The Magician's Elephant
What’s inside...
Kate DiCamillo conjures a haunting fable about trusting the unexpected and making the extraordinary come true. When a fortuneteller's tent appears in the market square of the city of Baltese, orphan Peter Augustus Duchene knows the questions that he needs to ask: Does his sister still live? And if so, how can he find her? The fortuneteller's mysterious answer—an elephant! An elephant will lead him there!—sets off a chain of events so remarkable, so impossible, that you will hardly dare to believe it’s true. With atmospheric illustrations by fine artist Yoko Tanaka, here is a dreamlike and captivating tale that could only be narrated by Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo. In this timeless fable, she evokes the largest of themes—hope and belonging, desire and compassion—with the lightness of a magician’s touch.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
201 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Peter felt when he discovered the elephant? What emotions would you feel in a similar situation?
What do you think the magician's elephant symbolizes in the story?
Discuss the importance of hope in 'The Magician's Elephant'. How do the characters hold onto hope throughout the book?
What lessons do you think Peter learns by the end of the story? Have you learned similar lessons in your own life?
How do the residents of the town react to the elephant's appearance? How might you react if something equally unexpected happened in your community?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child to put themselves in Peter’s shoes, imagining his emotions and reactions throughout the story.
Foster critical thinking by discussing the symbolism of the elephant, prompting your child to think about what the elephant might represent in their own life.
Highlight the theme of hope by reflecting on moments in the book where characters express optimism despite challenges, and relate these to personal experiences.
Stimulate personal reflection by connecting lessons Peter learns to situations your child has faced or may face, deepening their understanding of growth and learning.
Promote community awareness by discussing the town's reaction to the elephant, encouraging your child to consider how they can contribute positively to their own community.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of hope and perseverance
Explanation: In 'The Magician's Elephant,' the protagonist, Peter, embarks on a quest to find his sister, guided by hope and an unwavering resolve. Despite various obstacles, his determination never wanes.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to maintain hope and keep striving towards their goals, regardless of the difficulties they may face, illustrating that resilience can lead to achieving one's dreams.
Example Lesson: The power of asking questions
Explanation: Throughout the book, Peter's journey is propelled by the questions he asks, which lead him to uncover truths and make important decisions.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the significance of curiosity and how asking questions can lead to greater understanding and informed choices in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: The impact of compassion and kindness
Explanation: Characters in the story, such as the policeman and the lady with the dog, show kindness to Peter, which greatly aids him in his quest. These acts of kindness ripple through the community, influencing others positively.
Real-World Application: Children learn that their acts of kindness can have a profound effect on others, encouraging a more compassionate approach towards their peers and others in their community.
Example Lesson: Understanding the consequences of actions
Explanation: The magician's decision to conjure an elephant leads to various repercussions throughout the story, affecting many lives.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that actions have consequences, and it's important to consider the potential effects before acting.
Example Lesson: The importance of forgiveness
Explanation: As the story unfolds, characters learn to forgive others for past wrongdoings, which leads to healing and reconciliation.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children see the value in forgiving others, aiding in mending relationships and fostering a supportive and understanding environment.