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- calendar_today November 12, 2026
Author Diana Schaffter Brings Global Experience to Children’s Literature
Diana Schaffter, a writer based in Sidney, British Columbia, has taken book research to a whole new level. Drawing on her life in eight different countries and extensive travels, Schaffter’s approach to writing her children’s novel, Armando and the Amazing Animal Race, went far beyond conventional methods. Her global exploration provided authentic settings and encounters for the story, making it a standout in juvenile fiction.
Inspiration and Premise: A Race Around the Globe
Schaffter’s book follows Armando, a 12-year-old boy from Vancouver, who embarks on an international race with his British grandmother. Their mission: to photograph seven endangered animals in 70 days while unraveling a family mystery. Schaffter describes the plot as reminiscent of Jumanji and The Amazing Race, blending high adventure with a quest rooted in ecology and cultural exploration.
Travel Research: Setting the Scene Through Firsthand Experience
To create an immersive and realistic setting, Schaffter traveled to the actual countries featured in her book, mirroring her protagonist’s search for rare wildlife. She tracked wild cobras in southern India, observed Siberian tigers in Vladivostok, Russia, and searched for elusive desert leopards in Israel. These real-life encounters informed her vivid descriptions and helped foster a sense of connection to the natural world for young readers.
Amazonian Adventures: The Hunt for the Pied Tamarin
One of Schaffter’s most memorable experiences took place in the Brazilian Amazon. She spent two weeks navigating rivers by kayak in search of the endangered pied tamarin monkey. Despite persistent efforts, the monkey remained elusive—until the last day, when one appeared unexpectedly behind her guest house. Schaffter noted that due to deforestation, these monkeys have adapted to urban environments, but they remain critically endangered and face ongoing threats.
Choosing Animals and Highlighting Cultural Diversity
Schaffter selected the seven animals for Armando’s race before embarking on her journeys. Her choices were intentionally diverse, spotlighting ecosystems and cultures around the world. Through this, she aimed to not only focus on endangered species but also introduce young readers to a variety of global cultures and encourage them to broaden their perspectives.
Life Abroad: A Foundation for Global Storytelling
Schaffter’s global lifestyle began with her husband’s work for UNICEF. The couple moved from one country to another, with Schaffter working in international schools and raising two children. This exposure to different cultures and the experience of adapting to new environments deeply influenced her writing and worldview. Observing her own children embrace new experiences provided additional insight that she weaves into her storytelling.
Encouraging a Connection with Nature and Culture
With Armando and the Amazing Animal Race, Schaffter hopes to inspire children to appreciate real-world animals as much as those they encounter in video games. During her time as a teacher, she noticed many students knew more about fictional creatures than wildlife in nature. Her book seeks to nurture curiosity about the natural world and stimulate an interest in travel, biodiversity, and cultural understanding.
Recognition for Environmental and Cultural Themes
Armando and the Amazing Animal Race has been recognized with several awards, including the Green Earth Book Award for Environmental Literature. The story’s unique blend of adventure, environmental education, and multicultural exploration resonates with young readers and educators alike.
Schaffter’s dedication to authenticity and her passion for connecting readers with the world’s biodiversity set a new standard for research-based children’s literature.
Source: cbc.ca.
