The engaging story of loss and recovery is told through the eyes Quinn, a young girl who recently lost her mother. The tale will touch your heart, especially if you are an animal lover.
The setting is Thailand where Quinn and her aunt are volunteering at an animal sanctuary. Aunt Lizzie hopes the experience will be healing, but initially Quinn feels even worse when discovering many of the elephants were abused.
Then something special happens as Quinn develops a connection with an adult elephant who seems to understand Quinn’s feeling of loss. A bigger challenge awaits when an orphaned baby elephant arrives at the sanctuary. Quinn knows that she and the elephant are both grieving over a similar tragedy in their lives. Quinn tries to find the courage to make a difference before this young animal dies.
The 28 chapters are a real page turner. Humor helps break the tension of whether the ending will bring resolution. The journey is also emotional with the backdrop of healing after a traumatic event. You’ll understand Asian Elephants in a much deeper way. Elephant Touch will for sure touch many with one of the best debuts this year.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: September 17, 2024 PAGE COUNT: 160
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: ELEPHANT TOUCH by Susan R. Greenway
- Hunter is the only other kid participant at the camp. He and Quinn become fast friends and their friendship continues to strengthen as the story nears the end. An innocent and realistic portrayal.
- How Quinn comes to understand her feelings of losing her mother is brought forth in perfect fashion.
- Not to be missed: The Afterword by the author follows the story and relays to readers what they can do to save and protect elephants.
- Quinn’s up and down emotions are evident through the voice the author developed with care and realism.
- The short chapters make this novel a good one to read-aloud. Not only do you learn about elephant behavior but discussion time would be a natural way to understand the feelings of losing someone special.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Susan R. Greenway is a former elementary school teacher and reading specialist. She is a longtime member of SCBWI (Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators) and a graduate of the University of Washington Writing for Children Program. Elephant Touch is her debut novel, inspired by an extraordinary experience she had with an elephant in Thailand.
Susan is an outdoor and dog enthusiast and lives with her husband and their sweet dog, Willow, in Washington.
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I hadn’t seen this one! Thanks for hosting, as always.
I haven’t read any books set in Thailand. Thanks for sharing it with us this week.
Ooops, I didn’t get my MMGM to you apparently. LOL I too reviewed Elephant Touch today. We had very similar thoughts.
Having had my own extraordinary experience with an elephant, I understand fully why Susan would want to share that, especially with kids. ELEPHANT TOUCH sounds like a heart-felt eye-opener that will show how important it is to treat all nature’s beings with love and respect. I’d like to add that http://www.wildlifesos.org is a reputable elephant rescue organization in India worth checking out, as well as those mentioned on Susan’s website. They do a phenomenal job rescuing and caring for abused, ailing elephants (among others). Might be a class project Greg?
This sounds like an extraordinary book. Thanks for highlighting it.
I liked this book as well, for all the reasons you mentioned. I need to get my review up on my blog soon. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I am fascinated by elephant stories — and so is my 10-year-old great grandson. Adding this book to his Christmas list. Elephants are so feeling. I never tire of the stories between humans and elephants — although I wish they were able to live in the wild without danger. Can’t wait to get my hands on this gem.
A friend of mine went with a group to an elephant sanctuary in Africa. There goal was to chant to the elephants who were abused and damaged emotionally. All of the women connected with an elephant and the elphants loved the chanting. A different but effective way to communicate and soothe.
This sounds wonderful. I always liked to talk to the elephants I met on my travels. They are still much threatened.
I love elephants! Even more awed by them after reading ‘The Elephant Whisperer’ a few years ago (an elephant sanctuary in South Africa, on my to visit list!). This sounds a wonderful premise for a story, I’ve seen dogs help children heal, and I’ve read about other species doing so as well. Thanks for the recommendation, one to look out for!
Sounds like a great book. Adding it to my list. I have a student who LOVES all books with elephants in them. Thanks for sharing. 🙂