From School Library Journal
Grade 5-7 This is the final book in a series that began with
The White Giraffe (Dial, 2007), but it stands on its own. Martine, 11, has been living with her grandmother on a South African game reserve since the death of her parents. She loves the animals and land, and over the last year has discovered that she has the power to heal animals. But the peace and contentment of Sawubona is shattered when Reuben James, a former business partner of Martine's late grandfather, appears with a new will granting him ownership of the entire reserve. Martine, her grandmother, and all their employees must leave in two weeks. Martine is convinced that Mr. James somehow tricked her grandfather and vows to save Sawubona. She is encouraged in her effort by Grace, the local
sangoma (healer), who divines her future and tells her that elephants will be a part of her quest. Along with her friend Ben, Martine sneaks into Mr. James's plane and when it lands they find themselves in Namibia. There they discover just what Reuben James has been up to and that they were right to mistrust him. The children manage to expose him and in the process save a group of mistreated captive elephants. This is a fast-paced mystery with an underlying conservation theme. Tween readers will be absorbed by the adventure, the animals, and the African setting.
Terrie Dorio, Santa Monica Public Library, CA Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Review
"The Elephant's Tale is the fourth book in a compelling series by Lauren St John. Set on a game reserve in South Africa it contains everything to make children sit up and listen to their bedtime story: the orphaned heroine with a gift for healing sick animals had my boys begging for just one more chapter." -- Daisy Bridgewater TELEGRAPH MAGAZINE "...there is a warmth and love for animals that raises this above the herd. It is an enjoyable, action-packed tale." TELEGRAPH "The interesting characters and compelling plot make this book an exciting read. There is a wealth of information contained within the story making the book feel like a learning experience as well as a piece of pleasurable literature. In the closing chapters of the book Martine uncovers some information about her future written on a cave wall. Are these spoilers left there by Lauren St John? I guess we will have to wait for the next book to find out." -- Sam North HACKWRITERS.COM
--This text refers to an alternate
Hardcover
edition.
