Review by Booklist Review
This touching true story portrays conservationist Lawrence Anthony's relationship with a frightened, hunted elephant herd that found a home at his reserve in South Africa, Thula Thula (the country is unidentified in the text). Anthony and his wife, Françoise, had a no-hunting rule at Thula Thula, but still the uneasy rescued elephants broke out of their enclosure. When they came back, a gentle Anthony carefully reassured the animals that they were safe, and they came to love their new home. A poignant ending portrays the elephants sensing Anthony's death and mourning outside his home; an author's note explains that they return on this anniversary every year. The importance of conservation shines through the friendship story here, and both themes are beautifully complemented by Hooper's detailed, atmospheric drawings of the elephants and their surroundings. Especially for adult readers, it is noticeable that Thula Thula's Zulu neighbors are almost exclusively portrayed as hunters and that Françoise is not well fleshed out either. Still, children who love Owen & Mzee (2006), by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff, and Paula Kahumbu, and other animal nonfiction will welcome this elephant tale.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 1--3--This work recounts the story of Lawrence Anthony and Françoise Malby-Anthony and their lifelong bond with a herd of elephants at Thula Thula animal reserve in South Africa. The elephants were brought to Thula Thula for protection against poachers, but were anxious and destructive of their enclosure. Ultimately, Lawrence earns the elephants' trust and their bond becomes so strong that after Lawrence's death, the elephants return to his house from miles away and keep vigil there for three days with Françoise. The story is greatly simplified and emotional; the explanation of Lawrence's death is brief and straightforward. The illustrations are expansive with a limited color palette of warm oranges and cool greens and blues. The animal characters are dynamic, humorous, and emotive. As for the human characters, Lawrence and Françoise are white, while Black characters are depicted in the roles of helpers; "hunters" are depicted in silhouette. VERDICT A sentimental but high-interest story based on true events of the bond between wild animals and the humans who care for them, suitable for early elementary students.--Kelly Topita, Anne Arundel County P.L., MD
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Review by Horn Book Review
On the first page of this moving true story, readers meet tenderhearted couple Lawrence and Francoise, who stand poised to greet them. They live on Thula Thula, a sprawling South African wildlife sanctuary, on which also roam rhinos, zebra, crocodiles, and more. When Lawrence is asked if he wants to adopt a herd of angry elephants, previously hunted, he accepts. The story chronicles in riveting detail the elephants' arrival; their learning curve in adjusting to Thula Thula; their eventual acceptance of life at the preserve; and their special bond with Lawrence. Their connection is such that upon his death the elephants, sensing his absence, head to his home and camp there for three days to be with Francoise. (Have tissues handy.) The story's flawless, gentle pacing illuminates the animals' initial fear and the time, patience, and compassion it takes for attentive Lawrence to earn their trust. He talks to them, sings to them, and even tells them stories -- all details sure to delight readers. Hooper fills the pages with saturated, eye-catching teal, copper, and emerald hues. Shades of rich blue and soft rose heighten the story's emotional impact, particularly the loss of Lawrence. An appended note assures readers that the elephants continue to thrive at Thula Thula. Julie Danielson July/August 2021 p.144(c) Copyright 2021. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
A very special bond develops between a group of elephants and the owners of an African wildlife refuge. Thula Thula is a huge fenced refuge where rangers protect all the animals that live within. No hunting is allowed here. Lawrence and Françoise, the real-life proprietors of this enclave, are alerted to the plight of a herd of elephants, enraged after being hunted and mistreated, that threatens a village. Lawrence readily agrees to keep them at Thula Thula. Upon arrival, the elephants are placed in a boma, a wide fenced corral. But in their agitated state, they break down all the fences and escape, getting dangerously close to areas where they may be hunted. In brief, action-packed sentences, Tomsic informs readers of all the steps taken to bring them back, with the text placed against Hooper's beautifully realized illustrations of African animals and the vast, gorgeous landscape. It is Lawrence's concern, patience, and heartfelt communication with the elephants that form the heart of the tale, for long-lasting connection between these special humans and the animals they love is palpable. Lawrence Anthony (now deceased) was a White South African; Françoise Malby-Anthony is a White Frenchwoman. Secondary characters are Black, presumably Zulu. Sadly, the text does not locate Thula Thula in South Africa, nor does it address thorny issues resulting from the legacy of colonialism. Within its focus on the elephants and the protagonists, this book is lovely, tender, and moving. (author's note, acknowledgements, works cited) (Picture book. 4-9) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
