The Memory of an Elephant: An Unforgettable Journey

Whimsy, trivia, and miscellany combine in this tribute to the extraordinary life of a fictional elephant named Marcel. The gentleman pachyderm is working on “an enormous, illustrated encyclopedia,” documenting everything he has learned. Meanwhile, anonymous gifts arrive for Marcel, including a tuba that he “played in the distant past,” which sparks him to recall his life as a musician and his world travels (including being caught in the 1968 student protests in Paris). Spreads alternate between Marcel’s introspection and informative illustrated lists of buildings, musical instruments, ships, and more, which resemble offerings from a vintage mail-order catalogue. A surprise birthday party and endpages exploring animals, modern furniture, and food close out this eccentric and delightful cabinet of curiosities. Ages 5–8. (Sept.)