Subject
Elephants -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Judith Gautier
Mémoires d'un Éléphant blanc
"Mémoires d'un Éléphant blanc" by Judith Gautier is a fictional narrative written in the late 19th century. The story follows Iravata, a remarkable white elephant, who recounts his extraordinary life filled with glory and trials across the realms of Asia, particularly focusing on Siam and India. As Iravata learns to write, he reflects on his adventures, deep relationships, notably with Princess Parvati, and the emotional turmoil that both joy and sorrow bring into his life. The opening of the narrative establishes the premise of Iravata's memoirs, beginning with his introspective thoughts on the rarity of an elephant capable of writing and his late discovery of this skill. We learn of his observation of schoolboys and their lessons that spark his desire to learn the alphabet, which culminates in a moment of triumph when he successfully writes for the astonished children. Through vivid descriptions and whimsical details, Gautier sets the stage for Iravata's adventures, revealing the blend of innocence and wisdom in his character as he navigates through life's complexities alongside his beloved princess. This engaging opening invites readers into a richly imagined world where an elephant embodies both nobility and the yearning for connection.
Judith Gautier
The Memoirs of a White Elephant
"The Memoirs of a White Elephant" by Judith Gautier is a fictional narrative written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds through the perspective of a white elephant named Iravata, who recounts his remarkable life in Asia, especially in Siam and India, detailing his experiences as a royal elephant and his bond with Princess Parvati. The tale promises adventure, emotion, and a unique exploration of the world through the eyes of a creature often revered and misunderstood. At the start of the memoir, Iravata reflects on how he learned to write, which is a rare achievement for an elephant. He lives in the Palace of Golconda, where he enjoys relative freedom and observes the antics of children attending school nearby, igniting his curiosity about human language and education. His passion for learning leads him to sneak peek at their lessons, eventually allowing him to craft the alphabet on a schoolmaster's tablet. Subsequently, his unique talent is revealed to Princess Parvati, affirming their bond and setting the stage for his many adventures, including serving as a guardian and companion to the princess, and later finding himself in complex scenarios filled with joys and challenges.
Howard Roger Garis
Umboo, the Elephant
"Umboo, the Elephant" by Howard Roger Garis is a children's story that belongs to the genre of animal fiction, written during the early 20th century. The narrative focuses on the adventures of Umboo, a young elephant, who recounts his life in the jungle, the challenges he faces after being taken from his home, and his experiences in the circus. Through the lens of Umboo’s perspective, the book explores themes of friendship, growing up, and survival in the wild. The opening of the story introduces a hot circus setting where various animals, including Umboo and a group of monkeys, are trying to cope with their captivity. Infuriated by the heat, the monkeys express their longing for the jungle. Umboo demonstrates his playful nature by providing them some relief from the heat through his trunk by spraying water. He is soon prompted to share stories of his past in the jungle, particularly how he learned to navigate his environment and become strong. The initial chapters blend humor and adventure as Umboo engages with his fellow circus animals, leading to a narrative filled with camaraderie, reflections on his jungle upbringing, and foreshadowing his eventual adventures and challenges ahead as he recounts tales from his youth.
Richard Barnum
Tum Tum, the Jolly Elephant: His Many Adventures
"Tum Tum, the Jolly Elephant: His Many Adventures" by Richard Barnum is a children's fiction story written in the early 20th century. The narrative follows Tum Tum, a cheerful and adventurous young elephant, as he experiences the wonders of both the jungle and circus life. With his innate good nature, Tum Tum encounters various challenges, friends, and adventures, including swimming with his fellow elephants, escaping danger from hunters, and eventually being captured by circus men. At the start of the story, we are introduced to Tum Tum as a baby elephant in the jungle of India, where he plays with other young elephants and enjoys a carefree life. His parents, including his father Tusky and mother Mrs. Tusky, express some concern over potential dangers that might roam the jungle, but Tum Tum is eager to join his friends for swimming. As he runs through the jungle, Tum Tum shows his playful and courageous spirit by knocking down trees to reach his playmates. However, the story quickly escalates as danger approaches in the form of hunters, leading Tum Tum and his friends to seek safety, setting the stage for the many adventures that will follow in his life as a circus elephant.
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