Fable | Children's Books Heal

The Magician’s Elephant

Kate DiCamillo, Author

Yoko Tanaka, Illustrator

Candlewick, Fiction, 2009

Suitable for ages: 8-12

Themes: Fable, Orphan, Elephant, Magician, Fantasy

Kate DiCamillo’s The Magician’s Elephant has been made into a movie. It aired on Netlfix on March 17. Since I am a fan of the author’s work, I couldn’t resist reviewing an advanced reading copy from Candlewick and sharing the new cover for her 2009 fable — especially since I hadn’t read this special story.

When oprhan Peter Augustus Duchene goes to the market to buy a fish and some bread, he sees a fortune teller’s tent set up in the middle of Baltese. Peter has one pressing question he wants to ask the fortuneteller — is his sister still alive and how can he find her? The fortune teller answers in a mysterious way. “You must follow the elephant,” said the fortune teller. “And she will lead you there.” What elephant? There are no elephants in Baltese. Her response sets off a chain of events so remarkable that you will hardly dare to believe it’s true.

The Magician’s Elephant is a charming story of hope, love, unwavering persistence and belonging. Peter is such a lovable character. The storytelling is beautiful and lyrical. Readers will float through the pages with her vivid imagery that is often times both gloomy and silly. Readers will love the well-developed and distinctive characters, each with a story to tell — and all of their stories come together at the end. Yoko Tanaka’s illustrations truly set the mood for the story, eliciting emotions at the perfect moments.

I recommend you read the book first, because you will enjoy seeing how screenplay writers adapt an author’s story into a movie. If the book is truly loved, it is a risk for the writers. That being said, I believe the movie is enchanting and less somber than the book. The plot remains in tact, but the tale has been significantly augmented for the movie. There is a lot more silly action to the story, and the film is bright and magical, giving it a more hopeful feel. Readers will have fun comparing the original book to the movie. There are so many ways to use this book in the classroom. Kate DiCamillo has a “Questions to Consider” at the end of the book — perfect for lively discussions. Visit her at https://www.katedicamillostoriesconnectus.com/

Kate DiCamillo’s writing journey has been a truly remarkable one. She grew up in Florida and moved to Minnesota in her twenties, when homesickness and a bitter winter led her to write Because of Winn-Dixie — her first published novel, which became a runaway bestseller and snapped up a Newbery Honor. The Tiger Rising, her second novel, was also set in Florida and went on to become a National Book Award finalist. She is the best-selling author of The Beatryce Prophecy,” Flora & Ulyssis, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, The Tale of Despereaux,the Raymie Nightingale series, and the Mercy Watson and Tales from Deckwoo Drive series, while continuing to enjoy great success, winning two Newbery Medals and being named National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. She now has over 40 million books in print worldwide.

Greg Pattridge hosts Marvelous Middle Grade Monday posts on his wonderful Always in the Middle website. Check out the link to see all of the wonderful reviews by KidLit bloggers and authors.

*Review copy provided by the Candlewick Entertainment in exchange for a review.

Shoshi’s Shabbat

Caryn Yacowitz, Author

Kevin Hawkes, Illustrator

Candlewick Press, Fiction, Oct. 11, 2022

Suitable for ages: 4-8

Themes: Animals, Jewish, Culture, Sabbath. Fable

Opening: “Long ago, on a farm near Jerusalem, there lived a beautiful young ox named Shoshi.”

Publisher’s Synopsis:

Long ago, in the hills near Jerusalem, lived a young ox. For six days each week, she and her owner would toil in the fields, and on the seventh day both would rest.

Then it came to be that this young ox was sold. For six days, she toiled in her new owner’s fields, and on the seventh day the farmer brought out the yoke and plow, expecting to spend another day hard at work. But Shoshi the ox had a different idea.

In a warm, friendly narrative and vivid, humorous art, author Caryn Yacowitz and illustrator Kevin Hawkes bring to life a tale drawn from the ancient Jewish stories known as the Midrash, a story as relevant today as it was long ago. It’s a tale of encountering other cultures and learning from them, of paying attention to the world around you—sun, breeze, animals, people—and above all, of learning to slow down and take a break.

Why I like Shoshi’s Shabbat:

Shoshi’s Shabbat is a gentle, yet powerful fable about a very clever and spunky ox who is wiser than its new owner, Yohanan. Readers will love this smart ox and his stubborn determination to do her best work for Yohanan six days a week and rest on the seventh day. Yohanan is puzzled. He’s just moved to the hills near Jerusalem and purchased Shoshi from a Jewish neighbor. Simon.

Kevin Hawkes delightful illustrations are expressive and lively, and filled with warmth and humor. His art brings to life a tale drawn from the ancient Jewish stories known as the midrash, which is relevant in today’s world. Everyone needs a day off to recoup, give thanks and spend time with friends and family. The narrative is simple and lyrical. This book is a joy to read!

Make sure you read the Author’s Note at the end because it explains more about the midrash and a Rabbi Yohanan ben Torta who became a Jew and studied the Torah and possibly became a rabbi after purchasing a cow.

Resources: Draw pictures of what you like to do on your day off. Do your animals take a day off?

Caryn Yacowitz is a playwright, a speaker andn the author of several picture books, including Baby Moses in a Basket, illustrated by Julie Downing. She lives in California.

Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books (PPB) with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s website.

*Review copy provided by Candlewick in exchange for a fair review..