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The Secret Elephant

The true story of an extraordinary wartime friendship
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Set during World War II, The Secret Elephant tells the touching story of a baby elephant and her keeper in a zoo facing the looming threat of war. As visitors disappear and bombs fall, the pair seek refuge together in secret, relying on their deep bond to survive the darkest times. This narrative is inspired by the true story of Denise Weston Austin at Belfast Zoo.
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Format: Hardback
$2999
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

Ideal for children and families seeking a heartfelt, historically grounded tale that highlights friendship and resilience amidst challenging times.

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Discover the unbreakable bond between a baby elephant and her keeper in this heartfelt narrative set against the backdrop of World War II and based on an incredible true story.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Discover the unbreakable bond between a baby elephant and her keeper in this heartfelt narrative set against the backdrop of World War II.

As war looms on the horizon, things are changing at the zoo. Before, screeching monkeys dangled in trees, roaring lions sunbathed on the dusty ground, and sniffling meerkats patrolled. But now, people have stopped visiting and there is talk of a great war.

As bombs begin to fall and huge blasts echo around the zoo, a baby elephant and her keeper sneak to the safety and comfort of the keeper's home. Here, they weather out the worst of the war together in secret. But what will happen when their secret is found out?

Based on the incredible true story of Denise Weston Austin at Belfast Zoo, this heartfelt narrative of their unlikely bond is brought beautifully to life by exciting debut talent and recent Cambridge MA graduate, Ellan Rankin.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781526363831

Publisher: Hachette Children's Group

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 02 February 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Wren & Rook

Illustration: Full colour

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 10.0mm

Width: 246.0mm

Height: 306.0mm

Weight: 460g

Pages: 32

About the Author

Ellan Rankin is a Northern Irish author-illustrator. She completed an MA in Children's Book Illustration from Cambridge School of Art, and she also has a First Class Honors degree in Illustration from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design in Dundee.

A huge animal lover, her stories often centre around animals and silly stories she reads in the news. She is inspired by history, cinema and stories.

She won Carmelite Prize 2020 and The Sebastian Walker Prize 2020. She was awared third place in the Templar Illustration and Design Awards.

For more information, visit www.ellanrankin.com or follow Ellan on Instagram @EllanRankin

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