The Elephant and the Sea: A Story of Dreams, Determination, and Daring Rescues
The Elephant and the Sea by Ed Vere(Puffin Books, 2024)Good to Read for:Teaching the value of determinationConnecting generationsCelebrating community and teamwork I’ve been excited to share The Elephant and the Sea by Ed Vere (Puffin, 2024) for some time now. It’s a quiet, lyrical tale (with moments of drama and tension) that celebrates bravery and quiet determination. Unashamedly British in its setting – the rugged Cornish coastline – Vere has created a universal story about courage and calm determination. Cornwall really resonates with me. It’s somewhere I love, and Vere captures it so well. And he draws you into the story straight away by introducing his protagonist – a frail, old elephant.
His name is Gabriel.
Milou, the sea cat, purrs by his side.
Gabriel’s face has as many lines as the sea has waves.
His knees crack. His back creaks.
I love this introduction! Vere is a seasoned pro and knows just how to hook his readers. It’s so intriguing – who wouldn’t want to know more about the old elephant by the sea? Throughout the story, Vere adds layers of depth and beauty – both visual and literal (for example, by referring to Milou as ‘the sea cat’ rather than simply ‘a cat’ – kids will love spotting him throughout the story, by the way!).
Many years ago, before you were born,
when [Gabriel] was a young elephant…
With a well-placed page turn, we go back in time to meet Gabriel as a youngster, wearing the same attire but fresh-faced and fleet-footed. He runs down to the sparkling sea, past the boat builders and fishermen, to the thing he loved most in all of the world… the lifeboat!
Young Gabriel desperately wants to join the lifeboat crew.
“You’re a bit young, lad.
Come back when you’re older.
Come back when you’re stronger.”
“I will!” said Gabriel.
Gabriel’s quiet determination is inspiring. He’s not put off by this setback. Instead, he uses the opportunity to immerse himself in his dream.
He read books about wild seas,
ferocious storms and daring rescues.
He practised rowing.
“Heave away, haul away, heave-HO!”
Gabriel grows older and stronger until the day comes when he’s ready to join the lifeboat crew. But – oh no! – now, he’s too big for the boat!
It’s a crushing blow.
Back ‘[a]t home, Gabriel stared far out to sea and heaved a long sigh.’
Does Gabriel let his disappointment defeat him?
No! After some quiet contemplation, he has an important thought:
There is only one thing I want to do…
So I will do it!
What a great attitude to instil in a child. Life has plenty of setbacks. Equipping kids to deal with problems—and not to lose sight of what’s important—is a beautiful gift for life.
Gabriel makes a plan. And he works hard.
He collects driftwood.
And as the seasons pass, Gabriel builds himself a boat.
One bright winter morning,
gulls were seen far out to sea.
Which meant fish!
Gabriel sits on the clifftops and watches the fishing fleet set sail.
But a sudden change in the weather brings an almighty winter storm.
The waves turned into giants,
tumbling, lashing and crashing.
The fleet was in trouble!
This is a great place to pause and ask your child what they think might happen next. Most likely, they will suggest that the lifeboat goes to rescue them. And it does! But – oh no! – They’re ‘not strong enough to battle this giant sea.’
All hope was lost.
The story may have ended there –
But wait! Here’s Gabriel!
He had built a boat.
Built for strength. Built for him!
Brave Gabriel rowed out through thundering waves.
Strong as oak, he pulled the oars.
That page turn should be accompanied by a fanfare! It’s so exciting! The determined elephant battles the crashing waves, finds the fishermen and tows them home to safety.
“Brave Gabriel, our hero!”
Now the tables are turned, because the lifeboat crew want to join Gabriel’s team!
“Of course!” said Gabriel.
“But we might need a bigger boat.”
Together, they build a boat big enough for everyone. And Vere concludes his inspiring tale by telling readers that Gabriel ‘lived a life he loved. Part of the crew, saving sailors at sea.’
With the very last page turn, we come full circle. Here’s Old Gabriel again, ‘happy in his old sea boots’ with Milo the sea cat, purring by his side.
Vere has a beautiful way with words which makes his stories a delight to read aloud. But The Elephant and the Sea is worth sharing for so many reasons. Aside from being a great adventure story, it teaches kids to overcome setbacks and follow their dreams. It’s a celebration of tradition – of fishing communities and brave lifeboat crews. ‘Most importantly,’ says Vere, ‘it’s about believing in yourself.’
Another admirable attribute is how this story celebrates and honours the elderly. Like Old Gabriel at the start of the story, they may creak and crack, but they still have a tale or two to tell! For that reason, Book Trust recommends it as a way for kids and their grandparents (or any older relative, for that matter) to connect over stories about their own childhood dreams. Indeed, Vere himself considers it something of a meditation on old age.
“Very young children don’t always realise that their grandparents haven’t always been vastly old. I wanted them to realise that their grandparents were once young too. That they also had dreams and adventures.”
– Ed Vere, Author Chat with Ed Vere (THE ELEPHANT AND THE SEA) , YA Books Central
This review may prompt you to get hold of a copy of The Elephant and the Sea to share with the kids in your life, and spark meaningful conversations between grandparents and grandchildren. I hope so – because that would honour the former lifeboat man whom Vere met by chance on a Cornish harbour, one blustery winter’s day, who inspired this wonderful story.
Share your childhood dreams – a great way for grandparents (or older relatives) to bridge the generations.
Celebrate the “heave-HO!” moments and join in with Gabriel’s rowing chant and the dramatic storm sounds. Picture books are meant to be performed – so let loose and make it fun and interactive!
If you live in the UK, head out on a stormy weekend and visit a lifeboat station. Build on the interest piqued by Gabriel the elephant and discover some real-life stories of brave lifeboat men and women.
The Elephant and the Sea by Ed Vere(Puffin Books, 2024)Good to Read for:Teaching the value of determinationConnecting generations through conversations about childhood dreamsCelebrating community and working as a team Copyright © 2024 Ed Vere (Text & Illustrations)From THE ELEPHANT AND THE SEA by Ed Vere(Puffin Books) VISIT ED VERE'S WEBSITE GOOD TO READBest books to snuggle up with on a stormy day
After the Storm by Nick Butterworth
The Storm Whale in Winter by Benji Davies
Weasel Is Worried by Ciara Gavin & Tim Warnes
A Letter to Amy by Ezra Jack Keats
Maya and the cat by Caroline Magerl
What Small Rabbit Heard by Sheryl Webster & Tim Warnes
Bear Feels Scared by Karma Wilson & Jane Chapman
Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson & Jane Chapman
BUY THE BOOKPowered by Bookshop.orgSupporting independent bookshops
“readers will cheer for Gabriel all the way”
Introducing Grandad Frank – a real class act
Sir Lilypad the Green (bravest frog I’ve ever seen)
SOURCESThe Elephant and the Sea by Ed Vere (Puffin Books, 2024)Just Imagine review: The Elephant and the SeaKirkus review: The Elephant and the SeaBooks for Keeps: Slow down drawing: an interview with Ed VereEd Vere’s WebsiteBooktrust review: The Elephant and the SeaYA Books Central: Author chat with Ed Vere Are you looking for quality picture books to share with your child? Sign up for recommendations and tips. SIGN UP HERE © 2025 BY TIM WARNES(UNLESS OTHERWISE ATTRIBUTED)****USE OF THIRD-PARTY COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL FALLS UNDER FAIR USE/FAIR DEALING PRACTICE
My Life in Books
- Tim Warnes's profile
- 31 followers
