Best Books of September: "The Magician's Elephant" by Kate DiCamillo
Anybody who has read Kate DiCamillo's books for children knows that the Newbery Medalist possesses the gift of the storyteller; it's that rare ability to cast a spell on reader and listener, alike. Each of DiCamillo's critically acclaimed and beloved bestsellers, which include The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, Because of Winn Dixie, and The Tale of Despereaux, has this special effect on the audience. Her writing is old-fashioned in the best sense of the word, combining warmth and grace with just a note of formality. Her story lines are nuanced, and the characters express easily recognizable emotions, make real mistakes, and deserve a chance to at least try to do the right thing. Children (and lucky adults, myself included) cannot help but be drawn in.
Happily, DiCamillo's latest book, The Magician's Elephant is no different. It immediately captures your imagination in the first few pages, and then slowly, but surely steals your heart. It didn't require any magician's sleight of hand to make us choose this book as our September Pick for Kids. In this short novel we meet Peter Augustus Duchene, a ten-year-old orphan who
receives an unbelievable piece of information from the local
fortuneteller in the marketplace. Rather than a wish, he gets to ask the fortuneteller a single question. From her answer he learns that his fate is tied to an elephant. Not just any old elephant, but an elephant that has inexplicably fallen from the sky when a magician's trick goes
terribly wrong. How can an elephant fall from the sky? Why and how did it happen? And more importantly, how can an elephant possibly
change the course of a poor boy's life? This darkly atmospheric, yet hopeful
tale demonstrates that when the answers to life’s big questions are
opaque or unforthcoming, all is not lost. DiCamillo's rhythmic writing combines with the talented Yoko Tanaka's mysterious black-and-white illustrations
to enchant and call out to our sincerest wishes and dreams. I wholeheartedly recommend this book for young readers and listeners ages 8-13.
--Lauren
bluetooth freisprecheinrichtung on September 14, 2009 at 04:48 AM
I came across your blog while doing a post for my own blog. I’m looking forward to seeing this book. I’m a BIG fan of Kate’s books. My son’s favourite was “Tale of Despereaux,” but mine was “Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane.”
I’d like to link to your blog now and then. Will definitely bookmark it!
console xbox 360 on September 28, 2009 at 10:08 PM
A magical and wonderful read! Highly recommend to readers of all ages. This is truly a book for everyone and will no doubt be a classic for all time. If you haven't shed tears of joy in a long time, prepare yourself...this book will make you believe in magic and all that is good in the world.