Melanie Kordsmeier’s Tambo series is one of those rare children’s collections that feels instantly poised for screen adaptation, the way The Lion King or Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts distilled the magic of the wild into iconic, character-driven storytelling. Spanning three books – Tambo: An Elephant Adventure, Tambo: A Lion Adventure, and Tambo and Her Greatest Adventure – the series introduces a gentle, wide-eyed baby elephant whose courage grows alongside the world around her. Together, these titles form a heartfelt tapestry of jungle life, childhood friendships, and the bravery that binds generations. Yet among them, Book 2, Tambo: A Lion Adventure, stands out as the emotional and cinematic centerpiece.
This second installment begins with the memory that shaped Tambo’s early life: being saved from a poacher’s trap by kind village children. That single act of compassion becomes the moral compass for the story, setting the tone for what will become a lifelong bond between an elephant and the humans who watch over her. When a new family arrives in the village, with four children mesmerized by Tambo and her herd, Kordsmeier shifts from nostalgia to tension, crafting a jungle tale rich with suspense and heart. As hungry eyes stalk the riverbank, the narrative takes on a thrilling but child friendly edge.
It’s here that Tambo steps fully into her role as protector, turning the lessons she once received into the courage she now gives. The theme is timeless: those who are loved find the strength to love bravely in return.
What elevates this book, and the larger series, is its cinematic rhythm. From the lush river scenes to the shadowy presence of the predator, each beat feels storyboard-ready. One can practically imagine a Netflix Kids animated series or a Disney Junior mini franchise built around these adventures, with each book representing a season arc. The supporting children, the vibrant jungle landscapes, and Tambo’s expressive innocence blend beautifully into a world that could easily match the charm of Madagascar, Wild Kratts, or Spirit: Riding Free, but with a uniquely emotional, conservation-minded pulse.
As the series progresses into Books 3 and 4, introducing new adventures, new friendships, and ultimately the existential threat of habitat loss, Kordsmeier expands Tambo’s universe in a way that deepens its adaptation potential. The three books together form a perfect narrative pipeline: the origin story, the heroic coming-of-age moment, the expanding world, and finally the great challenge that tests everything Tambo has learned.
Tambo: A Lion Adventure shines as the franchise’s heart. It’s a story of courage rooted not in power, but in gratitude. An ideal message for young viewers and a gripping emotional anchor for producers seeking their next animated hit. The series has the warmth, visual charm, and moral clarity to become something much bigger on screen. Tambo is ready for her close up, and young audiences are ready to follow her into the jungle.
Purchase the Book Today on Amazon.
Author: Melanie Kordsmeier
Page Count: 20 pages
Reviewer: Charlotte White
