A Wonderful Adventure in Africa

A Review of "African Safari" by Izabella Hearn

Welcome to the Safari!

Do you like animals? Do you want to read about an exciting trip? African Safari is a fun and interesting book from Penguin Readers, Level 1. It is written by Izabella Hearn. This book is good for young learners and people learning English at A1 level.

The story is about two friends, Adam and Lily. They go to Kenya, a country in Africa. They want to see wild animals. They are on safari! You will learn about animals, friendship, and a mystery, too.

Meet the Characters

There are many people in this story. Let’s meet them!

• Adam: He is a boy. He is happy and kind. He loves animals.
• Lily: She is Adam’s friend. She is excited to see Africa.
• Mrs. Watson: She is in the same group. She is not happy. She does not talk a lot.
• Joseph: He is the safari guide. He knows a lot about animals and Kenya.

All of these people go together on a safari tour. But one person has a secret. Can you guess who?

The Big Five

Adam and Lily are very excited. They want to see the “Big Five.” What is the Big Five? These are five big animals in Africa:

1. Lion
2. Leopard
3. Elephant
4. Buffalo
5. Rhinoceros

These animals are strong and beautiful. People come to Africa to see them. Joseph helps the group find these animals. He knows where to look.

A Problem in the Group

Not everyone is happy. One woman, Mrs. Watson, does not smile. She does not talk to the group. She is often alone. Why is she sad? Why is she in Kenya?

Adam and Lily see that something is wrong. They want to help her, but they don’t know how. She has a big problem. But we don’t know what it is yet.

A Beautiful Place

Kenya is a very beautiful country. There are many animals, trees, and rivers. The sky is big and blue. The sun is hot.

In the book, the group travels in a jeep. They sleep in tents. They eat food outside. It is a real adventure!

The book has many nice pictures. You can see the animals. You can see the people. It is easy to understand the story.

A Secret Story

Mrs. Watson has a reason for her trip. She does not tell anyone. But later in the story, we learn the truth.

Her son worked in Kenya. But now, he is gone. Mrs. Watson is very sad. She wants to see the place where he worked. She wants to say goodbye. This is why she is quiet and unfriendly.

Adam and Lily understand now. They are kind to her. They talk to her. They help her feel better. At the end, she is not sad anymore.

Learning English with the Book

African Safari is a good book for people learning English. It uses easy words. The sentences are short. The story is simple, but interesting.

Here are some reasons why it is a good book for A1 learners:

• Easy grammar: The book uses present simple and past simple.
• New words: You can learn animal names and travel words.
• Fun story: You want to know what happens next.
• Short chapters: You can read a little every day.

You can read this book at home or in the classroom. Teachers can use it for reading practice. Students can talk about the story, too.

Vocabulary from the Book

Here are some important words from the book:

Word	Meaning
Safari	A trip to see wild animals
Jeep	A car for driving in wild places
Guide	A person who helps and shows the way
Friendly	Kind and nice
Secret	Something other people don’t know
Tent	A small house for sleeping outside
Wild	Not in a zoo, in nature
Elephant	A big grey animal with a long nose

You can use these words to talk about the story.

Questions to Talk About

After reading, you can think about these questions:

1. Do you want to go on a safari? Why or why not?
2. What animal do you like most?
3. Why was Mrs. Watson sad?
4. How did Adam and Lily help her?
5. What do you learn from the story?

These questions are good for speaking or writing.

What Do We Learn?

The story teaches us many things:

• We learn about wild animals in Africa.
• We learn about different feelings. People can be happy, sad, or quiet.
• We learn that we must be kind to others.
• We learn that travel is not always for fun. Sometimes, people travel for personal reasons.

This story has action, mystery, and emotion. It is short, but powerful.

Why You Should Read This Book

African Safari is a good choice for new English readers. It is not difficult, but it is exciting. You will learn about:

• Africa and animals
• People and feelings
• English vocabulary and grammar

It is a good book for reading at school or home. It is also part of the Penguin Readers series. That means it is made for English learners.

Final Words

Reading in English is a great way to learn. African Safari by Izabella Hearn is a great start for beginners. The story is simple, but beautiful. The characters are interesting. The animals are amazing!

Do you want to read it? Open the book and start your safari now!

Izabella Hearn Author, teacher trainer, educational consultant 

Izabella Hearn: Championing Global Classrooms through Language, Learning, and Leadership

An Insight into the Life and Work of a Beloved Author, Teacher Trainer, and Educational Consultant

Early Roots: A Passion for Language and Communication

Izabella Hearn’s journey into the world of English Language Teaching (ELT) began with a deep-rooted passion for language, literature, and communication. Based in Soto del Real, Madrid, Spain, she has spent decades bridging educational cultures across the globe. With her extensive work as an author, teacher trainer, and educational consultant, Izabella has become a respected and influential figure in the ELT community.

From the earliest days of her career, Izabella demonstrated a unique ability to connect with learners and educators alike. Her multicultural experiences—having lived and worked in various countries—have shaped her dynamic teaching philosophy, one that embraces inclusion, creativity, and linguistic empowerment.

A Writer with a Mission: Engaging Young Minds

As an accomplished ELT author, Izabella Hearn has written and co-authored numerous books for primary and secondary learners. Her titles, published by major educational publishers such as Oxford University Press and Macmillan Education, are widely used in classrooms around the world. Her work reflects a consistent dedication to creating materials that are not only educational but also highly engaging for young learners.

Some of her best-known contributions include:

• Oxford Rooftops series
• Share It! series
• Big Questions
• Oxford Discover
• New Primary Colours

Her books are noted for integrating key 21st-century skills—communication, critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity—into English learning. Whether it's through storytelling, interactive tasks, or cross-curricular content, Izabella designs her materials to spark curiosity and boost learner confidence.

Beyond the Page: A Lifelong Teacher Trainer

Izabella’s impact extends far beyond the written word. As a seasoned teacher trainer, she has conducted workshops, webinars, and conferences across Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia. Her sessions focus on practical strategies for teaching English to young learners, classroom management, lesson planning, and inclusive education.

Her training style is widely admired for its warmth, clarity, and relevance. Teachers often describe her workshops as not just informative but transformative—packed with real-life examples, innovative techniques, and a deep understanding of learner psychology.

Izabella believes that empowering teachers is the key to improving educational outcomes. She helps educators adapt to changing learner needs and equips them with tools to foster a love for learning in even the most diverse classroom settings.

Educational Consultant: Supporting Global Change in Learning

In addition to writing and training, Izabella has worked extensively as an educational consultant. This role has allowed her to collaborate with ministries of education, curriculum developers, and international institutions to improve English language education at scale.

Whether she’s helping develop national ELT frameworks or advising on textbook adoption, Izabella brings a wealth of experience and a learner-centered perspective. Her consultancy work often involves:

• Curriculum and syllabus design
• Content development for young learners
• Evaluation of educational programs
• Teacher mentoring and coaching
• Promoting inclusive and culturally responsive education

Her consulting philosophy is rooted in collaboration—working closely with local educators to ensure that proposed changes are contextually appropriate and sustainable.

A Global Voice in ELT: Conferences and Advocacy

Izabella Hearn is also a regular speaker at international ELT conferences such as IATEFL (International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language), TESOL, and regional educational summits. Her talks explore a wide range of topics including learner engagement, literacy development, and the emotional well-being of students.

She frequently emphasizes the importance of inclusive classrooms and differentiated instruction, advocating for children of all abilities and backgrounds. In doing so, she brings attention to often-overlooked educational challenges—ensuring that all learners, regardless of their context, have the opportunity to succeed.

Personal Philosophy: Learning with Heart and Purpose

What sets Izabella apart in the world of education is her unwavering belief that learning should be joyful, meaningful, and inclusive. Her approach blends academic rigor with emotional intelligence. She recognizes that every child learns differently, and she encourages teachers to adopt flexible, student-centered strategies.

Her motto could easily be summed up as: “Teach with purpose. Learn with passion.”

She also underscores the importance of self-reflection in teaching. For Izabella, great educators are lifelong learners themselves—constantly adapting, improving, and striving to understand their learners more deeply.

Bridging the Classroom and the World

Izabella’s books often integrate global themes—such as sustainability, diversity, empathy, and technology—helping children make sense of the world they live in. Her curriculum designs reflect an understanding that language learning is not isolated from life; it is deeply embedded in cultural, social, and emotional realities.

In a rapidly changing global landscape, her work equips students with more than language skills—it provides them with tools for navigating an interconnected world. Her books and trainings help educators bring the wider world into the classroom, opening students’ eyes to different cultures, ideas, and perspectives.

A Legacy of Empowerment

Izabella Hearn’s contribution to the field of ELT is both broad and profound. Through her writing, training, and consulting, she has touched the lives of countless learners and educators across the globe. Her legacy is not just found in books and workshops, but in the empowered voices of students and the inspired practices of teachers she’s influenced.

In a world where education is constantly evolving, Izabella stands as a beacon of consistency, innovation, and heart. Her work reminds us that English teaching is not just about grammar and vocabulary—it’s about shaping minds, nurturing talents, and building bridges across cultures.

Final Thoughts: Teaching as a Lifelong Calling

Izabella Hearn’s career is a powerful reminder that teaching is more than a profession—it’s a calling. Through decades of tireless work in writing, training, and consulting, she has made a lasting contribution to ELT education.

Her books will continue to teach. Her ideas will continue to inspire. And her passion will continue to drive the global community of educators forward.