Saving Sorya: Chang and the Sun Bear

Illustrated by Jeet Zdung

“Bears eat what they plant, and they plant what they eat. Bear should be wild and free.”

Saving Sorya: Chang and the Sun Bear tells the story of Chang, a determined girl from Vietnam who becomes a wildlife conservationist. After rescuing an orphaned sun bear named Sorya, Chang helps the bear learn to survive in the wild. The book highlights resilience, the bond between humans and animals, and the deep connection between wildlife and the rainforest.

This heartwarming story is an exemplary text for readers to understand the work of conservationists and their eco-centric perspectives (see Ecocentrism) on human–nature relationships. It emphasizes the interconnectedness between humans and animals, as well as between animals and the rainforest, while providing an appropriate amount of scientific information about the habitats and behaviors of local wildlife. The story takes place in Vietnam, where the profession of a conservationist is not widely accepted, especially for a girl. However, Chang is determined to pursue this path after witnessing the tragedy of a bear bile farm. Through illustrations that vividly express her sadness and perspective, readers can empathize with the suffering caused by habitat loss, deforestation, and human exploitation of animals. At the same time, they can draw inspiration from Chang’s determination and gain awareness of the unseen challenges faced by conservation efforts in different parts of the world. The book also offers clear insight into the daily responsibilities and activities of conservationists, such as observing animal behavior and rescuing wildlife. Notably, it avoids romanticizing conservationists as heroic saviors; instead, it presents a balanced view—celebrating human-animal kinship while emphasizing that wild animals should remain free in their natural habitats, not kept as pets.  

In Saving Sorya: Chang and the Sun Bear, illustrator Jeet Zdung enriches the story with a traditional Vietnamese art style, using watercolor to authentically depict the Southeast Asian rainforest and its wildlife. Through the synergy of text and image, readers can appreciate the beauty of nature while also recognizing its complexity and challenges. The artwork and information presented are grounded in reality, avoiding the tendency to romanticize nature as overly idyllic or purely beautiful. The book includes realistic details, such as mosquitoes, leeches, and Sorya’s struggles as a smaller, weaker bear. These details remind readers of the hardships and dangers present in the wild. In this way, the story achieves a thoughtful balance between fostering appreciation for nature’s beauty and acknowledging its raw, often harsh reality.

©2026 ClimateLit (Alison Han)

Publisher: Dial Books, 2021

Audience: Ages 8-13

ISBN: 9780593353639

Pages: 128

Format: Comics and Graphic Novels

Topics: Animal Cruelty, Animals, Climate Literacy, Deforestation, Ecocentrism, Habitat Loss, Interconnectedness, Kinship with Animals, Rainforests