The Boy and the Elephant

Step into a quiet corner of the city with The Boy and the Elephant, a poignant and beautifully illustrated wordless picture book by acclaimed storyteller Freya Blackwood. In the midst of the urban chaos and concrete sprawl, a boy finds unexpected friendship in a lush, overgrown lot next to his apartment building-a place untouched by the noise and rush of the world. Here, hidden within the greenery, lives an elephant-his secret companion. But when plans for urban development threaten their sanctuary, the boy must act to protect the only piece of wilderness and wonder left in his world. Blackwood's illustrations speak volumes, drawing readers into a magical narrative of quiet resilience, environmental preservation, and the profound connections we forge when we take time to notice the world around us. This tender tale celebrates the impact one child can have in protecting the beauty that still lingers in forgotten spaces.

Educational Benefits:

• Stimulates visual literacy and storytelling through imagery.
• Encourages environmental awareness and empathy for nature.
• Develops inferencing and interpretation skills without relying on text.
• Supports social-emotional learning through themes of friendship and advocacy.

Classroom Ideas:

• Invite students to narrate or script the story in their own words to build literacy skills.
• Use as a springboard for discussions on conservation and urbanisation.
• Encourage creative drawing or storyboarding of œwhat happens next.
• Incorporate into visual arts units focusing on storytelling through illustration.

Information:

• Ages: Suitable for 4 years and up
• Measurements: 240 x 270 mm, Hardcover