In the Shadow of an Elephant

In the Shadow of an Elephant by Georgie Donaghey & Sandra Severgnini

(Little Pink Dogs) PB RRP $24.95 ISBN: 9780648256311

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

In The Shadow of an Elephant is a perfect collaboration of words and pictures that creates something magical. A picture book, it not only touches the heart but delivers a tender message about love and friendship showing that the circle of friendship never breaks.

One terrible night Lualani is orphaned and separated from her herd. Left alone in the world, she is changed forever. As fate would have it, on the edge of the African Savanna she is befriended by Jabari. It takes time and patience but Lualani learns to trust once again. A life-long friendship unfolds and takes us through the circle of life.

The language in this story sings and the emotions of the story are so delightfully played out with the illustrations’ tender use of dark and light with touches of colour. The characters are drawn into the readers’ hearts and each plays their part well in the story.

What I particularly like about this story is that is shows that no matter what happens to you in life, friendship will always make your heart sing. Each of us has our own life journey, but isn’t it all the sweeter with a friend?

Schools and libraries will appreciate this story as it fits into the school curriculum.