A great book for kids - The Magician's Elephant - and a wonderful story

by Maria Westhuizen
(South Africa)

The Magician’s Elephant by Kate Di Camillo

This is the story of a little boy who is in search of his sister, who, he was told, was still-born. Not convinced, Peter Augustus Duchene goes to an astrologer to find out the truth regarding his sister’s existence. The interplay of characters and events while Peter finds his sister out is how the story unfolds. The action takes place in the Baltese city, in the nineteenth century.
The different incidents are wonderfully woven into the main plot. The narrative is lucid and flows fast. This is a great book to heighten the imaginative power of the children.
The Magician’s Elephant is the best book that Kate Di Camillo has written to date. The characters come to life with the dialogue they utter. The city exudes a kind of warmth that endears the reader to it and the people who live in it.

The descriptions are rather graphic and the illustrations by Yoko Tanaka are very beautiful. It is a must read for people of all ages. The book deals with life, family and the honesty that holds family and life closely together.

The story ends with a fairy tale finish that is not difficult to believe. The book is a definite pleasure to read and an asset for every child.