In the Magician's Elephant, we have another incredible story by Kate DiCamillo, who wrote The Tale of Despereaux and Because of Winn Dixie BUT this book has a much darker atmosphere and falls into the fantasy genre. The writing is simple, yet so captivating that you will not be able to put it down. I read this book in one sitting for that very reason! It begins with Peter, who lost both his parents and his younger sister when he was five years of age. He is doubtful about his sister's fate though as her remembers her cry. He now lives a miserable lonely life with an old soldier who fought in a war with his father. One day he is sent out into the village to purchase a small piece of fish for the soldier, when he comes across a fortune teller that claims to answer all of the most important questions in life. (Read the first 3 pages, if time allows). The fortune teller claims he will find his sister, who is not dead, if he follows the elephant. This sounds ridiculous, until Peter hears of an overly ambitious magician who congers up some powerful magic and a real elephant falls from the sky onto the lap of a rich woman in the audience, breaking both of her legs! Although this was not the best thing for the rich lady, but people in the village begin to wonder if the impossible can really happen? Can dreams really come true? Is Peter's sister really alive? Can you put this story down after the first few pages? I dare you to try!
The charcoal drawings by Yoko Tamaka enhance the mystical dark atmosphere of the story and help the reader imagine the thoughts and feelings of the characters.
Recommended for grades 5-7. Also a great choice to read aloud.
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