Author: Geoffrey Malone
Publisher Hodder Headline
ISBN: 0340860596
Ages: 6 to 12
Have you ever heard the term, "An elephant never forgets?" This story reminds us that elephants have good memories.
"Elephant Ben," is a real life adventure set in the African bush. When Ben and his father, David, who is a game warden, set out on safari, Ben is delighted. He's out of school for the summer and is happy to be going with his father. Ben is thrilled when they spot a herd of elephants near a swamp. Ben's joy quickly turns to sadness. A baby elephant is stuck in the mud. Ben and his father know that if they don't help, the baby will drown. The mother elephant's attempts to save her baby have all been in vain.
David floats Ben out to the baby on their canvas tent. Ben slips into the mud and ties a rope on the baby's leg. David pulls them both to safety using the winch on his Land Rover.
Once the baby elephant is safe, the mother, Temba, approaches the Land Rover. She comes so close that if Ben had reached out, he could have touched her gigantic and deadly tusks. Ben and his father are frightened and unsure of Temba's approach. Elephants are dangerous animals. Then Ben looks into Temba's eyes. She looks directly into his. As they make eye contact, a message passes between them. Ben is spellbound. What an awesome experience.
Temba stretches her trunk near to Ben's face. David realized, as Ben does, that Temba is trying to thank them for saving her baby. David murmurs to Ben, "She's memorizing our scent. She won't forget either of us. You can be sure of that."
As the story continues, Ben and David come upon a group of poachers. These men are as dangerous as the elephants they hunt. Ivory is worth a lot of money and they don't care who they kill to get it. However, they haven't counted on Ben and David having Temba for a friend. She takes her revenge on the poachers and rescues Ben and David.
This book is a must read for all kids who love animals. Elephants are amazing creatures and it's not often that they connect with humans in the way that Temba does in this story. Geoffrey Malone has done a fantastic job of drawing his readers into the story and making them feel the fear and joy of Ben and David. An awesome read!
Go To Page: 1 2
