The Night of the Elephants
#3 in Animal Adventure Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
The Night of the Elephants is a captivating tale that follows the journey of a young boy who discovers a hidden world of talking elephants. Together, they embark on a quest to save their forest home from destruction. In a parallel story, Neema, who is an elephant, struggles to fit in her meerkat den. One mystical night, she follows a phantom who promises to lead her to the Night of the Elephants, only to discover that her real pack may have been closer than she thought.
Discussion points
What do you think the elephants were feeling on their special night?
How do you think the story would change if it happened during the day instead of at night?
What was your favorite part of the adventure, and why?
If you could talk to the elephants, what would you ask them?
How do you think the story shows the importance of friendship?
Tip: Role play these questions
Allow the child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story without interruption, showing genuine interest in their ideas.
Encourage the child to imagine beyond the story by asking them what they think could happen next or in a different setting.
Discuss the emotions of the characters and relate them to real-life situations the child might have experienced to deepen their empathy and understanding.
Use the illustrations in the book to ask questions about the details of the story that may not be explicitly stated in the text, enhancing observation skills.
Affirm the child's responses, encouraging them to explore and express their thoughts more freely, boosting confidence in their interpretative skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The story showcases how the young protagonist learns to understand and share the feelings of the elephants.
Real-World Application: Children can practice empathy by considering how their friends feel in different situations and responding with kindness.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: The protagonist overcomes fears to help the elephants, demonstrating bravery.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to face their own fears, whether it's trying out for a sports team or standing up for a friend.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The story emphasizes the importance of working together as the characters coordinate a plan to save the elephants.
Real-World Application: Children can apply teamwork skills in group projects at school or while playing sports.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The plot revolves around the protagonist figuring out a way to help the elephants, showcasing critical thinking.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to approach challenges in their lives with a problem-solving mindset, looking for creative solutions.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The book highlights the need to care for wildlife and natural habitats.
Real-World Application: This can translate to children participating in environmental conservation efforts such as recycling or tree planting.