ACCESS DIGITIZED EDITION
Guide/Reviews Database
SCIENCE
Tomsic, Kim

The Elephants Come Home: A True Story of Seven Elephants, Two People, and One Extraordinary Friendship

68 pp. | Chronicle | May, 2021 | Trade ISBN 978-1-4521-2783-5 $16.99 | Ebook ISBN 978-1-7972-0108-5 $11.99
(2) K-3 Illustrated by Hadley Hooper. On the first page of this moving true story, readers meet tenderhearted couple Lawrence and Françoise, who stand poised to greet them. They live on Thula Thula, a sprawling South African wildlife sanctuary, on which also roam rhinos, zebra, crocodiles, and more. When Lawrence is asked if he wants to adopt a herd of angry elephants, previously hunted, he accepts. The story chronicles in riveting detail the elephants' arrival; their learning curve in adjusting to Thula Thula; their eventual acceptance of life at the preserve; and their special bond with Lawrence. Their connection is such that upon his death the elephants, sensing his absence, head to his home and camp there for three days to be with Françoise. (Have tissues handy.) The story's flawless, gentle pacing illuminates the animals' initial fear and the time, patience, and compassion it takes for attentive Lawrence to earn their trust. He talks to them, sings to them, and even tells them stories--all details sure to delight readers. Hooper fills the pages with saturated, eye-catching teal, copper, and emerald hues. Shades of rich blue and soft rose heighten the story's emotional impact, particularly the loss of Lawrence. An appended note assures readers that the elephants continue to thrive at Thula Thula.
Reviewer: Julie Danielson | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2021

RELATED 

SCIENCE

How to Build an Insect
by Gibson, Roberta
SCIENCE

A Quick History of Math
by Gifford, Clive
SCIENCE

Butterflies Are Pretty...Gross!
by Mosco, Rosemary
SCIENCE

Summertime Sleepers
by Stewart, Melissa
SCIENCE

Birds
by Krestovnikoff, Miranda
More

Get connected. Join our global community of more than 200,000 librarians and educators.

This coverage is free for all visitors. Your support makes this possible.

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?