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Mujtaba Farrukh

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2023

Must read 🏆

A heartwarming tale of friendship, diversity, and embracing differences that will captivate young readers.

Synopsis

Living in a nursing home is all eleven-year-old Bird knows. Her grandmother turned their large Victorian house into a small, offbeat home for the elderly where the eccentric residents become Bird’s lovable and unique family. But after two of the residents pass away, Bird’s feelings of loss for her mother are reawakened. She seeks solace with Mr. Briggs, the last remaining resident, and with Pearl, an elephant Bird meets at a traveling carnival.

Pearl has her own problems. Blamed for a bizarre accident, she’s become a liability for the failing carnival. They can’t afford to keep her, and the owner hatches a plan to get rid of Pearl.

After a chance meeting between Mr. Briggs and Pearl, Bird thinks she’s found the solution to everyone’s problems. But has she put the old man and the elephant in danger?

Set in the heart of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, Elephant and Bird is told in alternating voices and follows Bird and Pearl as they both deal with memories– the ones we want to treasure and the ones we want to forget.

"Elephant and Bird" by Sally Hinkley is a delightful and heartwarming children's book that explores the power of friendship and the beauty of embracing our differences. With its captivating illustrations and gentle storytelling, it is sure to captivate young readers and leave a lasting impression.


The odd friendship between Elephant and Bird, two creatures that couldn't be more dissimilar to one another, is the central theme of the narrative. The author deftly spins a novel that praises acceptance, understanding, and the joy of companionship via their interactions and journeys.


This book's charming characters are one of its strongest points. Elephant and Bird have distinct personalities that blend well together, making them both incredibly endearing. Elephant is a symbol of power and tenderness, while Bird is a representation of curiosity and bravery. Young readers can easily identify with their distinctive characteristics, which will help them relate to the story and its significant issues.


Because of Sally Hinkley's straightforward yet captivating writing style, it is suitable for kids of all ages. The language is simple and straightforward, making it simple for young readers to follow along. The story moves along easily, with happenings that are well-paced and keep the reader interested the entire time. Elephant and Bird's conversation is endearing and does a great job of expressing their feelings and views.


The book's illustrations, which were created by a gifted artist (whose name I couldn't identify), are also eye-catching and colorful. Elephant, Bird, and their surroundings are expressively and vibrantly illustrated to perfectly fit the text, increasing the reading experience overall and bringing the story to life.


The main messages of "Elephant and Bird" are friendship, acceptance, and valuing diversity. It subtly exhorts kids to value and revel in differences while stressing that friendships can thrive in spite of differences. The book imparts important lessons about the value of showing compassion, empathy, and cooperation.


Even while "Elephant and Bird" is an incredibly charming tale, I thought it could have gone into more detail about some aspects of the characters' trip. Expanding on each character's personal development and presenting more of their shared experiences would have given the plot more depth and improved the storytelling in general.


In conclusion, Sally Hinkley's "Elephant and Bird" is a sweet story that honors the value of accepting others for who they are regardless of differences. It is a must-read for young readers because of its interesting writing style, appealing pictures, and helpful life teachings. Children will enjoy this endearing book, but it will also encourage them to develop deep connections with others and value their individuality.


Reviewed by

As a multidimensional professional, I'm an electrical engineer who delves into thought-provoking books on philosophy, science, and history. This broad perspective enhances problem-solving skills and fuels creativity, allowing me to create impactful solutions that benefit society.

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