Little Big Ears: The Story of Ely [Hardcover]

Cynthia Moss (Author), Martyn Colbeck (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up

Handicapped by crooked front legs, Ely the little elephant faces a grim outlook but is supported by his devoted mother and sister, who help him to adjust and eventually walk on his own, in an inspiring true story enhanced by full-color photographs.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Below the snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro stretch the warm grasses and abundant swamps of Amboseli-East Africa's most-visited wildlife park. Its grand scenery frames this photo-essay derived from the PBS documentary Echo of the Elephants. Echo is among the more than 800 elephants protected here from ivory hunters, and an established matriarch-"the most beautiful and gentle of the grandmother elephants" with "lovely, curved tusks." When she gives birth to Ely, a deformity threatens the young calf's life. With his front legs severely bent, Ely cannot reach his mother's breast to nurse; he cannot get to the shade that would save him from the sun's needling heat. In this true account of Ely's persistence and his family's encouragement, the youngster triumphs and embarks on a normal (though sometimes uncertain) life. Internationally renowned for her elephant research, Moss tells a potentially heart-rending tale with authoritative devotion. Her first-hand knowledge of wildlife relationships and intelligence shines through focused, clean prose. Colbeck's luminous photographs reflect the light, heat and texture of Amboseli as well as the power and tenderness of its compelling inhabitants. A warm tale that rides on the hard edge of reality. Ages 5-10.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 4. This photo-essay follows a young elephant's struggle to survive his first year on the African plains. Born with defective front legs, Ely has many obstacles to overcome. Without anthropomorphizing, Moss recounts his first hours of life as he struggles to his knees to nurse and his efforts to keep up with the herd. Lighter moments are also described, as he learns to control his trunk to eat and drink. Additional information about elephant behavior in Amboseli Park appears throughout the narrative, emphasizing the role of the female leader of the herd as she seeks sources of food and water, and showing how the group gently supports and cares for weaker members. Full-color close-ups of Ely and broad landscape scenes enhance the book. An epilogue tells of Ely's life during the past five years as he developed additional skills essential for adult survival. This herd has also been documented in two PBS television productions. Little Big Ears will appeal to fans of true animal stories and encourage young readers to locate other books to further their knowledge of elephant behavior.?Diane Nunn, Richard E. Byrd Elementary School, Glen Rock, NJ
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing (December 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689800312
• ISBN-13: 978-0689800313
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,425,116 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ely: My all-time favorite elephant..., November 30, 1999

By 

M. Mueller "paramedic" (Juneau, Alaska) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Little Big Ears: The Story of Ely (Hardcover)

Cynthia Moss' "Little Big Ears" is an endearing story of the struggles of Echo's robust young calf during his first year. It is an excellent portrayal of one little guy who beats all odds from the first few traumatic days of his life. An uplifting "tail" of elephant behavior that children can learn from, love and appreciate. I've recommended "Little Big Ears" to various elementary school teachers when asked what would be a good book about elephants to read and show pictures to their students. All have reported back that this book was thorougly enjoyed by their students. One drawback was the reluctancy of most teachers to show a picture of young Ely eating elephant dung (which is natural behavior for young calves). That is the only possibly negative thing teachers have told me when they used this book in the classroom. Myself, I believe it is necessary to show life as it is, the picture was not that offensive to me. Excellent plot and easy to follow and understand. Great photography by Colbeck.