Mary Helen Blanchard: A Storyteller with a Heart for Education and Elephants

Some stories stay with you forever—stories that move, educate, and inspire change. For Mary Helen Blanchard, an educator and author with over 40 years of teaching and writing experience, storytelling is not just a passion but a mission. With a deep commitment to education, literacy, and wildlife advocacy, Mary Helen brings to life the remarkable true stories of Shirley and Jenny, two elephants whose emotional journeys have captivated hearts worldwide.

A Lifetime of Teaching and Inspiring

Mary Helen’s journey began in the classroom, where she dedicated 22 years to shaping young minds before transitioning into professional development. With a BA in Education from Louisiana Tech University and an MA from the University of Louisiana in Monroe, she has spent years training teachers in hands-on literacy and STEM education. Her work has helped educators create engaging learning experiences that empower students. But beyond the classroom, her passion for storytelling led her to uncover a tale that needed to be told—a story not just about animals but about love, resilience, and the power of second chances.

Shirley the Elephant: A Story That Had to Be Told

As a young teacher and mother, Mary Helen often took her children and students to The Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo in Monroe, LA. There, they met Shirley the Elephant, a majestic yet lonely creature with a crooked leg and torn ear, the scars of a tragic past. After decades in captivity, Shirley was finally relocated to The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee. The news of her heartwarming reunion with a younger elephant, Jenny, made front-page headlines in Monroe. Seeing the profound joy and connection between these two elephants, Mary Helen knew she had to share their story with the world.

Her debut book, Shirley the Elephant Story: The Heart Always Remembers, brings Shirley’s journey to life, painting a touching picture of friendship, survival, and hope. Through rich storytelling, the book not only introduces young readers to Shirley’s world but also sheds light on the hidden struggles of captive elephants.

The emotional journey doesn’t stop with Shirley. In her upcoming book, Jenny the Elephant: The Story of a Courageous Heart, Mary Helen shifts the spotlight to Jenny, the young elephant who formed an unbreakable bond with Shirley. This book tells Jenny’s perspective, exploring her journey from uncertainty to finding family, strength, and a place to belong. It’s a powerful continuation of Shirley’s story, reinforcing the themes of resilience, love, and the deep emotional world of elephants. Mary Helen’s books are more than just beautifully written stories—they are a call to action. Through classroom visits, literacy programs, and teacher workshops, she is using her writing to educate children and adults alike about the importance of compassion and ethical treatment of animals. Now living in Mandeville, Louisiana, Mary Helen continues to inspire, educate, and advocate—one book, one classroom, and one elephant story at a time.