Earlier this year I read a novel that had elephants predominantly featured throughout. It was very interesting to see how elephant communities are very intertwined, and the way the elephants interacted with people, as well as other elephants. The novel sparked an interest in me to learn more about elephants. When I want to learn about a specific topic, I enjoy reading informational books, and adding in some picture books for humor and balance. Here are five books that I read while trying to broaden my horizons and learn more about elephants.
Written by Kim Tomsic
Illustrated by Hadley Hooper
San Francisco: Chronicle Books, 2021. Informational.
This book contains beautiful illustrations and an amazing true story. Lawrence and Francoise are animal lovers who live at Thula Thula, in Africa. No hunting is allowed there, and Lawrence does his best to take care of all the creatures who inhabit the space. One day Lawrence learns that there are some āangry elephantsā who need a home. Even though this is unfamiliar territory for Lawrence, he commits to making a safe place for the elephants to live. The story told in this book is a tribute to the amazing difference an individual can make in their sphere of influence. It also reinforced what I glimpsed in the novel I read earlier this year: elephants are wondrous animals!
By Patricia J Murphy
New York: DK Publishing, 2023. Informational. 48 pages.
This DK book is packed full of information, maps, photographs, and infographics. I love the way DK makes education feel so accessible. I feel like anyone could grab this book, read it, and have some random facts they could share with anyone even remotely interested in elephants. One of my favorite pages in this book talks about the similarities between humans and elephants.
By Lela Nargi
North Mankato, Minnesota : Capstone Editions, 2022. Informational. 31 pages.
This book features the six Asian elephants from the Smithsonianās National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute in Washington, D.C. The pictures in this book document daily life for the elephants and their caretakers. It was interesting to me to learn about the routines set up for the animals, and especially all the zoo does to enrich the lives of the animals there. The zookeepers take a very active role in ensuring the optimal health of the elephants.
Written by Jason June
Illustrated by Loren Long
New York: Harper, 2023. Picture Book.
Eleanor is the elephant grandma in this book and Elijah is her grandson. They work on crossword puzzles together and Elijah loves that his grandma remembers everything! Over time, Eleanor starts to forget things. All the elephants in her community are worried about her. Then Elijah thinks of a way to help her. This story could be beneficial to read in any family where someone is having issues with memory loss. The support of friends and family brings a beautiful peace to this heartfelt book about love and loss.
Written by Dazzle Ng
Illustrated by Estrela Lourenco
Salem, MA: Page Street Kids, 2024. Picture Book.
The young elephant in this book is struggling to learn it's not okay to throw a tantrum when they hear the word, "no." The book explains how the word "no" has several different meanings, and it is important to decipher which meaning is being implied. The reader goes on a journey with the young elephant to discover that hearing "no" can be a segue into learning to ask, "why?" to get clarifying answers. For any caregiver who may have struggled to help a child understand how to channel negative emotions when they hear the word "no," this book could be a fabulous resource to lead a positive discussion.
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