ENCHANTED STORIES: The Elephant's Girl

The Elephant's Girl
By Celesta Rimington
New York: Crown Books for Young Readers, 2020. Fiction.

Lexington Willow has lived in the Lexington Zoo since she was found there as a little girl after a tornado tore through the town. With the help of a "misplaced spirit" (ghost), a zoo employee named Roger found Lex safely in the protection of an African elephant named Nyah but with no clues about her identity. Now, seven years later, Lex lives with Roger inside the Lexington Zoo where she fills her day visiting Nyah and the other elephants, exploring the zoo with her best friend and fellow zoo resident Fisher, and communicating with the wind - which has spoken to her since she was found as a child. As she begins to wonder more about where she came from, she seeks help from the wind, her communications with Nyah, and the cryptic advice of the misplaced spirit Miss Amanda; and in the process, she uncovers a secret much bigger than she could have imagined.

This novel is a perfectly poignant balance of magical realism and fantasy with a healthy dose of elephant information - including extended backmatter about elephants in North American zoos. A good read for fans of The One and Only Ivan or Because of Winn-Dixie, this found family story makes use of a compelling mystery to propel readers to a satisfying, if bittersweet, ending. And, if you need any more incentive to add this book to your "to-read" pile, this novel is Utah author Celesta Rimington's debut.

Comments

An ABC of Flowers

An ABC of Flowers by Jutta Hilpuesch New York, NY : Philomel Books, [2019] It turns out there really is a flower for every letter. This sweet book has a photograph of every flower and a sweet cartoon illustration to go along with it. All your favorite flowers are here (forget-me-nots, mums, and sunflowers), along with some you probably haven't heard of before (billy ball, kalanchoe, xeranthemum?). This is a perfect book for reading together, and readers of any age will enjoy every page. Don't miss this great springtime alphabet book.

Review: The House with Nobody in It

The House with Nobody in It By Jon Klassen Somerville, Massachusetts: Candlewick Press, 2026. Board Book. The House with Nobody in It may very well be your child's first ghost story. The simple story begins with the narrator explaining to readers that this house used to have someone in it, but there is now nobody there. Toddlers and preschoolers will love contradicting this statement as they peek through the house that the board book forms, as the ghost is clearly visible throughout the story. This unique and imaginative board book is the perfect thing to read during Halloween season! The book itself plays into the experience, with cutouts and clever turns that make it especially interactive. The illustrations are superb, simple but well crafted, adding to the story's theme as a whole. This will likely be a book that gets many repeat reads!

Display: Teddy's Top Picks

Bear in the Air Written by Susan Meyers Illustrated by Amy Bates New York : Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2010. Picture book. When a teddy bear is lost by the child who loves him, the bear begins an adventurous journey to get back home again. -- Editor Blanket and Bear, A Remarkable Pair Written by L.J.R. Kelly Illustrated by Yoko Tanaka New York : G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2013. Picture book. When a boy loses his beloved blanket and bear, they travel a great distance to make their way back to him. -- Editor A Bear to Share Written by Jessica Alba, Nora Weinstein, and Kelly Patricof Illustrated by Alicia Mas New York, NY : Baby2Baby/Harper, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, 2021. Picture book. Tiana loves her teddy bear, Bach. She doesn't mind that he's a little worn and somewhat torn. So when her mother suggests she make room for a new bear, Tiana can't believe her ears! Will Tiana have to lose the one bear she really loves? Or will she find room in her heart for t...

Provo Library Children's Book Blog

Search This Blog