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Vee Jariwala

Reviewed on Jun 1, 2023

Loved it! 😍

Important life lessons about friendship, acceptance, and the beauty of diversity.

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.

Sally Hinkley's endearing story Elephant and Bird takes readers on an enchanted voyage full of friendship, adventure, and self-discovery. Hinkley skilfully crafts a tale that enthrals readers of all ages in this entertaining children's book.


The odd friendship between Elephant and Bird, two very different creatures that set off on an astonishing trip together, is the central theme of the tale. The concept of accepting variety is expertly explored by the author, who also imparts important lessons on empathy, understanding, and acceptance.


Readers are drawn into a world where animals can converse and express their goals, desires, and concerns because to Hinkley's imaginative depictions. Elephant and Bird become closer as they come to value each other's individual traits. Elephant benefits from the knowledge and gentleness of Bird, while Bird gains from Elephant's bulk, strength, and ability to soar.


Young readers may easily follow along and become engrossed in the tale because to the author's engaging and approachable writing style. Strong emotional connections are made between the characters and the viewer because they are well-developed and let their emotions and personalities come through.


the story. Bright colours and minute details animate each page, bringing Elephant and Bird's extraordinary voyage to life. The narrative is made much more delightful by the graphics, which significantly improve the reading experience.


Additionally, Elephant and Bird acts as a subtly effective reminder of the significance of maintaining nature and safeguarding our environment. Through their shared experiences, Elephant and Bird grow to have a profound respect for the environment, highlighting the value of conservation and the coexistence of all species.


The charming and thought-provoking novel Elephant and Bird by Sally Hinkley imparts valuable lessons about friendship, acceptance, and the value of variety. This book is essential reading for both kids and adults because of its compelling narrative, fascinating images, and important issues. It promotes a sense of empathy and compassion by urging readers to accept differences and discover points of commonality. Readers of all ages will feel warm inside after finishing Elephant and Bird, and their sense of wonder for the world will have been reignited.

Reviewed by
Vee Jariwala

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