The Magician’s Elephant, written by Kate DiCamillo is beautifully illustrated by Yoko Tanaka in pen and ink. It is a period piece that takes place in Europe before the turn of the 20th century and is filled with magical realism. This tale, or fable if you will, is about a boy named Peter who is in search of his little sister that he is sure is alive, although his guardian, a crazy old soldier, has told him otherwise. When sent to the open air market to purchase very old bread and two tiny fish, by fate he is drawn to a fortune teller’s tent and is compelled to find out about Adele, his sister. Before he can utter a word, the fortune teller says, “she is alive” and that he must, “follow the magician’s elephant to find her. Peter says, “There is no elephant”. But the fortune teller says something key, “Just as you say. That is surely the truth, at least for now. But perhaps you have not noticed: the truth is forever changing. Wait awhile, you will see.” The rest you must read. This is a story about hope, redemption, love, and more than anything, it is about believing in the impossible and being open to miracles. I would recommend this to anyone from age 10 and up. So sweet, so magical, it harkens to the spirit how inexplicably intertwined we all really are with each other. C. Murray
No comments:
Post a Comment
Have you read this book? Want to? Didn't like it very much. Know about another book like it? Share your ideas.