 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Magician's Elephant
- By Kate DiCamillo
- Genre: Fantasy
Common Sense Media says
Magical, inspirational story perfect for reading aloud.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that though this story can feel somewhat dark with mentions of death in childbirth, legs crushed, and a near-fatal fall, there are wonderful messages to discuss with kids about how honesty and forgiveness can set you free. This is definitely one of those tales that's worth reading aloud and sharing.
What's the story?
When an elephant busts through the roof of the opera house, crushing the legs of Madam LaVaughn in a magic trick gone awry, the whole town is abuzz, especially young Peter. He was just told by a fortuneteller that an elephant would lead him to his sister. Years earlier it was his mother's dying wish that he protect her but his guardian, the military man Vilna Lutz, insists that she didn't survive. Now he must find a way to free the elephant, which requires the help of the incarcerated magician, poor Madam LaVaughn, and a kindly neighbor policeman.
Is it any good?
It's the curious characters here as well as the wonderful lessons that carry this heart-felt fable to a new level. And guaranteed as the story is read aloud -- and really should be -- a different character will resonate with different members of the family. Parents will probably enjoy Bartok Whynn and his new lease on life or the singing beggar and his dog. Kids will enjoy Sister Marie and Adele and their dreams, and all animal lovers will cheer when Peter promises to help the elephant. Then there's the policeman and his kindly wife, who of course want children and can't have them. You'll even want to spend more time with the silly socialite who houses the elephant and crazy Vilna Lutz who insists on Peter eating old bread to toughen him up for military life.
But once all these lives intertwine, the story is over faster than the elephant appeared in the opera house, making THE MAGICIAN'S ELEPHANT a book that's easily enjoyed over and over.
Tanka's illustrations are dark and shadowy but warm and atmospheric. The personalities of DiCamillo's odd assortment of characters come through.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the elephant. What does he represent to each character? Why did he end up in a ballroom for show?
Families can also talk about honesty. Peter doubts Vilna Lutz, while Madam LaVaughn doubts the magician. How do they confront them? Why was it important for these characters to both confront them and forgive? Can you think of a time this has happened in your own life?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
Kid, 12 years old
October 13, 2009
AGE
Another good one by Kate DiCamillo!
I really liked this story! I think it is good for kids 8+. Sensitive readers might be upset at some points in the story, for, as in her other book (The Tale of Desperaux), there is some sadness. I think that SOME parents (the ones with empathetic children) might want to read this beforehand.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
A little boring for my seven year old
The writing was awesome, but my seven year old daughter thought it was boring. We stopped reading it, although I plan to try again when she's a bit older. It seems like a very good story.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
A sweet tale that parents will love
For kids who love to dream or just ask "what if" this sweet tale about a boy searching for his lost sister who truly believes he will find her again. While there are both a fortuneteller and a magician in this story, the focus isn't so much on magic and psychic powers as it is on the power of love and change and people being willing to help others.
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 11 years old
October 30, 2009
AGE
great, but a little bit of blood
Well let's face it this books rocks!! But there are 1 or 2 mentions of Peter's father bleeding to death and like "The tale of Desperaux" and "Because of Winn-Dixie" (I could not help crying on that one) it can be kind of sad. But Again the book rocks!!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
This is a wonderful book. The story is not a totally happy one but in the end everyone in the book either gets what they most need or comes to terms with life as it is. A perfect book to read with children or to them. I'm amazed at how different all of DiCamillo's books are. My family and I have enjoyed them all.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
A Wonderful Story of Love and Forgiveness
This is the kind of book you read aloud to a five year old child, trying to read them a magical story that makes them dream, but in reality, your secretly loving every page of it yourself. In reality, you need a story like this. A magical story about love and forgiveness, and how no matter how far you've gone down the wrong road, you can always turn around. This was one of those books where you turn the last page, and sit there, in your room, smiling to yourself, doing nothing, just sitting there. You feel so warm and fuzzy inside. This is one of those books that just makes you happy. Absolutely brilliant, Kate DiCamillo. It's no Desperaux, of course, but this was still a wonderful read. If you've read the tale of Desperaux, you'll love this one as well. Buy it.
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Author: | Kate DiCamillo |
| Illustrator: | Yoko Tanaka |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Fantasy |
| Publisher: | Candlewick Press |
| Publication date: | September 8, 2009 |
| Number of pages: | 201 |
| Hardcover price: | $16.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 8 - 13 |
| Read aloud: | 7 |
| Read alone: | 8 |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already read it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
Tell us what you think about our new Learning Ratings that tell you about the educational potential of select products.
