The Magician’s Elephant
Written by: Kate DiCamillo
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 208 pages
Publisher: Candlewick; 1 edition (September 8, 2009)
When I saw that Kate DiCamillo had a new children’s book coming out, I knew I had to get my hands on it. I absolutely adored The Tale of Despereaux and I was getting that same vibe from The Magician’s Elephant, just from looking at that delightful cover. I bought it about a week before the readathon, but I couldn’t wait. I read it the next day. And, as I figured I would, I loved it.
When ten-year-old Peter Augustus Duchene is sent to the market for fish and bread, he spends it at the fortuneteller’s tent instead. He is seeking his long-lost sister, and he is told
“You must follow the elephant. She will lead you there.”
Understandably, he is confused and heartbroken, because he doesn’t know what that means and thinks his search is over before it really began. But that very night, at the Bliffenendorf Opera House, a magician’s spell goes haywire and, instead of conjuring what he meant to conjure, he conjures an elephant. The elephant falls through the ceiling and lands on the lap of a very distraught Madam Bettine LaVaughn.
The landing of the elephant in Madam Bettine LaVaughn’s lap sets off a magical novel about hope and loss, love and heartbreak, home and loneliness, and the desire to find out the truth for oneself instead of believing what others want you to believe. The gorgeous illustrations by Yoko Tanaka make this dreamlike tale come alive. It is yet another timeless fable from the incomparable Kate DiCamillo, one that begs to be read aloud to your children, or just to entertain yourself. Young and old can appreciate this tale of love, hope, and longing, written by that magician herself.
Author also wrote:
Because of Winn Dixie | The Tale of Despereaux | The Tiger Rising | The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane | Great Joy | Mercy Watson Collection | Louise, the Adventures of a Chicken
Also Reviewed by:
Stainless Steel Droppings | Maw Books | Stuff As Dreams Are Made On | and more…
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I bought this book for myself.
This was a delightful read. Hardship, magic, charm, and even a happy ending!
So glad to hear that you loved it too
I'm thoroughly convinced that she can do no wrong!! I think this may be my new favorite of hers….until her next book of course 
.-= Chris´s last blog ..Peeking Out Of The Hole =-.
I've been dying to read this one – but I keep missing my chance to pick it up. I'm so glad you gave it a glowing review
.-= lena´s last blog ..The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins =-.
Glad to hear this one is good. I enjoyed Despereaux, too, and she's one of my daughter's favorite authors. I'll have to get my hands on this one.
.-= Anna´s last blog ..Mailbox Monday — November 16 =-.
This sounds delightful!
.-= Kathy´s last blog ..Giveaway: The Paper Bag Christmas =-.
I loved the movie version of The Tale of Despereaux, so I can only imagine how the book is. I've seen The Magician's Elephant everywhere but have yet to read a review– until your's! I think I will definitely have to pick it up now. It sounds like a great story.
.-= She´s last blog ..Seeker – William Nicholson =-.
I loved this book! It is my favourite book by her at the moment.
.-= Kailana´s last blog ..The Wild Things by Dave Eggers =-.
We're big DiCamillo fans here, too. We listened to Edward Tulane on audio and all loved it – what a warm and wonderful story! This new one sounds good, too – thanks for the review!
.-= Sue Jackson´s last blog ..It's Monday 11/16! What Are You Reading? =-.
I really loked this book a lot too Heather.
.-= diane´s last blog ..Book Giveaway Winner – The 19th Wife =-.
I tried to read this book last week and couldn't get into it. I ended up taking it back to the library unread. Maybe I'll give it another try.
.-= Vasilly´s last blog ..Poetry Wednesday =-.
Have you read Tunnels or Deeper? I really enjoyed the books (although I don't read a lot of adolescent literature some Louis Lowry and Harry Potter). I had bought the book (Tunnels) for my son and cracked it open one desperate night w/ nothing to read and thoroughly enjoyed it!!
I'm with Chris, she really can do no wrong. This was a beautiful addition to the Di Camillo canon. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
.-= Carl V.´s last blog ..Four decades plus one =-.