dear joe, your wild noisy huge brother is dead. i couldn't do what my parents did: bring two boys, four years apart, through the maze in 72 prose-poems of extraordinary power and vividness, Michael Rosen tells the story of a life: his left-wing Jewish upbringing, with baffling childhood trips to Trafalgar Square, eastern Europe and hospital, followed by trainee days at the BBC under the watchful eyes of Mi5, breakdown of a marriage, development of a new relationship, and the joy of a new baby. And, in a core series of pieces, the central calamity of his life: the sudden death from meningitis of his eighteen-year-old son. 'Rather you than me' said one of the neighbours on hearing the news - a remark that Rosen records, as he does much else to do with the death, with a surprised, painful honesty which constantly brings the reader up short. Unflinching, totally lacking in mawkishness and self-pity, Carrying the Elephant is a triumph of imagination and curiosity.
Documents the true story of a gentle Indian elephant who after being born in an Indian jungle spent more than 40 years in Australia's Melbourne Zoo, where she was adored by thousands of children before being euthanized in the aftermath of a zookeeper's accidental death.
Kofi, a young elephant, was born with a knot in his trunk. His disability keeps him from eating, drinking, and trumpeting as other elephants do. His peers bully him, and Kofi feels isolated and inadequate. When he discovers Big Ebo, the meanest bully, caught in a whirlpool, he faces a challenging decision. Should he attempt to rescue the bully? Can succeed? Should he even try?
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A NEW YORK TIMES NOTABLE BOOK The remarkable story of James Howard “Billy” Williams, whose uncanny rapport with the world’s largest land animals transformed him from a carefree young man into the charismatic war hero known as Elephant Bill In 1920, Billy Williams came to colonial Burma as a “forest man” for a British teak company. Mesmerized by the intelligence and character of the great animals who hauled logs through the jungle, he became a gifted “elephant wallah.” In Elephant Company, Vicki Constantine Croke chronicles Williams’s growing love for elephants as the animals provide him lessons in courage, trust, and gratitude. Elephant Company is also a tale of war and daring. When Japanese forces invaded Burma in 1942, Williams joined the elite British Force 136 and operated behind enemy lines. His war elephants carried supplies, helped build bridges, and transported the sick and elderly over treacherous mountain terrain. As the occupying authorities put a price on his head, Williams and his elephants faced their most perilous test. Elephant Company, cornered by the enemy, attempted a desperate escape: a risky trek over the mountainous border to India, with a bedraggled group of refugees in tow. Part biography, part war epic, Elephant Company is an inspirational narrative that illuminates a little-known chapter in the annals of wartime heroism. Praise for Elephant Company “This book is about far more than just the war, or even elephants. This is the story of friendship, loyalty and breathtaking bravery that transcends species. . . . Elephant Company is nothing less than a sweeping tale, masterfully written.”—Sara Gruen, The New York Times Book Review “Splendid . . . Blending biography, history, and wildlife biology, [Vicki Constantine] Croke’s story is an often moving account of [Billy] Williams, who earned the sobriquet ‘Elephant Bill,’ and his unusual bond with the largest land mammals on earth.”—The Boston Globe “Some of the biggest heroes of World War II were even bigger than you thought. . . . You may never call the lion the king of the jungle again.”—New York Post “Vicki Constantine Croke delivers an exciting tale of this elephant whisperer–cum–war hero, while beautifully reminding us of the enduring bonds between animals and humans.”—Mitchell Zuckoff, author of Lost in Shangri-La and Frozen in Time
In the tales that make up The Elephant Vanishes, the imaginative genius that has made Haruki Murakami an international superstar is on full display. In these stories, a man sees his favorite elephant vanish into thin air; a newlywed couple suffers attacks of hunger that drive them to hold up a McDonald’s in the middle of the night; and a young woman discovers that she has become irresistible to a little green monster who burrows up through her backyard. By turns haunting and hilarious, in The Elephant Vanishes Murakami crosses the border between separate realities—and comes back bearing remarkable treasures. Includes the story "Barn Burning," which is the basis for the major motion picture Burning.
"The Story of a Stuffed Elephant" by Laura Lee Hope is a delightful children's tale that follows the journey of a stuffed elephant named Elephas. The story begins in a toy store, where Elephas is made with soft, cuddly fabric and stuffed with fluffy cotton. From the moment he comes to life, Elephas dreams of finding a loving home and becoming a cherished companion to a special child. Elephas' wish comes true when he is purchased by a kind little boy named Jimmy. Jimmy is immediately drawn to the adorable stuffed elephant and decides to name him "Elephas" after his favorite animal at the zoo. As Jimmy's new playmate, Elephas quickly becomes an integral part of his life. They share many adventures together, from imaginative tea parties to exciting make-believe safaris in the living room. Elephas is always by Jimmy's side, providing comfort and joy through every playtime and bedtime. Through their adventures, Elephas learns about the world through Jimmy's eyes. He discovers the joy of friendship, the wonder of imagination, and the power of love. Elephas becomes Jimmy's confidante and a source of comfort during challenging times, always ready to lend a listening ear and a comforting trunk. As the years pass, Elephas and Jimmy's bond grows stronger. They create beautiful memories together, and Elephas becomes an irreplaceable part of Jimmy's childhood. Whether it's going on a new adventure or simply cuddling up for bedtime stories, Elephas is always there to bring happiness and warmth to Jimmy's life. Through the ups and downs of life, Elephas remains a steadfast friend to Jimmy. He witnesses Jimmy's growth and development, celebrating his achievements and offering support during difficult moments. Elephas learns that being a loyal and caring friend is a gift that brings immeasurable joy and fulfillment. "The Story of a Stuffed Elephant" is a heartwarming tale that captures the essence of childhood wonder and the magic of a beloved toy. Laura Lee Hope's storytelling transports readers into the world of childhood imagination, where a simple stuffed animal can become a cherished companion and a source of love and comfort."
Family life in the author's childhood home was not pretty, yet no one seemed to notice, and no one did anything about it. As an adult, she took up the challenge to find out what might have helped her mother fight her battle of self-destruction.
