The Elephant’s Ears
Review: The Elephants’ Ears by Catherine Chambers
The Elephants’ Ears is the story of a mother elephant with two very different children: Palo, her son, who is quiet, careful, and a very hard worker, and Mala, her daughter, who is wild, restless, and pampered. As the elephants grow, the mother elephant frets over her children’s place in the world, wanting them both to fit in. Enlisting the help of a black eagle, mother elephant finds suitable places for her children. Palo, with his small ears and gentle nature, is led to India by a white egret, where his future will be one of carrying children and clearing forest paths. Mala, with her flapping ears and wild nature, is led to Africa by a pink flamingo, where her future will be one of protecting children and roaming the grasslands.
Though not a believable tale of how the Indian and African elephants came into existence, it is still a fable worth sharing that honors the many differences among us. It speaks volumes about a mother’s love and her desire to want the very best for her children, no matter how different they are or how far away they roam in order to fulfill their life’s passion.
A touching, and beautifully illustrated, story about growing up, leaving the nest, and establishing relationships in the world and beyond. A story that persons of all ages can identify with.
I give this book 4 out 5 stars.
