The Boy and the Elephant

91p6QefaKjL
Age Range
4+
Release Date
August 27, 2024
ISBN
9780593707661
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From an award-winning illustrator comes a tender, magical, and gorgeously rendered wordless picture book about a boy who saves the trees in the lot next door from being cut down.
Amongst the hustle and bustle of the city is an overgrown piece of land where trees and wildlife thrive. A boy, who lives in a house on the lot next to it, loves to visit. He has a friend there: an elephant, an animal that he sees within the shapes of the trees. No matter the weather, the boy visits. And as the seasons change so does the elephant; thick green foliage changes to autumnal colors before the bare branches of harsh winter appear. But one day, builders arrive. The land has been sold, and the trees have been marked for removal. The boy can't lose his elephant, and so he comes up with a plan.
Unbearably beautiful and moving, and with a touch of magical realism, here is a wordless picture book about conservation and children's ability to be powerful agents of change.

Editor review

1 review
Stunning Wordless Picture Book
Overall rating
 
5.0
Plot
 
5.0
Characters
 
5.0
Writing Style
 
N/A
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
5.0
I have to say this wordless picture book from Freya Blackwood is one of the most stunning, captivating books I've come across in a long time. The detailed, emotive illustrations had my whole family enthralled. My six-month-old who was mesmerized by the colors and shapes, and my older son loved narrating the story to her. We plan to give a copy to my mom, who is in her sixties, for her birthday.
The story follows a young boy who finds magic in the overgrown plot of land next to his home, imagining an elephant amid the branches and leaves. When workers arrive to clear the area, the boy springs into action to protect his special place. It's a beautiful exploration of the power of nature, childhood imagination, and community.
What makes this book so special is how it transcends age and background. There are no words, so kids can interpret the story in their own way. But the depth of emotion and themes around environmentalism and the importance of green spaces also speak to adult readers. This book would be an incredible asset in the classroom for sparking discussions, as well as a beloved addition to any home library.
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