What the Elephant Heard

December 1, 2021
Grades 1-3 This rhyming environmental history that's narrated by an elephant calf looks at conditions for elephants in the past and how things are different now. Grandma keeps the herd safe, says the awestruck youngster--"She leads us to water. She somehow knows where." Before her, other grandmas led the way; in their time, elephants could readily find ancient water sources. Then humans came, bringing "the low growl of the planes in the sky, the rattle of cars as the tourists drove by." A black-and-white watercolor spread, somber among the other grassy-toned pages, shows the terrible day when humans shot and killed the calf's father. Still Grandma went on to find water, with the final spread of the fictionalized story showing the youngster frolicking in a water hole. Straight nonfiction pages follow, offering details on elephant physiology and behavior, as well as conservation efforts. Children who can handle the touches of grim realism will find plenty of helpful detail in this informative and emotional title well suited for both animal-lovers and report writers.

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January 1, 2022

K-Gr 2-The African savanna is home to myriad animal species, including majestic elephant herds led by wise older matriarchs. As humans have begun to affect this important space, elephants and other creatures have had to adjust their travel and behavior accordingly. Human-led alterations have caused water and land to become scarce, and with the additional risk of poaching, the overall survival of elephants in coming years is being called into question. This nonfiction work is especially accessible to young children due to its excellent use of rhyming meter and limited text on each page. It's a great candidate for reading aloud, as children will discover the beauty and intelligence of elephant herds while coming to recognize the factors that threaten elephants on a daily basis. The spare text is well placed, drawing readers' eyes to the lovely illustrations that dominate each spread. The cover itself features a dramatic view of an elephant, and a variety of savanna dwellers appear throughout. These images have soft lines and textures, creating a whimsical backdrop for the narrative. At the end, readers will find a selection of facts about elephants, information about the brave people who protect them, and invitations for wildlife preservation in readers' own communities. VERDICT This heartfelt book combines important facts with a charming presentation to educate a new generation about protecting elephants around the world.-Mary Lanni

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