Thunder An elephants Journey

Thunder: An Elephant's Journey #1

by Erik Daniel Shein, L.M. Reker, Sergio Drummond (Illustrations)

A young African pygmy elephant must confront his fears to fulfill a dream and become a legend ….

Thunder, a young pygmy forest elephant, sets out on a journey to find his mother after he escapes capture from poachers. With danger at every turn in the central African jungle, he must face his fears to survive. With the help of some unlikely friends: Soma, a cranky rhino; Frederick, a nutty pink flamingo; Penelope, a chatty parrot; three kooky egrets; and Jennetta Blue, a blue butterfly; they help him with his dream to look for her and fulfill his quest to be united with his herd.

Genres: Animals, Fiction

36 pages, Paperback

First published November 24, 2012

About the author

Author also writes as Erik Shein

As a visionary storyteller and animal activist, Erik Daniel Shein blends his talent for children’s and young adult writing with a passion for CGI animation and animal health and well-being. He has authored and co-written more than 30 novels and feature films, including the animated fantasy adventure tale, The Legend of The Secret Pass (Lions Gate Entertainment, 2019), which first began as a co-written novel by Erik and fellow author, Melissa Davis. In addition to his writing, Erik is the founder and CEO of Shein Partnership LLC; a revered leader in the entertainment and publishing domains; and a producer, voice actor, and trained herpetologist.

Reviews

[Jessica Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Elephant's Journey Thunder was a very engaging story. I love all the characters, especially Thunder. When Thunder was separated from his mother I got worried and just had to keep reading to see if they would find each other again.
It was amazing when Thunder went over to Imani to save her. This gave Imani's father a realization that “they were simply trying to survive the same way he was” a quote from the story. This part of the story was very heartwarming.
The only thing I don't like about this story is that Soma dies. However, it does give Thunder a realization that the world isn't always fun and games. It's hard.
Overall this story was heartwarming, interesting, and exciting. This is definitely a story that plenty of readers would enjoy. I love it!
Janiece Adams
*disclosure-We received a paperback copy of this book. We are voluntarily posting our review.

[Evelyn Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book for children to read.
I am a retired teacher of 36 years in the Chicago Public School system.
I was always looking and searching for good books for my students to read.
As a young teacher I started out with book reports where I gave my own questions.
Later I started using Accelerated Reader in which the students read a book and the program provided the questions. I want this book to be on their list.
I received an advance copy of "Thunder" from the publisher.
I wished every student that I had in the past years could read this book, but I can only now recommend it to my grandchildren.
Children would love all the animals in this book and relate to the journey.
In life we all have to take a journey. No spoilers here, just a wonderful book in which you can assign a chapter each night and discuss what happened in the life of each character.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thunder: An Elephant’s Journey

Although the characters within this novel are animals young teens and middle school children can learn many lessons. When a young elephant is born into a tribe and the celebrations have been completed the mother is responsible to teach the child survival skills. As the mother rejoices and names her new born child Thunder she begins teaching him as other mothers do how to communicate with his tribe, how to understand danger and what happens when you find yourself in trouble. Thunder is smart and enjoys playing with the other elephants in his tribe especially Serenity. As he grows and the others do too they develop a daily routine, learn how to swim, play and enjoy the forest but also learn the dangers of what happens when some do not value the lives of these animals and use it for ill gotten gains.

When a bounty hunter sees Thunder and several other elephants he sets his site on him hoping to sell him to the highest bidder but not before he seeks them out, watches them closely and eventually captures and kills some of these precious and endangered animals. Along comes a special friend as Thunder realizes that he has lost his way when all of a sudden he tries to communicate with his tribe and no one answers. Captured and enclosed as if in a prison cell he becomes afraid yet drugged and tired as does his new friend Penelope the Parrot who provides laughter, humor and ribbing within the short time we get to know her before things begin to change. But, somehow the truck falters and he and Penelope are freed but how is he going to find his heard and return to the safety and warmth of his mother? From the moment you enter his world, see the amazing illustrations that bring the story to light you fall in love with Thunder and all of the interesting and unusual friends he makes along the way.

Soma the brazen and absolutely enchanting Rhino, the three egrets, the bats who provide an illuminating look at the world from a different view, Thunder who is learning the true meaning of friendship, understanding, loyalty and faith from a group of animals who are so diverse and different and who are looking out for each other in a special and rare way until the poachers try and take back what they lost. Will they recapture Thunder and Penelope? Will they go after the rest of the animals that are with them?

Meet Haru the bat, Riley the Rhino, Leopold the Leopard and so many animals that will help teach Thunder about the dangers of man and why the balance of the earth and the world was changed. As Riley explains that man is out to destroy the animals, take away their homes he does not quite understand at first but when they start to travel to a village, see the huge herd of elephants stampeding and destroy the land, the property and the landscape things start to frighten him as he thinks its his herd that is disappearing once again. Drago is not far behind as he delivers a message about a huge herd delivery to his boss, receives quite a bit of cash but what happens next allows readers younger and older to know that sometimes someone does things for greed and power while another named Mosi takes matters into his own hands thinking it will solve his problems and help him get money to feed his family. Although he is not for killing the animals or hunting them down something in him snaps and listening to Drago brag about what money can buy what will he do when he takes up the gun Drago was holding and rides off with it with a new purpose in mind?
When Drago recaptures Penelope and Thunder is in danger, with Soma tied up what happens next is right out of a movie with the egrets poking at Drago and making sure that he does not kill anyone one of them but not everyone will survive. But, something would change it all as a group of elder elephants find Thunder and want him to follow them home but not before we meet another of my favorite characters Fredrick the Flamingo who is fashion oriented, makeup savvy and definitely quite flamboyant as he tries to remake Thunder and the others in order to hide them from the uprights. But, his plan at first backfires but I bet you will never guess what he does with spandex yoga pants, an elephant and a Rhino to get to the other side. Drago was hacking away with his blades and definitely would not give up until he get Thunder in his clutches. Watch how they all play in the water, Thunder thinking about his journey and thinking about the uprights or us humans with their weapons and hearing the thunder like sound in the forest making him wonder if his name was as destructive as the fire that burst from the guns that looked like lightning in a darkened sky.
Close your eyes and picture hippo dancing, a long-tailed pangolin shaking ha long stick next to an egret with his body covered in small scales. Thunder could feel the music all over him and then watching the hippos circle him must have been quite a sight as Persius, Cedric and Sydney wondered and were in awe. Soma was a great character who loved Thunder and as Riley on page 93 explains the Great Spirit and how man became possessed or obsessed with material things. Will man ever walk with animals or beasts again? Will they continue to hunt endangered animals?
While the Flamingo wanted to see how her pupils fared Soma and Thunder out of breath eating red berries would hope to finally find their way to safety but not before Penelope is taken again. Wondering where she is they cannot imagine that she just left but they never realized she was being held captive again by Drago. The heard once again disappeared, the egrets, Soma and the others would support Thunder but he wanted to find Penelope. When a little girl is in danger for wandering away from her family and home will Thunder risk it all and the hunter’s gun to save this child, prove that the animals will not hurt any uprights or anyone else and help to create harmony in the rainforest? As the others tell him to leave, find his herd and not to risk it all, he along with Soma who is now tangled and needs to be free hope to save Imani before Mosi, her father pulls the trigger. The raging water, the current and three amazing elephants and one Thunder and you won’t believe what happens and you won’t believe what Mosi does that will startle and surprise readers with a twist you won’t expect.

When the final outcome arrives one member of the team will not survive while the others will have to decide where home is and with who. Will Thunder find his herd? When he arrives back where they were before what he sees is totally devastation, homes Will he find Serenity his mother? Will he remain with the other elephants? Meet fashion flamboyant Frederick, adorable a lovable Persius, Cedric and Sydney plus the sweet and loyal Penelope and enter the rainforest, take the journey along with them and our Thunder and find out if the earth will ever move again. If the sound of his feet moving to hope to communicate with his tribe will ever be answered again and will the uprights ever learn to live in peace and harmony so the with the animals so that the Great Spirit will shine down on all of us and them? Open your eyes and look at the view of the rainforest and hear the birds chirping, the two gorillas Harold and Neville observing the action from a hilltop and listen carefully when the sounds stop, the air is still and the only sound you hope to hear is that of Thunder. Authors Erik Daniel Shein and L.M. Reker provide many lessons for both adults and young children to learn with issues of understanding, the environment, the need to protect endangered animals, friendships, understanding differences, learning about other animals and their survival skills and hoping that Thunder and his friends can teach us Uprights that everyone needs to find their own place of safety on earth and we need to share it as one in peace.
The illustrations are amazing as you get to meet, Thunder, the egrets, Soma and of course our Flamingo in black and white and hopefully they will have more adventures in the future. Added at the end the authors add in Appendix I which enlightens readers to the threat to the elephant population and Appendix II which focuses on organizations that are working to protect and support the elephant and other endangered animals that need protection within Sanctuaries and more. This is a great book that can foster research by older children into endangered animals and other species and looking into each of the organizations listed hoping to learn more.
Fran Lewis: Just reviews/MJ magazine
Let’s give this book: FIVE GOLDEN STARS

[Erik Shein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello



Here is a link from readers Choice book reviews for our novel Thunder An Elephants Journey,
https://readersfavorite.com/book-revi...

Book Review
Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite 5 star
Thunder: An Elephant’s Journey by Erik Daniel Shein and L.M. Reker is an adorable story that revolves around a young pygmy forest elephant, Thunder, who is on a mission to find his mother, Serenity, after escaping from poachers. Thunder, along with Penelope the Parrot, escapes when their vehicle crashes. They go back to the jungle and from there the story takes readers through the perils of the African jungle where Thunder meets new people and makes new friends who help him to find his way back to his mother and his herd. Braving all dangers and adventures, Thunder uses the technique of stomping his two front feet to get back with his mother and keep the poachers at bay. The story conveys some relevant messages to readers and stresses the importance of understanding and respecting animals.
Be it via Soma the Rhino, Penelope the Parrot, Frederick the Flamingo, or Jennetta Blue the Blue Butterfly, readers will find themselves glued to the story till the very end. The book not only handles the topic of poaching, but also blends adventure, magic, suspense, and some good messages together, making it a must-read storybook for all those who love animals and want to address the issue of poaching.
The characters are all adorable, real, and memorable, and they highlight the role of friends in everyone’s life. The mother and son moments between Serenity and Thunder are beautiful and connect well with readers. The author also looks from an angle of how animals feel about poachers and how they live with the fear of being separated from their families.


https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-re...


KIRKUS REVIEW December 9th 2016
A young elephant must reconnect with his herd and face his fears in this middle-grade novel.

Thunder, an African pygmy elephant, lives with his mother and the rest of his tribe in Africa. Every day, the tribe wanders through the savannah looking for food while Thunder and his friends play. The young elephant is particularly close to his mother, who teaches him all he needs to know, including how to communicate and act within the herd and how to protect himself from dangers that surround him—especially the “Uprights,” which is what elephants call humans. He leads a happy life until a poacher named Drago decides that he wants the elephants—and the rest of their animal friends—for himself. Drago captures some of them, but when his vehicle crashes, Thunder and a parrot named Penelope escape. The terrified Thunder misses his loved ones, but Soma, a tough-as-nails rhino, offers to help, and they all set off on a quest to find Thunder’s herd. Of course, it’s not easy, as weather and other wild beasts make the journey difficult; also, Drago is still set on capturing as many beasts as possible. Will Thunder make it back to his mother, or will Drago destroy his herd before he can find it? Shein and Reker (The Forgotten Ornament, 2012, etc.) paint quite a harrowing picture at times; Thunder’s quest is a stressful one, and some children may feel overwhelmed if they read it all in one sitting. That being said, the whole book is a lesson in perseverance and determination, which readers of all ages could stand to learn. The prose is thick with lovely descriptions of Thunder’s home and the various places he visits, and his fears will be relatable to the younger set. The story is also a great introduction to the concept of preserving the planet and its species. In a wonderful touch, an appendix gives contact information for a variety of organizations that are trying to stop the practice of poaching and protect the environment. Hopefully, this work will inspire young and old readers alike to do their part to help save the beautiful creatures of Africa.

A thrilling, inspiring tale of bravery and family.

[Robert N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thunder, an African pygmy elephant and his herd are taken by poachers the animals call uprights. When the poacher, Drago, tries to take him away separately, with Penelope, a parrot, the transport vehicle crashes releasing Thunder and Penelope with it. They rush into the jungle to find safety until they can find his herd. While there, Thunder gets stuck in a hole that only Soma, the rhino can help him out of. Soma has a few friends of her own, three egrets who keep her company. When Soma rescues him, they start the quest to find Thunder’s mother and his herd.

A small village near the jungle is struggling to feed their people. Times are tough, and the elephants have trampled on their fields too often. Drago tries to talk Mosi, a farmer with a sick wife and small child, to try poaching with him. There is money to be made off elephant tusks. Drago tries to get the villagers on board with destroying the elephants for profit.

All the while, Thunder is trying to find a way to his herd. Thunder and his companions find Frederick the eccentric flamingo to help find a way into the fields where Thunder spotted an elephant herd. With his help, they find themselves jettisoned to their goal and Thunder starts to signal to the elephants by stomping his legs. Soon, it starts a torrential downpour.

When the storm starts, Mosi’s daughter, Miani, tries to keep her dog from running off. The puppy races away and she follows him to her own peril. When she gets to him, she finds herself stuck on a spit, now surrounded by water, and is trapped. Thankfully, Thunder, with a few more elephants come to her rescue, in doing so, Thunder gets trapped in the currents of the water, but his helpful friend, Jennetta Blue, an African butterfly comes to his aid by signaling the elephants for help. He is saved, but his new companion, Soma, the rhino, is killed when the storm topples a tree onto her. Mosi, the farmer watched the elephants save his daughter and can’t bring himself to shoot them. He drops the gun and it floats down the river.

Throughout Thunders journey he learns the most important elephant lessons to belong to a lifetime herd patience, wisdom, strength and remembrance

Thunder and his friends pay their respects to Soma, before helping Thunder reunite with the herd and his mother .The great African legend “Wena Wizulu and Wena indlovu” – Shaka was called the “Great Elephant in the sky the prophecy of the jungle is fulfilled by the great spirit elephant in the heavens when thunders great quest, of bringing humans/ uprights and animals of the land together in peace for just one moment in time The arc copy I reviewed from the publisher was wonderful the illustrations are amazing this novel by Erik Shein will be a classic in years to come, PS you may need a box of tissues on this read, stories like this come once in life time a must for your middle grade and young adult member of the family, parents and grandparents too!

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thunder: An Elephant’s Journey by author Erik Daniel Shein is a cute children’s book that should please young readers and educate them on animal struggles in the rainforest in a non-threatening way. Thunder, a young elephant with a huge heart, gets separated from his mother and his elephant herd. Along the way back to find his mother, Thunder meets various animals in the rainforest, including a friendly butterfly, talking monkeys, Penelope the Parrot, a flamingo, bats, egrets, and a rhinoceros. All of Thunder’s animal friends have distinct personalities and fun voices. Through these animals and Thunder’s own adventures, children will learn important lessons about life and friendships.

There is, however, a more serious side to Thunder: An Elephant’s Journey that takes a look at illegal poaching and endangerment of animals. Also touched on is the decaying rainforest and the loss of the vast beauty of that environment. Drago the Poacher is always behind Thunder, and a few times, he almost catches the elephant and his friends. There is always a question about the safety of the animals, but author Erik Daniel Shein keeps the balance just right for young readers. There is an obvious point here about animal endangerment and the dangers of the rainforest, but it is light in most cases, and should please and educate readers in the intended age group. I recommend this book!

[Mary Nickum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC for Thunder an Elephants Journey, the novel. I read it and was immediately in love with the main character, Thunder, a pygmy elephant and his clan. The poaching made my blood boil. How could such innocent species be captured and/or killed just for being available? This needs to be made into a movie to tell the world this is happening to many species that are in decline, threatened or in danger of extinction. Thunder would make an excellent mascot for a movement against poaching, with the movie as the verbal message.

[Elizabeth Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thunder is brought into the world on a stormy night with his herd surrounding him and his Mother. I think the authors beautifully captured the emotions that elephants have been proven to feel in regards to each other.

As Thunder grows older, he and his herd face danger which leads to Thunder's journey to be reunited with his Mother. Along the way he meets other species, making new friends.

I highly recommend this book for others to read. I experienced a wide range of emotions as I experienced Thunder's journey along with him.

[Kiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will cheer and cry happy tears at the end

Thunder an Elephants Journey is a story of loss, love hope and redemption and this type of story is so rare in middle grade fiction my kids and I choked up on several occasions, but it's important to teach our children the power of books. The story will make you think and maybe want to change the world for the better. This novel will become a classic in the company of such greats as charlotte’s web, hope to learn more about this author in the future.

[Mercedes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trials and Tribulations and Amazing Story

There comes a time, when a book relates to some of the issues and emotions. You are facing in daily life abandonment loss hope believing but have ever thought in a million years animals may face the same emotions, and experience some of the same things humans do this book will make you think some of these animals may experience the same emotions as we do Erik Shein does a brilliant job showing you this though Thunder and his unlikely friends eye a powerful story and amazing book get a copy for yourself when it comes out.

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful and sad story of unconditional love!
I received an Advanced reader copy from the publishers mailing list. Thunder an elephant journey is a masterful blend of whimsy, humor, gentle satire, and life-and-death drama, I cried when Soma passed, this happens every day in Africa, and when Thunder reunited with his mother was priceless its make you wonder how important family is, and how good friends are like guardian Angels going to look for other books by Erik Shein recommended grades levels 3 to 8.

[Elissa Daye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has the feels! If you love animals and their hilarious personalities, you will love this book. I absolutely fell in love with Soma, the rhino, and her protective gloomy personality. She is jaded by the world. Thunder is her complete opposite. Positive, innocent, upbeat, and brave. This is a book that children of all ages will love. Even those that are kids at heart. Definitely recommend!

[Rosemary Hendry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about an elephant who lived happily in the jungle with many other animals Thunder learns many things as he is separated from his family . Through out this story you see how he faces many things in search of his mother. It tells of poachers and a girl that is in danger trying tosave her dog. This is a tear jerker book but I think a very good one to read with children. the writing is awesome in this book

[Clarissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pigmy Elephants are so amazing!!
I received an advanced readers copy form the publisher being a parent of 2 daughters ages 5 and 7 we try to do story time as much as we can, they really loved this book and googled Pigmy elephants we never knew they were even real how cute are they half the size of a African elephant the story is so accurate even The surfing hippo, we do not know hippos enjoy the ocean and the beach, A must read for all ages!!

[Madisyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a lesson in this book and a powerful message!!
Elephants are disappearing because of human greed and selfishness. Thunder the pigmy elephant can become the mascot for stop poaching all together. There are powerful messages of love hope and to let go of your fears in this book, the lesson is look around you and do not take anything in your life for granted or it can be taken away in a blink of an eye!!! Recommended!!!

[Izabella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pigmy Elephants are so amazing!!

I received an advanced readers copy form the publisher being a parent of 2 daughters ages 5 and 7 we try to do story time as much as we can, they really loved this book and googled Pigmy elephants. we never knew they were even real how cute are they half the size of a African elephant the story is so accurate even The surfing hippo, we do not know hippos enjoy the ocean and the beach, A must read for all ages!!

[Lesly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great original Story!!

This Novel is a life learner, it teaches challenges lessons and is highly impressive with dialogue, humor, and strong family values. You feel like you are there going through. Thunders ups and downs, and feeling his emotions, I enjoyed this book!! Going to ass it to my reader’s collection when it comes out!!

[Hayden · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will experience all emotions in this book!
When Thunders family was poached I needed a box of tissues. This is the kind of book that you hold to your heart when you finish it and then place reverently on a shelf to await the next reading. It is the kind of book that you will treasure and recommend to others.... this book is for everyone.

[Kiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Wonderful book!

Elephants never forget, but they do forgive! We all make choices in life the story is written though the eyes and emotions of the animals this book makes you think of what is happening in your daily life, and what is most important. A must for any reader’s collection.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful story. The characters come alive with personality. I've always been fond of animal stories told from the animals POV and this one doesn't disappoint.

[Susan Ritter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a beautiful story! Love, adventure, suspense, and some sadness. The author takes you into a wonderful world of characters. I also thought the illustrations were amazing!

[Marion Marchetto · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first glance this is the story of a young elephant who is separated from his herd by poachers. It recounts his daring escape and subsequent adventures as he tries to return to his mother. Throughout his journey he teams up with a chatty parrot (Penelope), a jaded rhino named Soma, and three egrets named Cedric, Sydney, and Persius. Together the group encounters all kinds of odd characters while avoiding the uprights (humans).

Below the surface story, however, is where the true story lies. Adults will appreciate the manner in which the authors mix the real world with the fantasy. They give their characters human characteristics that are easy to identify. The underlying issues of poaching, killing for ivory or other animal body parts, is a sensitive one and I would recommend that parents approach these subjects with their children before reading the book. May not be suitable for younger children. Older children (10+ years) might be better suited to this story.

I would love to see a well-known movie studio adapt these books (there are 4 of them translated into many languages) into movies. Their message is universal: why can’t we peacefully coexist? The story is so well written that I didn’t want to put it down.

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thunder An Elephant’s Journey, is a book about animals so if you’re an animal lover this book is perfect for you. This book is about an elephant named Thunder who has to go on a journey to find his parents. On the way he meets some friends. One of them is a Rhino named Soma. The other is a parrot named Penelope. But he also meets some unfriendly people one person in particular who wants to sell him for money.
My opinion on this book is that it is a family book to read. This book teaches us a lesson that sometimes we need to persevere through the hard things. I think that this book also shows us that we should reach out to make new friends because you never knew when you’re going to need help like Thunder didn’t know that he would need help on his journey but with his friend he got through the hard parts of his journey and is off in his second and third book to find his herd.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended reading for all ages

Note: I'm not your typical kids book reader.

Review:
I enjoyed reading this book. The friendships created were easy and plentiful, much like how children make friends. There were the happiest of moments, scary moments, and very sad moments. This book takes you through all of the emotions. Yes, I even caught myself sniffling and needing a tissue.

While reading this tale, I kept picturing the animals talking to each other in cartoon form in my head. I hope this becomes a new favorite in everyone's home -- on book and DVD.

Thunder was my favorite character. Frederick was probably my least favorite. Soma was my second favorite for her honesty and vulnerability.

Recommended read.

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was super excited that I received this through a giveaway because elephants are my favorite animals and I thought it would be a good book to read to the little ones for bedtime. But I thought this book was okay. I felt it read more of an lower middle grade book. Not sure how the older kids would like reading it. I like that the story brings some awareness when it comes to the elephants and poaching. I liked the general idea of the story.
I had issues with it too. I didn’t like how it jumped or skipped what happened. For example, what happened with Soma. I still don’t know when that happened or why. I didn’t like how only half the animals were more animated. Think of the animals behavior/functions of an animated movie while the other half (bigger animals) didn’t. It was a little weird and disappointing that all the animals didn’t act all the same.

-More importantly my 8 year old thought it was good. He felt the book was humorous, sad, and happy.

[Felix · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reasons I didn't like this book: 1. the writing was poor. 2. The words goofy grin were repeated like five times. 3. We don't know what happens with the poachers, they are mentioned a couple of times and never brought up again. 4. The animals don't act like animals, they act like people. 5. The characters didn't have much personality. So, obviously I didn't like it very much, but maybe some people will.

[Michelle Mauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a cute story. Not only does it tell you the dangers in Africa, but also that friends don't always have to be the same. Yes, this story is for children, BUT I think adults should read it also. We tend to forget that differences is what makes friends even better.

The characters are animals, but they are funny! We all need to laugh!! I will encourage everyone to read this story!!

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is simply an incredible narrative through the eyes of an elephant. With great insight into the issues facing elephants and the ways in which humans intersect those issues is absolutely incredibly written for children just being introduced to the issues of endangered species, conservation, and environmental consciousness.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a fabulous "animal lit" read! Middle Grade kiddos and their parents will love Thunder and his story. Teaching kids about conservation and animal rights through this lovely first-person animal perspective story is so important, and families and educators alike will enjoy Thunder. I look forward to the two other books coming out in this trilogy!

[Emz3000 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice narration with colourful characters telling us the story of a baby elephant called Thunder. We discover the African forest through his eyes and steps as he meets new animals on the quest to find his mother. An entertaining read to approach real life issues such illegal poaching with your little ones.