This section - the first part of the story - introduces us to Maisha and her family and focuses upon the main message that she has learnt at school; she is so traumatised by the fact that her species is in danger that she needs support to communicate it to her herd. The section ends with her being teleported back to the school with the prospect of her partnering with another wild animal in order to work towards their protection. There is a lot to like about this introductory part of the story. It is well written and focuses very clearly upon the lifestyle of elephants and the danger that is facing them by man's intervention. I especially enjoyed the dedication to living creatures and the fun element of the 'Note to Big 'People'. The illustrations are delightful and match the text well. If the story continues as positively, I can envisage that this would be a good text for teachers to read aloud to their lower junior aged classes or to be used in themed assemblies on wildlife protection. I look forward to reading the rest of the book!
Val Rowe, A LoveReading4Kids Ambassador
| Suitable For: | |
| Other Genres: | |
| Recommendations: |
The illustrations are fantastic and so realistic. They jump out of the page toward you, so that you feel you are part of the story.
Only the smartest and bravest of animals from around the world, are invited to study at the School of Animal Magic (aka S.A.M). They study problems facing fellow creatures and solve their problems. The school motto is “We will survive”. Maisha is just home from S.A.M. And the entire family and friends are there to welcome her home. They live in a remote part of Africa. Maisha's best friend, Jonas, the Cattle Egret lands on her back to welcome her home. Everyone took her to the waterhole to wash all the dirt off her from her long journey home. After 3 days of celebration, her grandmother, matriarch and leader of the herd, wanted to hear what she had learned about the outside world. Maisha couldn't remember anything and started to worry what to say. Finally, she told them she couldn't remember.
Maisha the Educated Elephant is a beautiful book that is about animal survival and also gives lovely explanations of how intelligent elephants really are through a story that can be enjoyed by both adults and children.
Maisha the Educated Elephant is a beautiful book that is about animal survival and also gives lovely explanations of how intelligent elephants really are through a story that can be enjoyed by both adults and children. The book is really easy to follow, and it was a big hit with my 5 year old nephew. I also loved the illustrations by Cal Howard they were so accurate and spot on. My nephews thoughts: “I liked the book because the elephants are nice and are kind to each other. They all look after each other in the forest.
I was so pleased when I began to read this as it said book one - fab there is more to come.
I was asked to review this beautiful book and wonderful story by Lovereading.co.uk Maisha, the author writes means "life" in Swahili, this book message is about animal survival. Children will love this book beautifully illustrated by Cal Howard. This is a beautiful book to snuggle up and read with your child with a storyline to emphasise animals, their heritage. Society needs to preserve these wonderful creatures and what better than to emphasis this in a way children can understand and grow up with this knowledge. I was so pleased when I began to read this as it said book one - fab there is more to come.