What Elephants Know

Gr 4–7—Abandoned in the Nepalese Borderlands, two-year-old Nandu is cared for by a pack of dholi, Asiatic wild dogs, until he is brought to the king's elephant stable. There, Subba-sahib, the stable's head, and Devi Kali, a nurturing elephant, become his de facto parents. Even though he's young, Nandu longs to become a mahout, an entry-level driver; however, when the stable's very existence is threatened, Nandu is sent to boarding school to learn skills that might help the stable survive. Father Autry becomes his mentor, helping him develop an even greater appreciation for the jungle. Despite corrupt government officials, marauding Maroons, and cheating elephant traders, Nandu's fierce determination prevails. Dedicated to "elephant lovers everywhere," the novel is set in a land where survival is dependent upon a respect for both the intelligence and potential danger of animals as well as on the use of one's wits. As with all coming-of-age tales, the protagonist's maturity comes at the cost of many hard lessons. He is a fully developed character, and the portraits of Father Autry and Subba-sahib are equally well drawn. While the dialogue seems a bit stilted at times, it is consistent with the formality of this culture, and it serves the story's rhythm. A small glossary aids comprehension of both the Nepalese and elephant trainer's terminology.