counterpoint to the photographs, enriching the book with a distinctive artistic dimension that reflects its call for the conservation and reverence for the Okavango’s iconic animals and birds.

~Dan Free, General Manager, Wildlife Worldwide, UK

Art and Creative Voices

“A magnificent tome”

I recently came across this magnificent tome.

Dedicated to the natural wonders of the Okavango Delta, the book is filled with wonderful photographs, exquisite watercolours by wildlife artist Tom Shepherd and the author’s brilliantly written account of her experience.

Having been fortunate enough to enjoy a very similar safari in this most extraordinary wildlife haven, the book was an excellent reminder of my time there.

Beyond the superb photography, which beautifully captures the fauna and the flora of the Okavango, Alexandra’s account of her experience makes for absorbing reading. Her unique ‘Photo Tales’ bring each image to life, combining the excitement of wildlife encounters with fascinating insights into animal behaviour and the people dedicated to protecting these remarkable places.

Two of the Photo Tales centre on the African wild dog, one of Africa’s most charismatic yet endangered predators. Alexandra’s memorable morning at a wild dog den with Peter Brack of the Botswana Predator Conservation Trust offers a fascinating insight into the conservation work being undertaken to protect this enigmatic species.

Whether you have already visited Botswana or simply dream of doing so one day, Nine Days in Eden is a beautiful book that will both inspire and inform.

~Steve Segall, Wildlife Photographer, Harpenden, UK

“The photography was superb”

I found this book to be truly delightful. The photography was superb, catching the animals in their natural habitat. Each photo displayed made it clear that the photographer behind the camera knew exactly how to capture these beautiful creatures at their best.

The reading material was informative and written in such a way to make it an easy and relaxed read bringing the photos to life with love and attention to detail. I am proud to be fortunate enough to own this book and to add it to my collection.

~Brenda Evangelides, Manager, Charles Greig Gallery, Johannesburg, South Africa

“Alexandra’s storytelling is strongly heartfelt”

“I thoroughly enjoyed Nine Days in Eden, and will revisit it often. The storytelling accompanying the lovely pictures is engaging and strongly heartfelt and the artworks are delightful. Recommended!”

~Angelo Aquilano, Artist, Johannesburg, South Africa

Contributing Artist

“This book an aboslute feast for the eyes”

I absolutely loved Nine Days in Eden. It truly transports and immerses you into the fascinating world of the Okavango Delta and its iconic wildlife and birds. Not only is this book an absolute feast for the eyes – visually stunning and stimulating on every page – but the words add a whole new element to this imagery, bringing the place to life by conjuring the feel, sights and even smells of this incredible place. Highly recommended!

~Tom Shepherd, British watercolour wildlife artist and highly commended finalist in the world-renowned Wildlife Artist of the Year award on several occasions

Publishers

“Nine Days in Eden is really stunning. It makes such an impression.”

~Kathy M., CEO, Bublish

Reader Reviews

“My kids love it!”

“Currently obsessed with this book. Such a fun and interesting read.”

~Arpi M., New York, USA

“A beautiful and thoughtful book!”

“Nine Days in Eden is a beautiful and thoughtful book. I especially appreciated the watercolours included with it and the Photo Tales, which bring each animal and their story vividly to life. I look forward to reading it with my granddaughter, who loves wildlife.”

~Mehar K., North Carolina, USA

“Didn’t expect to go on a safari!”

I don’t usually take the time to write a review, either good or bad, strictly due to my busy schedule however, I just opened my copy of the Special Edition of Nine Days in Eden and I am floored! I was expecting a lovely coffee table book with pictures that you usually see with maybe some facts about the animals and a few anecdotes from the author’s experience. I was not prepared to go on a full blown safari with the author! That is exactly what it felt like from the moment that I opened the book – brilliant approach to such an amazing subject matter that we don’t see enough of in print.

This book included many things that I was not expecting for example, in addition to the photography, there is a stunning “frame-worthy” Painted Dog print and art pages that look like the animals stepped out of the book and into watercolor form. I can’t ever recall seeing young Painted Dog pups or young Hyena which, I have to say were surprisingly my favorites in the whole book. The chapters on The Lion King, the Pride of Eight Young Lions and the Leopard especially were so impressive but, I found myself still flipping back to the Painted Dogs and the Hyenas as you just don’t see them much let alone such a detailed glimpse into their lives.

There are beautiful cameos of the “supporting actors” throughout, including interesting birds and nocturnal animals like the Honey Badger, Aardwolf and Genet which, I’m embarrassed to say……I had no idea what any of these even looked like before seeing the photographs of them (thank you for the education!). This is not only a book, it is a journey that the author invites you on as she points out each animal encountered with great enthusiasm and obviously a huge love for this region and its inhabitants. I would recommend this book as an addition to any home library or collection, as a gift to someone of any age and especially to an educator to have in their classroom.

I was so impressed with the quality of the content as well as the physical quality of the book itself, I was compelled to purchase a copy for my favorite cousin who is an educator. She was equally enamored and excited to share it with her class. I will be purchasing another copy as a gift, here in soft cover which, looks equally as beautiful however, if you can…I would recommend the Special Edition Hardcover as this is definitely a book that will NOT sit idle on a shelf. It’s been a long time since I’ve enjoyed a book this much and felt like I’ve taken a journey when opening it. This is a gorgeous, timeless, ageless, exciting journey that happens when you open the cover…….it pulls you in and transports you, exactly the way a fantastic book should!

~Renee Davall, Greyhounds As Companions, Inc., Florida

“Worthy of anyone’s library!”

Nine Days in Eden is a wonderful rendition of the animal kingdom in Botswana which the reader experiences through captivating accounts of once-in-a-lifetime sightings recounted through 17 Photo Tales accompanied by over 200 photos and 10 watercolours. I highly recommend the Special Edition for the clarity of its photography and for the stunning watercolours by British artist Tom Shepherd. The book sits prominently on my coffee table and does not go unnoticed by anyone who shares our hospitality. It was my chosen gift for my grandsons this Christmas.

~Carolyn Hackett Dowd, Chico, California

“Breathtaking photos, informative book!”

“The photos are strikingly beautiful and that’s enough reason to own this book. But the text is something you can always go to to learn (even if you think you know, there’s something to be learned) and for inspiration. While most books about wildlife are sad and dismal, this one is about beauty and hope. The words and pictures will transport you.”

~Karen M, New Mexico

“A magical spellbinding book for every animal lover and safari enthusiast!”

I bought the Special Edition book in part because of the stunning “Nine Days in Eden” watercolor by British artist Tom Shepherd, the book’s visual signature, that greets the reader when you open the volume and takes you on this immersive 9-day mobile safari into the Animal Kingdom that thrives in stunning Okavango Delta in Botswana. Nine Days is composed of 17 Photo Tales of many magical encounters – with a leopard stalking through the grass, the Lion King who has a “studio photo session” with the author, a hyena mom and cubs gathering with her sisterhood clan at dusk, two tales on the enigmatic wild dogs, with the Bull Elephant who stands immersed in the Delta waters right opposite the author’s tent during her three-day stay at Khwai, encounters with nocturnal animals like the Genet and Aardvark during night drives and so much more… Perhaps the most special series is the one by one of the photographers Jenny Brennan of the young leopard in the tree with its kill taken during a night drive in the tale, “Conjured Up under Cover of Darkness”.

A lot of great insights into the wildlife and birds of the Okavango Delta. The 200 plus photos of the animals and birds are absolutely stunning and Tom Shepherd’s 10 watercolors really complement the tales and photos and make this a brilliantly conceived volume. I love the Special Edition that comes with a separate print of the wild dog, Tom Shepherd’s The Wanderer, that appears on the inside cover. I think children would really enjoy the Photo Tales. A great tour de force! Highly recommended!

~Beth Morganlander, New York

“An ardent call to conservation of iconic wildlife and birds of Okavango Delta”

I ordered the Special Edition of the book Nine Days in Eden by Alexandra George directly from the book’s website. My family and I loved it so much that I just ordered a softcover copy for my kids so they can have their own copy! My 10 year daughter, who loves animals, loved the photo tales that I read to her. Her favorite is the “Leopard on the Move”! She loves the beautiful photos of the leopards and their beautiful pattern in the grass! My 17-year-old twins love this book too! They are both fascinated by these beautiful animals and the idea of going on safari one day.

This book has sparked their interest in global wildlife conservation too, which is fantastic. My favorite are the elephants! The special edition came with a wonderful complementarity of watercolor of a wild dog by artist Tom Shepherd that is just gorgeous. Tom’s incredible original artwork is featured throughout the book, adding a really nice artistic touch. The photos throughout the book are spectacular and the conservation message really struck me too. It is so important that we take action… we need to preserve these last untouched spots on earth so these beautiful animals and birds can live and thrive. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in African wildlife and wildlife conservation.

~Gregg Migliore, New Jersey

“What a monumental accomplishment is Nine Days in Eden!”

I have the Special Edition which is the most impressive book ever both in terms of the writing and the interplay between the lovely photos and stunning watercolours by British artist Tom Shepherd. From the moment I opened Nine Days I was transported to the enchanting encounters the author had during her 9-day mobile safari to the Okavango Delta, Botswana, with the myriad animals and birds – elephants, lions, leopards, hyenas, water antelopes, hippos, giraffe, monkeys, black-backed jackals …. and a rainbow of birds.

The reader goes on an immersive journey via the17 photo tales that are beautifully crafted. I was particularly impressed by the Photo Tale of three black-maned lion brothers on patrol and then the beginning and end Photo Tales of her elephant encounters. I loved reading about the bull elephant who stayed opposite her tent immersed in the Delta waters for three days. There are 2 photo tales about leopards, the stunning night leopard series by the photographer Jenny Brennan is a poignant moment as we see a series of the magnificent young leopard with its kill in the tree, then descend for a walk to return only to climb higher still. One photo – a vivid reminder of how high leopards can climb! High points are the two photo tales of the rare African wild dogs.

The hyena story also provides a rare glimpse into the world of the matriarchal spotted hyenas. I also enjoyed the photo tales of Nocturnal Animals and of the stunning species of birds that both live in and migrate to the Okavango Delta. The beauty and grace of the wattled cranes make a striking impression. The 200 + photos and 10 stunning watercolours by British artist Tom Shepherd make for a brilliant, sparling volume. I highly recommend the Special Edition with its silk paper and Tom Shepherd’s Nine Days watercolour at the beginning.

~Angela Greenfield, Silver Spring, Maryland

Alexandra, thank you so much for your wonderful words about the Wild Dog pendant — they mean so much to me. I’ve never been to Botswana to experience this amazing animal, but I loved the video you made, A Tribute to the African Wild Dog. The book looks amazing!

~Sandi and Dave Belcher, Washington, creators of the African Wild Dog silver pendant on Etsy – https://tr.ee/ubNvdM

France

“Nine Days is really a work of art”

I just bought this marvelous book Nine Days in Eden that recounts a safari in the Okavango Delta in Botswana, Africa. It tells about a whole journey spent looking for the great variety of animals that can be found in that region to observe them as closely but as safely as possible. The book is filled with wonderful pictures and 17 Photo Tales of once-in-a-lifetime sightings of the wildlife encountered there — leopard, hyenas, lions, wild dogs, elephants… This is really an artwork that should make any reader yearn to pack and fly there to experience such an extraordinary adventure for oneself. Until it happens, all adults and children can take great pleasure looking at the pictures of these magnificent creatures and read about their life in nature.

~Danielle Sereni, Nice, France