FICTION

The Elephant

by Peter Carnavas
Pajama Pr. Mar. 2020. 176p. Tr $17.95. ISBN 9781772781021.
COPY ISBN
Gr 2-5–After Olive’s mom dies, Dad isn’t the same. His eyes are full of rain clouds and he just can’t seem to do the things he used to do. In Olive’s eyes, Dad is shadowed by a big, sad metaphorical elephant. Then Grandad moves in with Olive and Dad. Grandad packs Olive’s lunches, makes her dinners, walks her home from school, and takes her on adventures. But when Olive is injured falling from a climbing tree, she sees Grandad accompanied by a sad, old, grey tortoise. With kindness and caring, Olive seeks creative solutions to help both Grandad and Dad find healing and let go of their heavy companions. In the end, readers learn that Olive has had an animal all along who reflects her emotions as well. Sweet black line illustrations throughout the book complement the narrative and tone.
VERDICT A warm-hearted book of emotional learning, creative problem-solving, and genuine care for others. Recommended for anyone in need of hope for a path to happiness.
Reviewed by Lindsay Persohn, University of South Florida, Tampa , Feb 28, 2020

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BOOKS

Maddie and Mabel Ready for Snow
by Allen, Kari
BOOKS

Welcome to the Woofmore
by Gephart, Donna & Lori Haskins Houran
BOOKS

Eleven Houses
by Oakes, Colleen
BOOKS

Don’t Let the Forest In
by Drews, CG
BOOKS

Summer Nights and Meteorites
by Reynolds, Hannah
BOOKS

A Vile Season
by Ferraro, David
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?