The Elephant

In Desmond’s third title in a series devoted to endangered animals, a brown-skinned boy wearing a red crown reads from a book—the very same book in readers’ hands—about African and Asian elephants. The mixed-media art offers naturalistic depictions of elephants on the savannah, tramping through the forest, and crossing a dry desert. Desmond includes expressive touches, as well: a mountain of fruits and vegetables represents what an elephant could eat in a day (the boy sits atop the pile, munching on an apple). Memorable facts about elephants occur throughout: “Since some African elephants’ ears are as big as full-sized refrigerators, vigorous flapping can generate quite a breeze.” An affectionate and informative celebration of two magnificent species. Ages 4–8. (Oct.)[em] [/em]