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Science Comics
Science Comics: Elephants: Living Large
Have you herd? There's new volume in First Second's STEM graphic novel Science Elephants!
Did you know elephants are the world's largest land animals? Male African elephants can reach ten feet tall and weigh up to 16,500 pounds! These endangered animals are beloved for the massive ears ears, thick skin, and flexible trunks, as well as their remarkable intelligence and empathy. And despite their size, the more you get to know them, the more you'll realize humans and elephants have a lot in common!
Did you know elephants are the world's largest land animals? Male African elephants can reach ten feet tall and weigh up to 16,500 pounds! These endangered animals are beloved for the massive ears ears, thick skin, and flexible trunks, as well as their remarkable intelligence and empathy. And despite their size, the more you get to know them, the more you'll realize humans and elephants have a lot in common!
128 pages, Hardcover
Published March 12, 2024
2 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
May 16, 2023
This book charmingly illustrates how similar humans are to elephants—only elephants are better! Cute, personalized elephant story packed with fascinating information. Just one issue of what looks to be a good worthwhile graphic science book series.
August 28, 2024
Great science
May 10, 2024
Love the style of the science comics! This one is narrated by an 8 year old female African elephant as her family group is changing, which she finds very stressful. This is more than an animal story however. The segues from Dino’s story to the science sections are natural and smooth. For example, the group arrives at a new water hole and they frolic and play in the water and the mud and the next page is how that helps their skin. From a life science standpoint, the sections where they elephants are wearing clothes and acting human are a weakness, but for engagement they add humor. There is a glossary and an introductory section by an author of elephant books. Wish there was more scholarly evidence/sources to support the science side.
July 20, 2024
One of the most successful of the Science Comics series at integrating the framing narrative and the science content. Here, everything is being relayed by a young female elephant explaining the biology and social structure of her family of elephants. The social aspects were by far the most interesting, because it's extremely rich ground. This information is presented both by our elephant narrator explaining how elephant societies work and by showing her own family experiencing many changes: birth, death, a male elephant leaving the group, new elephants joining it. All of the animal characters are believable and relatable, and I think most readers will learn a lot.
May 27, 2024
I love Elephants, so I was really excited to read this story. It did not disappoint. It is a fascinating depiction of the life of elephants told through the story of a young elephant. It has history, vocabulary, science and so much more. This was a fascinating way to learn about elephants and their lifestyles. This book has piqued my interest in this series, which I first picked up thinking my class would enjoy reading them, but now I’m excited to read more from the First Second.
March 16, 2024
https://openbooksociety.com/article/e...
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Another educational delight in the Science Comics series! Elephants are such interesting animals! As always, a fun and entertaining journey learning about elephants in a way, I feel, that will keep the young learners’ interest. It certainly held my interest.
The introduction at the beginning of the book pointed out many interesting facts about elephants. Interesting to read that elephants and humans are surprisingly similar in many ways, socially and psychologically. These first two pages provided many pieces of information, which were then portrayed in graphic format to accentuate the life of an elephant.
The story follows the journey of one young elephant (Duni) as she navigates growing up and learning about herself and her family…all the while in a manner that any reader can relate to.
With respect to the graphics, they were instructional, detailed, and at times very funny. I loved the female elephants being portrayed as working and playing together, I had a little giggle when there was an explanation where the female elephants work together looking after the calves where the picture showed one of the females taking a picture with a cell phone – it had me chuckling. 🙂
Learning about the trunk…with SO many muscles – over 40,000! Wow. And it can hold up to 5.5 liters of water, which is held in the trunk until poured into their mouth.
I loved the storytelling that included pictures with current day items (for example: playing Nintendo to indicate the bachelor group of male elephants don’t live completely alone even though they have left their families – they have interactions with others).
The glossary at the end of the book provides a concise and easily understood set of definitions of terms that were discussed in the book.
This book has the right amount of content (it is not overly filled with facts and figures to overwhelm the reader) presented in such a way as to grab and maintain one’s interest. An enjoyable way to increase one’s knowledge and understanding of elephants.
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Another educational delight in the Science Comics series! Elephants are such interesting animals! As always, a fun and entertaining journey learning about elephants in a way, I feel, that will keep the young learners’ interest. It certainly held my interest.
The introduction at the beginning of the book pointed out many interesting facts about elephants. Interesting to read that elephants and humans are surprisingly similar in many ways, socially and psychologically. These first two pages provided many pieces of information, which were then portrayed in graphic format to accentuate the life of an elephant.
The story follows the journey of one young elephant (Duni) as she navigates growing up and learning about herself and her family…all the while in a manner that any reader can relate to.
With respect to the graphics, they were instructional, detailed, and at times very funny. I loved the female elephants being portrayed as working and playing together, I had a little giggle when there was an explanation where the female elephants work together looking after the calves where the picture showed one of the females taking a picture with a cell phone – it had me chuckling. 🙂
Learning about the trunk…with SO many muscles – over 40,000! Wow. And it can hold up to 5.5 liters of water, which is held in the trunk until poured into their mouth.
I loved the storytelling that included pictures with current day items (for example: playing Nintendo to indicate the bachelor group of male elephants don’t live completely alone even though they have left their families – they have interactions with others).
The glossary at the end of the book provides a concise and easily understood set of definitions of terms that were discussed in the book.
This book has the right amount of content (it is not overly filled with facts and figures to overwhelm the reader) presented in such a way as to grab and maintain one’s interest. An enjoyable way to increase one’s knowledge and understanding of elephants.
April 1, 2024
A nonfiction, middle-grade graphic/comic book about elephant behavior.
Middle grade readers who want to learn more about elephant behavior will find this book both fun to read and informative. The author stresses the similarities between elephant and human behavior in terms of family, caring for the sick, greetings, and raising their young.
But, of course elephants aren't humans, so we also learn about how they evade or fight off predators, what happens when the males reach adolescence, what happens when their leader dies, and how they cope with the changing seasons.
The book also covers some elephant evolution and physiology. We learn about the different species of modern elephants and about some of their ancient ancestors. We also learn about their trunks, their tusks, their skin, and more.
I think the book was more successful when covering elephant behavior and social structure. The drawings were well done, engaging the reader and enhancing the text. I liked the way illustrator Koch gave the elephants unique personalities and characteristics without making them cartoonish.
I'm unsure how well the biological information will resonate with middle grade readers. I wonder how accessible it will be to youngsters and to adults who don't have a background in mammalogy or physiology.
Thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
Middle grade readers who want to learn more about elephant behavior will find this book both fun to read and informative. The author stresses the similarities between elephant and human behavior in terms of family, caring for the sick, greetings, and raising their young.
But, of course elephants aren't humans, so we also learn about how they evade or fight off predators, what happens when the males reach adolescence, what happens when their leader dies, and how they cope with the changing seasons.
The book also covers some elephant evolution and physiology. We learn about the different species of modern elephants and about some of their ancient ancestors. We also learn about their trunks, their tusks, their skin, and more.
I think the book was more successful when covering elephant behavior and social structure. The drawings were well done, engaging the reader and enhancing the text. I liked the way illustrator Koch gave the elephants unique personalities and characteristics without making them cartoonish.
I'm unsure how well the biological information will resonate with middle grade readers. I wonder how accessible it will be to youngsters and to adults who don't have a background in mammalogy or physiology.
Thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
October 25, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. It is geared more towards teaching children and has great graphics for them to look and learn from. This book has almost everything there is to learn and know about elephants from their family and group dynamics to their pregnancies and so much more. It also shows the different types of elephants and the differences in the way they look so you can tell them apart.
I have always been interested and had a liking for elephants and in the past I have learned a little about how much they really care and look out for each other but this book really highlights that and shows you how wonderful they really are.
This is a wonderful book, and if you’re interested in elephants a must have. I would highly recommend reading this with your children, or giving this to your children to read or read it yourself you will learn so much and learn that elephants are a lot like us when it comes to their families. I hope people read this and see how wonderful elephants really are and help support them in the wild.
I have always been interested and had a liking for elephants and in the past I have learned a little about how much they really care and look out for each other but this book really highlights that and shows you how wonderful they really are.
This is a wonderful book, and if you’re interested in elephants a must have. I would highly recommend reading this with your children, or giving this to your children to read or read it yourself you will learn so much and learn that elephants are a lot like us when it comes to their families. I hope people read this and see how wonderful elephants really are and help support them in the wild.
November 20, 2023
This was a lovely experience. Graphic novels are hugely popular for my students right now. Elephants are so fascinating for children.
My own elementary aged child and I read through this together. He loved the graphic depictions. He also really enjoyed the blending of both the informational facts and storytelling elements. As he is the perfect age (5th grade) for the Science Comics, I can gladly say they are age appropriate and easily capture the attention of young readers. (3rd through 6th would also enjoy these.)
He has since asked me to look for more Science Comics as he enjoyed this one so much, that he cannot wait to read more. It is a wonderful way to engage students in nonfiction, in a format they want to read.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the author for this engaging and wonderful book. We both loved reading it.
My own elementary aged child and I read through this together. He loved the graphic depictions. He also really enjoyed the blending of both the informational facts and storytelling elements. As he is the perfect age (5th grade) for the Science Comics, I can gladly say they are age appropriate and easily capture the attention of young readers. (3rd through 6th would also enjoy these.)
He has since asked me to look for more Science Comics as he enjoyed this one so much, that he cannot wait to read more. It is a wonderful way to engage students in nonfiction, in a format they want to read.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the author for this engaging and wonderful book. We both loved reading it.
February 5, 2024
Science Comics: Elephants is an excellent addition to the Science Comics series. Author Jason Viola chooses as a narrator young Duni, an eight-year-old African savanna elephant, who serves as the reader's entry point into elephant society. For those looking to learn about the earth's largest land mammal, this is a fantastic read. I learned a great deal myself about habitat and habitat loss, elephant hierarchy, communication, and sensitive elephant senses. Duni narrates her life as only a young elephant can, more knowledgeable than the littlest members of the herd but also still learning about the ways of the older elephants. With beautiful illustrations by Falynn Koch and many hilariously drawn scenes to keep the story moving, Science Comics: Elephants is a wonderful, entertaining romp through the African savanna.
September 12, 2024
A nonfiction graphic novel introduction to African elephants, their habits, habitats, with a special emphasis on their growth and maturity patterns.
This is easy to read and quite informative. The illustration style is attractive. The book does contain quite a bit of information about male elephants going into musth and female elephants going into estrus; it talks about mating but doesn't describe it, but curious readers could be prompted to ask some further questions of adults...so adults be prepared.
Notes on content:
Language: None
Sexual content: See above
Ethnic diversity: N/A
LGBTQ+ content: None
Other: Predation and other things that threaten elephant numbers, such as the ivory trade, are mentioned. One elephant dies of old age.
This is easy to read and quite informative. The illustration style is attractive. The book does contain quite a bit of information about male elephants going into musth and female elephants going into estrus; it talks about mating but doesn't describe it, but curious readers could be prompted to ask some further questions of adults...so adults be prepared.
Notes on content:
Language: None
Sexual content: See above
Ethnic diversity: N/A
LGBTQ+ content: None
Other: Predation and other things that threaten elephant numbers, such as the ivory trade, are mentioned. One elephant dies of old age.
June 12, 2023
I full admit that part of my love of the book is because it's about elephants and that's my favorite animal. Second, I generally love the Science Comics series because it tells a story but teaches about the subject matter simultaneously. This one isn't dense, it manages the content and the story well without being overwhelming or too complicated.
In this one we follow a herd of African elephants as its explained how their family system works, how they survive, the differences between the types, how their numbers have been decimated, and more.
The art style is wonderfully colorful and the elephants as anthropomorphized beings are expressive too.
In this one we follow a herd of African elephants as its explained how their family system works, how they survive, the differences between the types, how their numbers have been decimated, and more.
The art style is wonderfully colorful and the elephants as anthropomorphized beings are expressive too.
March 9, 2024
I LOVED THIS! This was such a cute story with so much cool information in it. It follows a herd of elephants and throughout the story you get to learn all about the different types of elephants, their roles within the herd, mating, gestation period, teeth, muscles, behavior, hearing, skin structure and other anatomy, dangers to them and purposeful burial (as much as an elephant can). I will be buying this one and using it with my kids and recommending to my public school kids.
Homeschool moms-grab this one for unit studies. There is enough in this one on it’s own, but you could easily dive deeper and explore some of the cool concepts covered it this one.
Homeschool moms-grab this one for unit studies. There is enough in this one on it’s own, but you could easily dive deeper and explore some of the cool concepts covered it this one.
September 29, 2025
I love all the science comics! Such a great series to encourage reading with kiddos. They are graphic novels, but nonfiction tales full of fun facts. In this one, we follow the story of a sweet, adolescent, female elephant and her family as she contemplates coming of age in her herd. The narrative, the graphics, all make you feel as if you're not even learning! However, I like to think of myself as an elephant expert, but I still learned so much following this story! You get a little of everything in this book, and it will appeal to kiddos who love to read as much as those who may not.
- Reviewed by McCall M.
- Reviewed by McCall M.
November 8, 2023
What a beautiful, beautiful book! And also so well thought out! Loved it!
It combines the easiness of reading a graphic novel and knowledge about animals and nature and adds a spark of interest to find out more about animals. Perfect, this book is absolutely perfect if you have a middle-grade age kid who loves nature. It is made to be exciting and not a single page of it will feel like a chore of a difficult read that kids sometimes associate with learning/reading.
It combines the easiness of reading a graphic novel and knowledge about animals and nature and adds a spark of interest to find out more about animals. Perfect, this book is absolutely perfect if you have a middle-grade age kid who loves nature. It is made to be exciting and not a single page of it will feel like a chore of a difficult read that kids sometimes associate with learning/reading.
March 12, 2024
This is a very informative and educational read young, curious readers are sure to enjoy. The cartoon-like set up depicts the elephants' lives with cute illustrations. I think this science comics book will afford many happy hours of reading and learning.
~Eunice C., Blogger/Reviewer~
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by Net Galley and the publisher.
~Eunice C., Blogger/Reviewer~
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by Net Galley and the publisher.
June 23, 2023
Elephants have been my favorite animal for quite some time and they are fascinating complex animals! Loved learning more about them in the latest "Science Comics" series. This was so well done, following a few years in the life of one elephant and her family herd, covering everything from the anatomy to the life cycle all while relating it to human behaviors that kids can easily understand.
June 13, 2023
This was a fun and informative look at elephants, another great addition to Science Comics to buy for my library. Alternating facts about elephants with a story to move the graphic novel along, this is a highly accessible format for kids to engage in.
July 19, 2023
This is definitely geared towards the 9-12 range, this particular comic would be a little frightening for children younger than that. That being said it’s a lot of great information with some spectacular art. A great learning tool and a must have for schools and libraries.
October 10, 2023
A graphic novel all about elephants! I learned so much from this, and I loved the way it was presented. It was so accessible for kids and adults, plus great illustrations!
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 22, 2023
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read the ARC for this book. This book was packed with information and presented in a fun way for kids. The illustrations add to the text making it fun to learn about elephants.
November 7, 2023
Following in the style of the other Science Comics, this story follows elephants through a story and facts about them. I love how they include more fantasy elements such as talking elephants to help bring the pieces together making this an enjoyable read for nonfiction and elephant lovers!
December 18, 2023
This book contained interesting information about elephants that I did not know previously. You learn a lot about how elephants' bodies work, mating (which can get awkward), and their history. All in all, I enjoyed the book.
March 22, 2024
My 8 year old cannot get enough of Science Comics! The new Elephant book is no exception!! The illustrations are beautiful and the text is witty, thoughtful, and informative. The perfect balance kids need to stay engaged while learning. So fun!!!
March 28, 2024
Science comics are always so much fun to read! They are illustrated well, contains so many facts about their subject, and are written in an engaging way. I feel like some of the terms of this may go over some children's head, but otherwise a lovely book about elephants.
November 11, 2024
This was fine. But it didn't draw me in. The jokey parts were annoying. I appreciated the personalization of giving the elephants names but it mostly didn't turn into feeling like I knew who the elephants were. This could have been a lot more informative. And I didn't love the art.
May 21, 2025
I love science comics! Such a great series to encourage reading with kiddos. It’s a graphic novel, but nonfiction. Plus, this one is written from the perspective of an adolescent elephant so you still get great narrative writing. It’s an all in one book.
November 29, 2023
I got an ARC from NetGalley.
January 8, 2024
This was entertaining and highly informative. I thought I already knew a lot about elephants but I learned quite a bit of new information!
July 5, 2024
Very good book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews