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Editorial Reviews
Review
“Young Lizzie's story (differentiated from the framing tale by typeface change) is quick-paced and moving, and her teenage viewpoint is believable…” ―BCCB
“Morpurgo crafts a thought-provoking and perilous encounter with an enemy combatant who joins their party and eventually forges a believable romance with Lizzie.” ―Publishers Weekly
“Readers . . . can't help but be drawn into the tale of survival told in An Elephant in the Garden, which is loosely based on a real event from World War II.” ―BookPage
“The calm, steady tone is engaging, appropriate, and will appeal to a wide range of readers.” ―VOYA
“The occasional interruptions to the story build suspense and add a layer of resonance to Morpurgo's poignant and thoughtful exploration of the terrible impact of war on both sides of the fighting.” ―Booklist
“This well-paced, heartwarming narrative by a master storyteller will appeal to readers on several levels…” ―School Library Journal
“Morpurgo's (Kensuke's Kingdom) suspenseful, ultimately tragic novel opens as 18-year-old Tommo Peaceful stays up all night ‘to try to remember everything.' ... This is a moving depiction of a loving relationship between two brothers, their lives so linked that readers may wonder until the end whose fate lies in the balance. All in all, a powerful story about war's costs, and who pays the price.” ―Publishers Weekly, starred review of Private Peaceful
“This searing World War I novel reveals the unspeakable slaughter of soldiers on all sides fighting against people who are just like them...the viewpoint brings close the fury of the thundering guns, the confusion, and the kindness of enemies who come together in No Man's Land to save the wounded horse.... and the terse details speak eloquently about peace.” ―Booklist for War Horse
About the Author
Michael Morpurgo OBE, is an English author, poet, playwright and librettist, best known for his work in children’s literature. He was the third Children’s Laureate. He has written over 120 books, and has been published in over 25 languages. His children’s novel War Horse has been adapted for stage where it became a smash-hit success in the UK, before transferring to Broadway and Toronto. War Horse has also been adapted for screen, directed by Steven Spielberg and released in 2012.
Review:
4.9 out of 5
98.46% of customers are satisfied
5.0 out of 5 stars Heartwarming
This book was like a good dessert. I looked forward to when I could rest and enjoy the story. I enjoyed all of the characters.
5.0 out of 5 stars Marvelous!
Truth may be stranger than fiction but it is also true that truth can be more magical than fiction. This book is magical! How hope and love transcend fear in the most dreadful conditions of war. Highly recommend!
4.0 out of 5 stars A YA WW2 Story with a truly unique POV
The American book market is, its fair to say, absolutely saturated with WW2 fiction for both children and adults. There are many good stories out there - starting with Anne Frank, of course, and moving on through contemporary classics such as Number the Stars and The Book Thief. This sweet tale deserves a junior status alongside the greats.Based loosely on the dual true stories of zookeepers who saved their charges during the war and the Feb 1945 devastating fire bombing of Dresden, Germany by Allied forces, The Elephant in the Garden delivers the shattering history of the Allied destruction of Dresden with the sweet touch of an elephant named Marlene. Marlene, orphaned during the war and looked after by “Mutti,” comes home to the spend the evenings in the family garden to help the young (4yo) elephant cope with the loss of her mother. Her handler, known only as Mutti, has two children and has been working at the zoo to help make ends meet while her husband is fighting at the Russian front.Marlene, with her elephantine wisdom and kindness, brings much joy to the family as 1945 begins, and through a series of events, unwittingly helps her adopted family escape the firebombing of Dresden over the weekend of Feb 13-15, 1945. Now homeless and without any resources, the family begins an astonishing journey across southern Germany as they first try to escape the Dresden attacks and then decide that they would do anything not to fall into the clutches of The quickly advancing Soviet Army. Their flight westward is filled with unexpected adventures, a bit of suffering, and encounters of the most unexpected kind. All along, Marlene provides comfort, friendship, and transport for the youngest child, Karli, who suffers from asthma and a leg deformity.All in all, this is a sweet but not saccharine tale that introduces a horrific event of the Second World War for which the “good guys” are entirely responsible, offering middle grade students an opportunity to think about the costs of war, the meaning of sacrifice, and whether and how to label “good guys” and “bad guys” even in the midst of the last “good war” America fought. Definitely worth a read and discussion. I do wish there had been more specificity regarding events and timelines - to show where the family traveled and when events occurred would have been helpful - and really brought home the fact that the family fled a great distance fearing not only the bombing runs but also the actions of the Soviets as they advanced towards Berlin, setting up the historical context for understanding some of the key factors that explain how and why the US and the Soviets went from wartime allies to bitter enemies in less than two years.A well written and engaging tale. Perfect for early middle grade students or those who really want to learn about the war but can’t handle the death and destruction that accompanies most sources; The Elephant In the Garden has a feather light touch when it comes to key moments of death and destruction, which I know will be greatly appreciated by my own middle grade reader.
5.0 out of 5 stars Elephant Tale
I enjoyed this story very much. At first, I thought this was a children's book and almost stopped reading. I soon realized it was a story of heroism, love and hopeful happy endings in war-torn Europe.
5.0 out of 5 stars Fall into an amazing story.
… and hear story of war from totally different perspective. Innocent lives destroyed, unexpected heroes & fate.I listened to the novel in my kindle, off & on, for 2 days.Will go look for more by this amazing author.
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved this story
What a fabulous read. I enjoyed every word. I wish the author had given more detail about which parts were true
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
I really enjoyed this book. It has an authentic feel and seems to do a good job portraying the difficulty of war time with the things that would keep one putting one foot in front of the other. Has me curious for more information on the story that inspired it as well.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read Aloud!
Recommended for ages 10-14 * we used this as a read aloud (mom) to 8 and 9 year old boysIsn’t it many home educators joy to be able to captivate your students in a book that pairs history and fiction? In this book, An Elephant In The Garden, the story was just that… captivating! The setting is Dresden, Germany during WWII and is inspired by a true story about an elephant rescued from a Belfast Zoo to escape certain death as bombers narrowed in.The story begins with a sweet elderly woman named Lizzy telling, what many think are just made up tales, of an elephant in her garden. Intrigued, a caregiver and her son Karl stay one day to hear more. The minutes turn in to hours as they sit listening intently, realizing quickly that this is certainly not a made up tall tale but a very real, personal life story of a family torn away from everything they know by war. A surprising and suspenseful journey across Germany and a frightening encounter with an enemy combat who joins the families journey makes this an unpredictable and engaging book for children and adults alike.Many times throughout this book I was made to pause as the kids demanded more information about the war, who was involved, who were the ‘good guys’, why the war even happened, and on and on. As a parent I was delighted to see their minds thoughtfully attempting to process WWII, from a new perspective: The Germans.They wanted to understand Americas involvement and the details of why the bombing raids took place. This story helped us ponder life for the Germans during a time of division and fear. I agree with the recommended age of 10-14 as a silent reader as the book does have some dark elements as the bombing of Dresden and firestorm that followed killed thousands. Also romance is included, although clean, it may not be suitable for young readers.Overall, this book was inspiring as the author was able to incorporate the horror of war, a focus on helping others and working together, a look into lives of refugees and their experiences as they try to survive. It was emotional, and magical with the addition with this ‘Gentle Giant’, Marlene the elephant that really kept this family alive and together.We picked this book up off Bolo for $6.99 and it will be a keeper on the shelf!
All For One
An Elephant In The Garden by Michael Morpurgo is a powerful dual timeline novel that I just could not put down. It is perfect for ages ten years and over. Whatever your age, this is a beautiful novel that will educate and entertain.The story is set in present day in a nursing home and also looking backwards to Dresden in 1945.An old lady is dismissed as having dementia when she talks about the elephant in her garden. Only a young boy recognizes it as true and longs to hear her tale.We witness the dreadful destruction of Dresden by the Allies. Michael Morpurgo writes powerfully about the fires of hell that engulf the town. Like the story of Lot in the Bible, the family must move forwards and not look back.Families come in different shapes and sizes. This family is a mother, two children and a baby elephant. The elephant is an orphan and views the human mother as her mother. The baby elephant brings out the mothering instincts in the human mother.Along the way there are dangers in the form of the landscape of winter, the Russians, the Nazis, soldiers and civilians. The band of four must work together in order to survive.We see that not all Germans are Nazis. Young men fighting on both sides are battle weary and just want to go home.A mother’s love is all encompassing. I found this quote very powerful. “She [mother] took me into her arms then, and hugged the anger out of me.”I always enjoy Michael Morpurgo’s novels. An Elephant In The Garden is a very powerful and entertaining read.
Good read!
Toll als Englischlektüre imOriginal mit 14 Jährigen zu lesen, die parallel auch im Geschichtsunterricht den 2. Weltkrieg behandelt haben!
This story will stay with you.
An unusual setting, the story features a German family during World War II. We don't often read things from that perspective but you will instantly like these characters and be drawn in to their hardships, family relationships and unique war experiences (which include an elephant!). It is historical and educational but not dry with moments of sadness, humour, danger and love. I highly recommend it for tweens and adults alike.
Great book
Great book
Emocionante
Una historia de supervivencia en la Alemania del final de la 2ª GM, de mantener los valores por encima de la locura de la guerra y de como salvar a un elefante puede ayudar a salvar a otros. Me ha encantado.
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An Elephant in the Garden: Inspired by a True Story
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Product origin: United States
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