Tua and the Elephant

by R.P. Harris, Taeeun Yoo (Illustrator)

Ten-year-old Tua—Thai for "peanut"—has everything she needs at home in Chiang Mai, Thailand, except for one thing she's always wanted: a sister. In the market one day, Tua makes an accidental acquaintance—one with wise, loving eyes, remarkable strength, and a very curious trunk. And when Tua meets Pohn-Pohn, it's clear this elephant needs her help. Together, the unusual team sets off on a remarkable journey to escape from Pohn-Pohn's vile captors. From the bustling night market to the hallowed halls of a Buddhist temple and finally, to the sanctuary of an elephant refuge, this clever girl and her beloved companion find that right under their noses is exactly what each has been searching for: a friend.

Genres: Middle Grade, Animals, Childrens, Realistic Fiction, Adventure, Fiction, Cultural

204 pages, Hardcover

First published October 5, 2011

Reviews

[Aina Hilmi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cerita ini berlatar belakangkan suasana di Thai. Tua si gadis kecil ini menyelamatkan seekor gajah dari kezaliman tuannya. Oh ya, Tua dalam bahasa Thai bermaksud "peanut". Dia dinamakan Tua kerana badannya yang kecil namun dia menjadi kesayangan masyarakat setempat.

Perjalanan Tua menyelamatkan gajah ini mengancam nyawanya dan melibatkan ramai orang. Mujurlah ahli keluarga dan orang sekeliling sangat "supportive". Ibu saudaranya, jirannya dan lain-lain membantu sehinggalah Tua berjaya membawa gajah itu ke sebuah pusat perlindungan.

Orang jahat yang mahu membahayakan Tua dan gajah berjaya dihalang serta diserahkan kepada pihak berkuasa. Rezeki Tua dan ibunya apabila ditawarkan tinggal di pusat perlindungan gajah dan ibunya diberi pekerjaan.

[Tamara York · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this aloud to my 7 and 9 year old to compliment our study of Asia in geography. The book is beautiful but it made for an awkward read aloud. This was mostly due to the frequent (and very frequently repeated) Thai phrases, which make it an authentic story, but difficult to read out loud. The character names were also hard to distinguish one from another (for example the villains are named Nak and Nang) and in some cases tough to pronounce. I think this book would be better read to yourself where you can visualize names and skim over foreign language phrases. It’s a sweet story with a strong sense of place, if a bit slow moving and predictable.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book! Just right for reading to your 5-year-old or for your independent reader who is excited about reading chapter books. The illustrations are beautiful, the print is easy to read, and the story is heartwarming and adventurous. I use it for tutoring with my dyslexic students who need interesting visuals, text that is not intimidating, and a story that will keep them motivated to continue reading. The social themes are present but not heavy, so I can choose how in depth a discussion to have about them with students. The cast of characters range from comical to evil, yet Tua and Pohn Pohn are the stars - endearing characters with a special connection to each other that you'll love from the start. Harris writes with the voice of a true world citizen, yet as you read, it's not hard to imagine that he is telling this story to his nieces and nephews gathered at his knee. My students and I hope that R.P. Harris continues to write stories for us!

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was on my Amazon list so long I couldn’t remember anything about it. I thought it was a picture book! To be honest, it is charmingly illustrated and the story is fine for those it’s intended for: independent readers who love elephants and have curiosity to learn about places they live. It features many words and phrases in the Thai language- I do wish there was a glossary to translate them.

[Anna Garland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plot: This book is about a young thai girl named tua who one day whilst looking around the night market in her home town while her mum is working, finds herself in an unfamiliar part of town. There she is shocked and moved to see the mistreatment of an elephant by its owners . The next thing Tua knows, she and the elephant are running away being pursued by the bad guys and looking for a place where Pohn-Pohn (as the elephant is soon named) will be safe. Friends, relatives, and perfect strangers get involved in the cause, to a thrilling and comic effect.
Message of the book: I think many young girls and boys would want to identify with the intrepid character of Tua who will give up at nothing to save her Pohn Pohn. Her courage to fight for what is right in the face of hardship from the adults around is inspirational to any young reader. The help from interesting characters on the way particularly with ‘Auntie Orchid’, provide many funny moments for the young reader keeping this book pacey and engaging.
How it can be used: Harris touches on serious social issues (children living in dumps and mothers begging with infants), but ear tweaking and nose yanking are about as violent as it gets for the humans. This makes it good for use in lower KS2 PSHE lessons about family and about how we should treat each other. The histories of the elephants at the sanctuary are horrifying, but are firmly in the past, with the elephants living happily in the present. This could be easily integrated into a world histories lesson and the great Thai backdrop to this story makes it perfect for a geographical study into life in Thailand.
I would recommend this book for use in year 2, 3 or 4.

[Cindy Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone in Tua’s little village in Thailand loves her. She weaves her way among the market stalls while her mother is at work, getting attention from vendors her know her as their little “peanut.” But when Tua sees an elephant being mistreated, she knows she must save her from the cruel men who own her. But how can she steal an elephant, and what will she do with the elephant once she has her?

Tua and the Elephant is the delightful story of a little girl who bonds with an elephant and sets her mind to help her. Tua names her elephant Pohn-Pohn, and she feels she can communicate with her. Pohn-Pohn’s abusive owners have evil intentions, but they are mostly inept and can’t seem to overcome the forces of good Tua has on her side.

This sweet story delves into issues of friendship, courage to follow your heart, and the plight of Thailand’s elephants. I highly recommend it for mother-daughter book clubs with girls aged 9 to 12.

The publisher provided me with a copy of this book to review.

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars -- This is a charming junior novel about a young Thai girl who rescues a mistreated elephant from a busy marketplace, and faces numerous challenges in getting her very large new friend to safety.

Sure, the plot can get rather unrealistic as others have noted. However, Tua and the Elephant retains all of the sweetness and adventure of a Pixar movie and will be much enjoyed by its target market.

[H · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think kids who loved Winn-Dixie or The One and Only Ivan will eat up this sweet story of a young abused elephant and the little girl in Chiangmai Mai, Thailand who rescues the elephant. Some kids may find the Thai phrases sprinkled throughout a little confusing, but I really think kids will root for Tua and Pohn Pohn as they run away from Pohn pohn's rotten owners. Would make a fun read around for 3rd/4th grade. Sweet and fast moving.

[Anjalica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an awesome read. The story really makes you take a look at what happens to these beautiful animals. Great child's book and very educational. Thank you to the author.

[Ashlea Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story about a girl who rescues and elephant. I think my kids will enjoy this book when they're older.

[Rick Silva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tua, a young girl living in Chiang Mai, Thailand, spends much of her time wandering the night market while her mother works long hours at a restaurant. When her wanderings lead her to a young elephant and a pair of abusive handlers, Tua helps the elephant to escape, leading the handlers on a chase through the streets, markets, and temples of Chiang Mai, with the hope of reaching an elephant sanctuary where the elephant (named Pohn-Pohn) can finally find a safe home.

This is a fast-paced middle-grade story loaded with cultural details. The cast of characters is fun, and there is a good mix of adventure and family (and found family) relations.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. It is such a sweet story and it gives an amazing insight into both the Thai culture and the amazing things that a child’s courage can accomplish. The writing is mostly simple and smooth for the intended age group of young adults. The only difficult point may be the occasional greetings in Thai. The story is entertaining and flows quickly from one major event to the next. The true gem of this book however is in the lesson that it teaches to young readers: no one should be abused and love should be shared freely and fearlessly.

[Linda Klinedinst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tua and the Elephant by R. P. Harris

I read this as a Library E Book on my Kindle through my County Library. I could only get this as a Library E Book which was fine with me.

This is a really cute story about a little girl named Tua who rescues a Elephant and she names him Pon Pon. I dearly love this story.

It is a young children's - middle grade story. I would highly recommend this book. There are 29 Chapters to this book but the chapters are rather short. It reads pretty fast too.

I give this book 5/5 Stars

Happy Reading :)

[Val Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Tua tricks the Mahauts in the middle of the story, it’s my favorite part. She makes them slow, by tricking them to get the elephant named ponpom.

This story does not have a lesson.

The main characters are Tua and the elelphant, they are trying to run away and find a new home for pon pom the elephant. The were trying to keep her safe from the mahauts who were mean to all elephants.

Tua is my favorite character because she is smart, kind and thankful.

I would give this book 5 stars but I would give most books 5 stars.

Zooey age 8

[Marlene Scholfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great children’s story about a young girl named Tua who sees an elephant being mistreated and she steals it. The story is the adventure her and Pohn-Pohn go on to get to some place safe.. was thinking about reading this aloud to my first graders... lots of words I will have to look up so I say they correctly since this book is based in Thailand.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

I kept on thinking Tua would have some little respite from her persuers, but Nak and his sidekick keep tracking her down. One of the most creative moments is when Tua manages to generate money out of trash to pay a ransom. The elephant provides a good supporting role, and the final family twist at the end is unexpected.

[Laurel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Message learned: Save the elephants!

For starters - I love elephants!

I thought based on the cover that this would be an imaginary elephant, or some other fantastical story. Instead, it was a real-life situation - although larger than life - that Tua found herself in. It was a great read with the kids. Tua is a wonderful role model for others to follow.

[Cassidy C · Rating 5 out of 5]

-Who is your favorite character and why?
Tua Because she went on all sorts of adventures

-What surprised you most?
That Tua wanted to keep the elephant.

-Would you change the ending? Why/why not?
No because I think it ends really well, I like how Tua saves the elephant.

[Emily Kaminski · Rating 4 out of 5]

The characters were pretty simple and the "deeper" issues were kept light. I enjoyed using this as a launch to talk about Thailand and the treatment of animals with my daughter and her book club, but it doesn't make the lasting impression that some other books do

[Miss Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

gr 3-6 202 pgs

present day, Chiang Mai, Thailand, 9 year old Tua helps rescue an elephant from two men who were mistreating her. Tua is determined to keep the elephant, whom she names Pohn-Pohn, safe, but how do you hide an elephant?

Good story, happy ending

[Claudia Maye · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is compassion, adventure, foreign language, and heart to this book. It feels like a younger chapter book, but has fun and vivid vocabulary words, which make it a great read for a 4th or 5th grader.

[Victoria (TheMennomilistReads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very cute story with some sad elements about a girl who sees an elephant in her native land of Thailand being mistreated. She tries to help the elephant the best she can while the elephant also takes a liking to her. My sons very much enjoyed the story as well, as I read it to them.

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite character was phon phon because she saved tua.
The thing that surprised me is that tua actually saved phon phon.
I would change the ending to that tua got to stay at the sanctuary it would be a happier ending.

[Adrienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was cute—nothing amazing—but I loved the writing, which is why I gave it 4 stars. It made my kids and I want to go to Thailand right from the beginning; it included Thai words and some cultural things, which I appreciated.

[Kristin Goodell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could have done without the kidnapping at the end! That seems like a terrifying thing to include in an early chapter book. I might skip over that part reading to young kids.

The rest of the book was charming and seemed to be well researched and have authentic pieces of life in Thailand.

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

tw: instances of kidnapping, animal abuse, children in peril, bullying, poverty

higher level of description/writing quality than I expected but some things still go over my head, because there aren't enough illustrations. plus I'm not a big fan of the two-tone only colour palette

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish this came on audio for all the Thai words in it! A tad disjointed but overall a nice story about a young Thai girl who rescues an elephant!

[Sheri Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet story. Setting lends itself to being a window into Thai culture.

[Peace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever since I first read it when I was about nine or ten, this has been a favorite. Such a great story.