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Nandu #1
What Elephants Know
Abandoned in the jungle of the Nepalese Borderlands, two-year-old Nandu is found living under the protective watch of a pack of wild dogs. From his mysterious beginnings, fate delivers him to the King's elephant stable, where he is raised by unlikely parents-the wise head of the stable, Subba-sahib, and Devi Kali, a fierce and affectionate female elephant.
When the king's government threatens to close the stable, Nandu, now twelve, searches for a way to save his family and community. A plan to reinvent the elephant stable could be the answer. But to succeed, they'll need a great tusker. Their future is in Nandu's hands as he sets out to find a bull elephant and bring him back to the Borderlands.
In simple poetic prose, author Eric Dinerstein brings to life Nepal's breathtaking jungle wildlife and rural culture, as seen through the eyes of a young outcast, struggling to find his place in the world.
When the king's government threatens to close the stable, Nandu, now twelve, searches for a way to save his family and community. A plan to reinvent the elephant stable could be the answer. But to succeed, they'll need a great tusker. Their future is in Nandu's hands as he sets out to find a bull elephant and bring him back to the Borderlands.
In simple poetic prose, author Eric Dinerstein brings to life Nepal's breathtaking jungle wildlife and rural culture, as seen through the eyes of a young outcast, struggling to find his place in the world.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published May 17, 2016
66 people are currently reading
1362 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews
November 15, 2016
Fourth & fifth grade students across Berkeley are telling me that What Elephants Know is the best book they've read all year. They feel like they're right alongside Nandu as he rides his elephant Devi Kali into the jungle of Nepal. Kids are responding to this as an adventure story, a call to action and a window to a different part of our world.
Readers are drawn into this world, identifying with Nandu as he struggles to save the elephant stables and home he loves. Dinerstein, the former chief scientist for the World Wildlife Fund, lived near the national parks of Bardia and Chitwan in Nepal for many years studying tiger populations. He brings an intimate knowledge of this region to this story. Yet the story does not come across as didactic or informational; Dinerstein successfully keeps the focus on Nandu's coming of age and discovery of his own power.
My students relate to Nandu's experiences of prejudice and his determination to help animals, both threatened wild species and an ill-treated elephant. Baba, a Buddhist holy man, helps give Nandu perspective:
Readers are drawn into this world, identifying with Nandu as he struggles to save the elephant stables and home he loves. Dinerstein, the former chief scientist for the World Wildlife Fund, lived near the national parks of Bardia and Chitwan in Nepal for many years studying tiger populations. He brings an intimate knowledge of this region to this story. Yet the story does not come across as didactic or informational; Dinerstein successfully keeps the focus on Nandu's coming of age and discovery of his own power.
My students relate to Nandu's experiences of prejudice and his determination to help animals, both threatened wild species and an ill-treated elephant. Baba, a Buddhist holy man, helps give Nandu perspective:
"A question I sometimes ask myself: ‘When to act on what you see and when to accept what you see around you? I do not know the answer to this question. What I do know, Nandu, is that you had the courage to act.’" (p. 175)
July 22, 2016
WHAT ELEPHANTS KNOW by Eric Dinerstein tells the compelling story of a boy living in the Nepalese Borderlands.
Abandoned as a toddler, Nandu grows up in the King’s elephant stable. When the government threatens to shut down their operation, twelve-year-old Nandu must convince his adopted father to turn the stable into an elephant breeding center. Along the way, Nandu faces issues of political corruption, cultural identity, environmental ethics, and social justice.
Dinerstein’s beautiful prose brings a fascinating array of supporting characters to life including a nurturing mentor and caring elephant. Readers will be engrossed with the heartwarming tale from beginning to end.
Written for a middle grade audience, librarians will find this book has a number of audiences including animal lovers, history fans, and those who enjoy stories set in other cultures.
This “out of the ordinary” story of human connections with the environment in a far-off land is a refreshing break from mainstream children’s literature.
Published by Disney-Hyperion on May 17, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.
Abandoned as a toddler, Nandu grows up in the King’s elephant stable. When the government threatens to shut down their operation, twelve-year-old Nandu must convince his adopted father to turn the stable into an elephant breeding center. Along the way, Nandu faces issues of political corruption, cultural identity, environmental ethics, and social justice.
Dinerstein’s beautiful prose brings a fascinating array of supporting characters to life including a nurturing mentor and caring elephant. Readers will be engrossed with the heartwarming tale from beginning to end.
Written for a middle grade audience, librarians will find this book has a number of audiences including animal lovers, history fans, and those who enjoy stories set in other cultures.
This “out of the ordinary” story of human connections with the environment in a far-off land is a refreshing break from mainstream children’s literature.
Published by Disney-Hyperion on May 17, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.
June 10, 2016
This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 5.0 of 5
I read/review approximately 200 books a year but very few of them are as simply beautiful as What Elephants Know, by Eric Dinerstein.
Nandu is a child, abandoned in the jungle of the Borderlands of Nepal and watched over by a pack of wild dogs. He is found and raised by Subba-sahib, the head of one of the King's elephant stables, and by Devi Kali - a protective, affectionate female elephant.
The story follows Nandu as rises to be one of the best elephant guides, despite his very young age. When Subba-sahib sends him away to school he learns how much of an outsider he really is, despite a wealth of knowledge of the natural world. And when the King announces that He can no longer support multiple elephant stables and that the Borderlands stable where Nandu has grown up will be shut down in a years time, Nandu and h=is stable family must convince the King of another plan, or face a bleak future.
This story of a young man trying to find his place in the world, located in a part of the world that is so completely foreign to most of us, is tremendously powerful because the nature of humans and our desire to find our place in the world resonates across territorial borders and transcends class status. It is a timeless tale and will likely be read for many generations to come (or it should, at least).
There are a great many similarities to Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book, and Dinerstein recognizes this and pays homage to it by bringing the work directly into his story, which is quite wise - letting the reader know he is treading on some sacred literary ground.
Part of what is so powerful about this book is the nature of the first person writing. The story is told from Nandu's perspective and it spends a lot of time in places that are important to him and skips over things that he might naturally ignore to get to a different part of his story. What I mean is: this reads perfectly like a personal memoir. More than I once, I will admit, I looked up the book on the internet, while reading it, to verify that this was a work of fiction. I truly expected (wanted?) it to be a true story. Nandu and the people and animals in his life are so well-defined that I still, as I write this, wouldn't be at all surprised to attend a book signing and meet everyone described in the book.
It is only May (of 2016) as I write this and I've read some very good books this year, but this one rises to the top. This should become recommended reading for every fifth-grader and up for years to come. This should be a clear favorite for the coveted Newbery Award (though I've often been disappointed with the award in the past decade, so it will come as no surprise to me if a work as wonderful as this is over-looked).
This is a great summer read for vacationers and if you miss it this summer, enjoy it this fall!
Looking for a good book? Do yourself a favor and read Eric Dinerstein's What Elephants Know, then buy a second copy to give to a friend (because you won't want to give yours away).
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
I read/review approximately 200 books a year but very few of them are as simply beautiful as What Elephants Know, by Eric Dinerstein.
Nandu is a child, abandoned in the jungle of the Borderlands of Nepal and watched over by a pack of wild dogs. He is found and raised by Subba-sahib, the head of one of the King's elephant stables, and by Devi Kali - a protective, affectionate female elephant.
The story follows Nandu as rises to be one of the best elephant guides, despite his very young age. When Subba-sahib sends him away to school he learns how much of an outsider he really is, despite a wealth of knowledge of the natural world. And when the King announces that He can no longer support multiple elephant stables and that the Borderlands stable where Nandu has grown up will be shut down in a years time, Nandu and h=is stable family must convince the King of another plan, or face a bleak future.
This story of a young man trying to find his place in the world, located in a part of the world that is so completely foreign to most of us, is tremendously powerful because the nature of humans and our desire to find our place in the world resonates across territorial borders and transcends class status. It is a timeless tale and will likely be read for many generations to come (or it should, at least).
There are a great many similarities to Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book, and Dinerstein recognizes this and pays homage to it by bringing the work directly into his story, which is quite wise - letting the reader know he is treading on some sacred literary ground.
Part of what is so powerful about this book is the nature of the first person writing. The story is told from Nandu's perspective and it spends a lot of time in places that are important to him and skips over things that he might naturally ignore to get to a different part of his story. What I mean is: this reads perfectly like a personal memoir. More than I once, I will admit, I looked up the book on the internet, while reading it, to verify that this was a work of fiction. I truly expected (wanted?) it to be a true story. Nandu and the people and animals in his life are so well-defined that I still, as I write this, wouldn't be at all surprised to attend a book signing and meet everyone described in the book.
It is only May (of 2016) as I write this and I've read some very good books this year, but this one rises to the top. This should become recommended reading for every fifth-grader and up for years to come. This should be a clear favorite for the coveted Newbery Award (though I've often been disappointed with the award in the past decade, so it will come as no surprise to me if a work as wonderful as this is over-looked).
This is a great summer read for vacationers and if you miss it this summer, enjoy it this fall!
Looking for a good book? Do yourself a favor and read Eric Dinerstein's What Elephants Know, then buy a second copy to give to a friend (because you won't want to give yours away).
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
January 28, 2016
I have to say that having met Eric, at a pre-publication dinner, I can no longer be objective about this book. It was a privilege to meet him and I am filled with gratitude for his work and his desire to share his love with the younger generation. This is a charming, story of a young boy in Nepal in the 70s and his efforts to save his adoptive father's elephant stable. Somewhat reminiscent of Alexander McCall Smith, the author's love of and respect for the setting, wildlife and local characters is evident and extremely enjoyable. He has a deep understanding of, and ability to reconnect with, the deep love that children have with nature, and this is key to the charm of the book. Though slightly episodic, there's plenty of action to counterbalance the ultimately charming formality of the narrative style. (The characters are by nature of their time, place and language more formal.) The narrative ends up feeling so authentic it reads like a genuine memoir. There are plenty of young animal-lovers and would be naturalists who will be entranced and want to live this tale. Eric's desire: that they educate themselves on the issues surrounding elephant, tiger and other conservation, that they write to their congress representatives, that they use social media, try and visit animals in the wild and campaign to reinstate the ivory ban. The book doesn't read in any way like an agenda driven book, far from it, but no one can read it and not want to know more about how to conserve the animals and plants that he writes about so beautifully.
January 6, 2022
Another one of those tug-at-your-heart animal books. The story takes place in the Nepalese Borderlands. Young Nandu was abandoned in the jungle and raised by wild dogs until Subba-sahib and Devi Kali found him. Now, he lives and works at the King's elephant stable. He has a passion for the elephants, especially Devi Kali, and when the government threatens to close down the stable, Nandu must think of a way to save the only home he's ever known.
Find it today: https://ent.sharelibraries.info/clien...
Jayme A. / Milton Public Library #CheckOutMPL
Find it today: https://ent.sharelibraries.info/clien...
Jayme A. / Milton Public Library #CheckOutMPL
October 23, 2016
I had a horrible time getting into this book. It was nothing like I expected, and I found it very slow to progress and the characters fairly bland. It did really pick up about halfway through, and from that point on I did quite enjoy the tale. The characters, for the most part, did not ever grow, but I did end up pretty attached to the main character. the ending was optimistic, which I appreciated, but it wasn't as conclusive as I would have liked. Too much like real life, I guess. *sigh*
October 23, 2016
""My dear friend," he had said, "there is nothing to be gained by dwelling on what is past, or worrying about what may or may not come to pass. All we have is this moment right in front of us. It is precious, and the more you stay present, the more peace you will feel in your heart."" (pg 268)
August 14, 2017
A boy abandoned in the jungle tries to make his way as an elephant rider and student. A good reminder that family takes all forms. Inspirational and heartfelt story. It will stick with you. Could almost be several stories, but all blends together seamlessly. Author's note at the end of the book gives information about his background/experience. Recommended for grades 5+ due to some violent content. (Audiobook)
April 5, 2016
this is a delightful novel probably meant for a middle-grade audience but I enjoyed it nonetheless. reading this book was like spending a few days in an exotic different place- namely, Nepal. I really just loved everything about this book. it was a refreshingly perfect escape from daily life :)
July 17, 2016
A great coming of age book set in jungles of Nepal. Also great book for all ages to learn about elephants and culture and conservation of this region. Fan's of Rudyard Kipling's Jungle Book would enjoy this. Great for grades 4 and older.
April 21, 2019
What Elephants Know was an AMAZING realistic fiction book! I picked up the book initially because I have always had a love for elephants and their mannerisms and just how beautiful of creatures they are and I am so glad that I did. Before even beginning the book, I already was drawn in by the map that they included of the area where the story takes place, Nepal. I have never really been great with geography so it helped with me getting my bearings before and during the reading. Dinerstein made me feel connected with to not only the characters throughout the novel but also the beautiful elephants. Nandu's story made me happy, sad, frustrated and intrigued and all these emotions lead to me almost never putting the book down. It left me wanting to learn even more about elephants and left me with a greater appreciation for those who take care of them. I would highly recommend this book to not only the children that may fall underneath this interest/reading level but anyone who has a want to learn about a new culture and potentially a new animal. Also if you are a fan of The Jungle Book, this book might be right up your alley!
One of the other reasons that I picked up this book is because Jane Goodall's recommendation was right on the cover. I think that this book would be great to include as an enrichment text for those who may be working on an autobiography/ biography about Jane Goodall. This book also ties well into the theme of conservation and protecting natural resources. I would use this as a read aloud after teaching my students about these topics and it serves as a good read aloud because the book includes many words that those in Nepal use and students may get stuck up on the pronunciation and definition of these words.
One of the other reasons that I picked up this book is because Jane Goodall's recommendation was right on the cover. I think that this book would be great to include as an enrichment text for those who may be working on an autobiography/ biography about Jane Goodall. This book also ties well into the theme of conservation and protecting natural resources. I would use this as a read aloud after teaching my students about these topics and it serves as a good read aloud because the book includes many words that those in Nepal use and students may get stuck up on the pronunciation and definition of these words.
July 4, 2019
Although the book starts off a bit slow with little indication of where the plot is going, the story soon blooms into a magical journey that takes the reader through the jungles of Nepal, feeling as though every animal encountered is destined to be a beloved friend. Not only was I able to learn significant amounts about Nepalese wildlife but it was fascinating to read about the lives and relationships between elephant drivers and their elephants.
Nandu, an eleven-year-old boy and the main character, is very accurately represented in his child like qualities, but as one who is wise beyond his years. He is an inspiring character who makes you want to stand up and fight for those who are unable to fight for themselves.
It is a bit dense for children's literature, but explanations and descriptions are detailed and mostly friendly in terms of language for children. A worthwhile read for animal lovers, nature enthusiasts, and those who appreciate genuine truth and honesty that is hard to come by in our world.
Nandu, an eleven-year-old boy and the main character, is very accurately represented in his child like qualities, but as one who is wise beyond his years. He is an inspiring character who makes you want to stand up and fight for those who are unable to fight for themselves.
It is a bit dense for children's literature, but explanations and descriptions are detailed and mostly friendly in terms of language for children. A worthwhile read for animal lovers, nature enthusiasts, and those who appreciate genuine truth and honesty that is hard to come by in our world.
October 16, 2020
This atmospheric tale pulled on all my elephant-loving heartstrings!
Lyrically written with a beautiful sense of place, I felt like I was in the jungles of Nepal with Nandu. Many moments were skillfully paced, keeping me in suspense, but always with a general languidness as much of the story focused on the day-to-day life at an elephant stable. Nandu, as a character, was well fleshed out and the elephants had personality but I did want to delve more into some of the other characters (like Rita).
All that said, I would imagine this would be a harder sell for most kids. Books with faster plots and exciting premises are always easier to talk up and have a broader appeal. This would be best for a thoughtful kid who enjoys character-driven stories and might want to immerse themselves in another part of the world for a little bit.... or who just love elephants like me!
Lyrically written with a beautiful sense of place, I felt like I was in the jungles of Nepal with Nandu. Many moments were skillfully paced, keeping me in suspense, but always with a general languidness as much of the story focused on the day-to-day life at an elephant stable. Nandu, as a character, was well fleshed out and the elephants had personality but I did want to delve more into some of the other characters (like Rita).
All that said, I would imagine this would be a harder sell for most kids. Books with faster plots and exciting premises are always easier to talk up and have a broader appeal. This would be best for a thoughtful kid who enjoys character-driven stories and might want to immerse themselves in another part of the world for a little bit.... or who just love elephants like me!
April 4, 2025
This is a wonderful coming of age story set in the borderlands between Nepal and India in a culture most of us know nothing about. I love learning about Elephants and this imagined story is a great way to learn. It is lyrical and magical and yet also shows the harshness of life there. This is a wonderful read for any reader, but probably from 4th grade and up.
“... there is nothing to be gained by dwelling on what is past, or worrying about what may or may not come to pass. All we have is this moment right in front of us. It is precious, and the more you stay present, the more peace you will feel in your heart.”
“... there is nothing to be gained by dwelling on what is past, or worrying about what may or may not come to pass. All we have is this moment right in front of us. It is precious, and the more you stay present, the more peace you will feel in your heart.”
June 15, 2017
In my opinion, this is an amazing novel for middle grades. The plot is a heartfelt story about a little boy named Nandu. He is found in the jungle at a very young age of 2 and taken in. Therefore, he is often looked at as an outside within his community. He's raised taking care and riding elephants at the King's stable. When the King comes for his annual hunt Nandu stops him from killing a specific tiger. Even though Nandu wasn't wrong with his choice to stop the king's actions many people of the community resent him for his actions. The king left without killing a male tiger which resulted in him threatening to shut down the stable Nandu resides at. It's up to Nandu and his friend Dilly to purchase a tusker to turn their stable into a breeding ground for elephants. This is their last hope and keeping the elephants and not being shut down by the king. This novel is a coming to age story. The main character develops throughout the novel finding his way into the community. His actions and intelligence save the stable from being shut down by the king. In addition, this book contains many references to important terms based on the region its written in. I think this book has many life lessons to offer students. It teaches them the beauty of the Napeal jungle and the conservation of the elephants. Also, it touches on science by describing the process of life.
December 5, 2017
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves learning about the past and people who love elephants. The main character is an elephant other than the boy. This book takes place in the past because it is when cars are first being introduced to the world.
November 14, 2022
I don't think I'll ever forget this book. The main character builds deep relationships with minor characters making them real and lovable. Some of these characters are elephants which are terrifying and also loyal. An elephant hug would be nice, but hard to earn.
August 11, 2018
A wonderful story! I was totally caught up in Nandu's story, and loved the Nepal setting and learning more about the majestic elephant and their role there. Cool Jungle Book connection, too.
October 20, 2017
Really, really lovely. It definitely could have felt like a direct ripoff of The Jungle Book and the Elephants' Dance, but there was enough originality that it felt more like a nice homage and an excellent addition to the genre.
May 19, 2022
I found this book on the 2017 Notable Children’s Books List for Older Readers. What Elephants Know is also the 2017 winner of the South Asia Book Award. This novel is about a young boy named Nandu who was originally discovered living amongst wild dogs as an infant. The subba-sahib, a highly respected elephant trainer of a Royal Elephant farm, discovers Nandu and adopts him. Nandu is raised amongst the elephants in the jungle on the Borderlands of Nepal and builds a great sense of love and respect for his jungle and one particular elephant, Devi Kali who he considers to be his mother. The book then follows Nandu on a series of events, which are all exciting to read. The synopsis of the story leads readers to believe he will be going on a mission to save his elephant farm, but there are many other events that take place. This was a little misleading, but shouldn't deter readers from enjoying Nandu's experiences.
This story is a powerful story to help readers understand the culture in Nepal and living in the jungle of the Borderlands. Nandu’s love and knowledge of the jungle not only teaches readers many facts about his culture, but also moves us to emotionally connect with his way of life. Eric Dinerstein, the author of this story, does an excellent job of incorporating language and names specific to this region of Nepal. These added details make the story more real for its readers, too. TeachingBooks.net recommends this novel for students in grades 4-8, but I wouldn’t recommend this story for students younger than 6th grade. I highly recommend this book for older readers because there are some age sensitive topics briefly mentioned once the farm acquired their male elephant and must prepare the farm for breeding.
A search on Google and using my personal experience with the story showed various valuable learning activities to conduct with students. The culture specific vocabulary and the research that can be done to learn more about these terms is a great activity for students to build an understanding of different cultures. The book also can be used across curriculums to teach students about the Borderlands region of Nepal, which is where this story takes place. I also think there are plenty of opportunities to study the characters and how they change and develop over a series of life-changing events. For example, students can engage in an excellent discussion over what finally made subba-sahib call Nandu “son”. These are just a few examples. Overall, I think this is an enjoyable book to share with students.
This story is a powerful story to help readers understand the culture in Nepal and living in the jungle of the Borderlands. Nandu’s love and knowledge of the jungle not only teaches readers many facts about his culture, but also moves us to emotionally connect with his way of life. Eric Dinerstein, the author of this story, does an excellent job of incorporating language and names specific to this region of Nepal. These added details make the story more real for its readers, too. TeachingBooks.net recommends this novel for students in grades 4-8, but I wouldn’t recommend this story for students younger than 6th grade. I highly recommend this book for older readers because there are some age sensitive topics briefly mentioned once the farm acquired their male elephant and must prepare the farm for breeding.
A search on Google and using my personal experience with the story showed various valuable learning activities to conduct with students. The culture specific vocabulary and the research that can be done to learn more about these terms is a great activity for students to build an understanding of different cultures. The book also can be used across curriculums to teach students about the Borderlands region of Nepal, which is where this story takes place. I also think there are plenty of opportunities to study the characters and how they change and develop over a series of life-changing events. For example, students can engage in an excellent discussion over what finally made subba-sahib call Nandu “son”. These are just a few examples. Overall, I think this is an enjoyable book to share with students.
February 6, 2017
Twelve-year-old Nandu is an assistant elephant driver at the king’s stable in the Borderlands of Nepal. When the government threatens to close the stable, he decides to find a way to save his community’s livelihood and his adopted family from hardship. The solution forces Nandu to leave his jungle haven and enter the urban world, where he and the reader learn about a wider cross-section of Nepalese culture. Although exotic at first glance, Nepal turns out to be a multicultural and hierarchical society that reflects life in the United States on many levels.
“My mother is an elephant and my father is an old man with one arm. Strange, I know, but true.” The novel begins with an intriguing hook that introduces Nandu as a foundling who has been raised by a hodgepodge of caring people and creatures. As an outsider, he has a heightened need to belong and struggles to find his place in the community. Likewise, many middle-graders will relate to this social challenge from their own efforts to fit in at school. And Nandu’s quest to discover his past origins and establish an identity is both universal and captivating.
Beautifully written, Eric Dinerstein’s story is as textured and interesting as its Nepalese setting. The hero’s relationships are complex and touching, giving the reader pause to reconsider and appreciate one’s own. The novel goes on to examine our interconnection with the natural world in a nuanced way that takes into consideration economic demands along with the urgent necessity of biological survival. The ethical questions posed, however, are deftly integrated into the lives of these lovable and believable characters and are explored through an action-packed plot that keeps the pages turning.
“My mother is an elephant and my father is an old man with one arm. Strange, I know, but true.” The novel begins with an intriguing hook that introduces Nandu as a foundling who has been raised by a hodgepodge of caring people and creatures. As an outsider, he has a heightened need to belong and struggles to find his place in the community. Likewise, many middle-graders will relate to this social challenge from their own efforts to fit in at school. And Nandu’s quest to discover his past origins and establish an identity is both universal and captivating.
Beautifully written, Eric Dinerstein’s story is as textured and interesting as its Nepalese setting. The hero’s relationships are complex and touching, giving the reader pause to reconsider and appreciate one’s own. The novel goes on to examine our interconnection with the natural world in a nuanced way that takes into consideration economic demands along with the urgent necessity of biological survival. The ethical questions posed, however, are deftly integrated into the lives of these lovable and believable characters and are explored through an action-packed plot that keeps the pages turning.
August 11, 2018
This book grew on me. The first third of the book I thought was good, not great. It could be I was a little overwhelmed. The setting is very different, Nepal. There are a lot of words that are unknown and honestly, it all feels a bit clunky. The setting, the culture, the names. So much new information to take in. You have to work hard and I suppose I was being a bit lazy to be honest.
Once I delivered my full attention my interest grew. I hope readers stick with this book and give it the chance it deserves. It's really quite an exciting adventure and a great opportunity to learn about a new culture and way of life.
How many students can say they know what's it's like to ride an elephant or to live in the jungle? Aside from these wonderful perks, it's a story you can root for. The main character is an orphan who is struggling to find his place in the world. He doesn't feel like he belongs anywhere. He is trying to find his purpose in a world that believes he is unworthy.
I would suggest that you listen even for just a few chapters to the audiobook. It will help you get a feel for the names and other vocabularies in the book. Also, you might skip to the glossary at the end and read over some of the words. That way when you come across them in the text you'll remember what they mean or at least that you saw it and you can go look it up again.
I think I enjoyed the second half of the book more than the first half. Pay attention to the timeframe. I think because it's a very rural area you might think this is a historical tale from long ago but if you pay attention I think you will find differently.
Happy Reading!
Once I delivered my full attention my interest grew. I hope readers stick with this book and give it the chance it deserves. It's really quite an exciting adventure and a great opportunity to learn about a new culture and way of life.
How many students can say they know what's it's like to ride an elephant or to live in the jungle? Aside from these wonderful perks, it's a story you can root for. The main character is an orphan who is struggling to find his place in the world. He doesn't feel like he belongs anywhere. He is trying to find his purpose in a world that believes he is unworthy.
I would suggest that you listen even for just a few chapters to the audiobook. It will help you get a feel for the names and other vocabularies in the book. Also, you might skip to the glossary at the end and read over some of the words. That way when you come across them in the text you'll remember what they mean or at least that you saw it and you can go look it up again.
I think I enjoyed the second half of the book more than the first half. Pay attention to the timeframe. I think because it's a very rural area you might think this is a historical tale from long ago but if you pay attention I think you will find differently.
Happy Reading!
April 28, 2022
So, what do elephants know? I am not sure. Nandu, the main character is pretty cool stuff. He is the smartest kid in school. He is the only one who knows the best way to drive elephants. Even when he is thrown in prison, he is loudly declaring his innocence (which he was innocent and I am still confused why he ended up there? Was that part of the story supposed to be a statement about racial discrimination?) He is the only one who can save the elephant compound. He thinks he knows how to buy an elephant, but actually doesn't. He finds the best tusker, but of course he does (and the elephant ends up being his brother, literally because his mother was an elephant). A few things that this book lacks are humility, a well-written character development, a moral, a clear conflict and resolution, and a captivating story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2017
We listened to this with my 7 and 10 year olds as a family audiobook on our summer vacation drive. We were all riveted as Eric Dinerstein brought the Nepali cultures, land, wildlife, elephants and his characters vividly to life in an intricate and well-told story.
Gets the kids out of America in their minds and to a vastly different way of life. My husband lived for a year in Nepal and for him the book was full of places and experiences from his past as well.
I think this ranks up there to be considered a new classic children's book.
Cannot recommend it enough!
Gets the kids out of America in their minds and to a vastly different way of life. My husband lived for a year in Nepal and for him the book was full of places and experiences from his past as well.
I think this ranks up there to be considered a new classic children's book.
Cannot recommend it enough!
August 15, 2016
This is a lyrical and enchanting adventure story of twelve year old Nandu and his efforts to save his family's elephant stable, the only home he's ever known. I learned a lot about elephants and the jungle of the Nepalese borderlands and would definitely recommend this book to young readers.
November 9, 2020
I think it was fine but pretty basic.
February 23, 2020
One of my 6th-grade students not only recommended this book, but he also lent me his copy. His elementary school teacher used this book as a read aloud and kids loved it. So, let's start there: we want kids to read and kids love this book, so points in its favor.
Nandu is eleven years old and he has a low-level job at an elephant stable in Nepal. He's a natural with the elephants and is especially connected to an elephant named Devi Kali, who he thinks of as his mother. Nandu was rescued from the Nepalese jungle as a two-year-old, probably abandoned by his parents and raised, Jungle Book style, by dhole - wild dogs. I guess he is Tibetan? It's unclear. In any case, the head of the local elephant stable takes Nandu in and raises him as his own.
One day a representative of the king comes to the stable for a tiger hunt. Nandu guides his elephant and, just when the dude is going to shoot the tiger, Nandu calls out, distracting him and saving the tiger. Things go downhill for Nandu and the whole stable from there.
Hijinks ensue. There's the wicked Forest Conservator, an injured rhino baby, pressure to close the stable, boarding school bullying, slingshots, some robbers called Maroons, injustice, jail, clever ideas, swindling, a shaman, hidden gold, and a happy ending. You can see why kids like it; What Elephants Know has everything.
It left me with some questions, though. Who was the author and what does he know about Nepal, elephants, and the native peoples? Answer: he spent 30 years there, made and collaborated with many friends, and works in animal conservation. Good. What should we make of the Jesuit teacher character who is kind of like a white savior? Answer: we've all got to think that through for ourselves. I think the author sees himself in that teacher and it bothers me that Jesuits often vanguarded colonial oppression. Finally, who are the "Maroons" and what should we make of them as no-good thieves? I get that stories move along better when there are clear villains. But, based on a tiny bit of research, I don't think there are any people in Nepal who call themselves Maroons. Instead, the term seems to come from the freed slaves of South and Central America. Uh oh. I'd suggest Mr. Dinerstein would have been better off creating his villains out of whole cloth. This choice borders on racism. But, maybe I'm missing something important, some other information or another angle. Please do enlighten me if you know more.
Also, there's not only similarity to The Jungle Book, but also reverence. The Jesuit teacher gives Nandu The Jungle Book and he reads and re-reads it, seeing himself in its pages. I'm not an expert on The Jungle Book or on its author Rudyard Kipling. But, I know enough to know the book perpetuates stereotypes and the writer was a big fan of colonialism. Ugh.
All told what we've got here is a page-turner that creates a curiosity about the world, nurtures connection with animals, and encourages reading. Just don't look too closely or think too hard about its details.
Nandu is eleven years old and he has a low-level job at an elephant stable in Nepal. He's a natural with the elephants and is especially connected to an elephant named Devi Kali, who he thinks of as his mother. Nandu was rescued from the Nepalese jungle as a two-year-old, probably abandoned by his parents and raised, Jungle Book style, by dhole - wild dogs. I guess he is Tibetan? It's unclear. In any case, the head of the local elephant stable takes Nandu in and raises him as his own.
One day a representative of the king comes to the stable for a tiger hunt. Nandu guides his elephant and, just when the dude is going to shoot the tiger, Nandu calls out, distracting him and saving the tiger. Things go downhill for Nandu and the whole stable from there.
Hijinks ensue. There's the wicked Forest Conservator, an injured rhino baby, pressure to close the stable, boarding school bullying, slingshots, some robbers called Maroons, injustice, jail, clever ideas, swindling, a shaman, hidden gold, and a happy ending. You can see why kids like it; What Elephants Know has everything.
It left me with some questions, though. Who was the author and what does he know about Nepal, elephants, and the native peoples? Answer: he spent 30 years there, made and collaborated with many friends, and works in animal conservation. Good. What should we make of the Jesuit teacher character who is kind of like a white savior? Answer: we've all got to think that through for ourselves. I think the author sees himself in that teacher and it bothers me that Jesuits often vanguarded colonial oppression. Finally, who are the "Maroons" and what should we make of them as no-good thieves? I get that stories move along better when there are clear villains. But, based on a tiny bit of research, I don't think there are any people in Nepal who call themselves Maroons. Instead, the term seems to come from the freed slaves of South and Central America. Uh oh. I'd suggest Mr. Dinerstein would have been better off creating his villains out of whole cloth. This choice borders on racism. But, maybe I'm missing something important, some other information or another angle. Please do enlighten me if you know more.
Also, there's not only similarity to The Jungle Book, but also reverence. The Jesuit teacher gives Nandu The Jungle Book and he reads and re-reads it, seeing himself in its pages. I'm not an expert on The Jungle Book or on its author Rudyard Kipling. But, I know enough to know the book perpetuates stereotypes and the writer was a big fan of colonialism. Ugh.
All told what we've got here is a page-turner that creates a curiosity about the world, nurtures connection with animals, and encourages reading. Just don't look too closely or think too hard about its details.
September 23, 2017
I think that everyone should read this book because it's written really well and powerfully. The author describes everything really well and the reader can visualize exactly what the setting looks like. There are also many big turning points in the story that definitely change the main character. The way he sees things also changes drastically. For example, when of the characters dies, that changed Nandu so much and it was like the end of the world for him. But after overcoming this, he became much stronger and was able to find ways around problems he faced. There weren't any boring parts of the book and everything that happened contributed to the plot or what happens later in the book. Whether it's a new character, a bad thing happening, or a good thing, every part is important. The characters also change a lot through out the book. For example, the main character, Nandu, was very unsure of himself in the beginning and thought that no one else accepted him since he was different from them. At the end after facing many problems and difficulties, Nandu realized that he was one of them and they all liked him for who he was. Anyone who enjoys books with adventure in a realistic way should definitely read this book.
September 13, 2018
What Elephants Know by Eric Dinerstein - is a middle grade book and I just came across this book whilst browsing at Kino.
The story is about a young boy who was orphaned in the jungles of Nepal and found by a pack of wild dogs and eventually an elephant and the head of an elephant stable. Pretty much a Jungle book beginning in terms of Nanda Singh's life.
It progresses on the story of Nandu and the unlikely and myriad family he makes along the way in different stages of his life. Each person bringing a different flavour and maturity to his tender age. But most importantly, it is a story of the bond between Nandu and his elephant mother Devi Kaali. A beautiful bond between mother and child.
The writing is simple yet lyrical. It is also very respectfully written. ..you can almost imagine the mahouts and stable hands speaking that exact way. . ( if they spoke in English that is)...
There's no complex plot twist and deep rooted vengeance but just a natural life progression with highs and lows. A story of life and its continuity. Of relationships transcending species. Of the fact that a person's bond is not only with their natural parents but with the showcase of love.
I would give this 🌟🌟🌟🌟s as I happily add this to my bookshelf.
The story is about a young boy who was orphaned in the jungles of Nepal and found by a pack of wild dogs and eventually an elephant and the head of an elephant stable. Pretty much a Jungle book beginning in terms of Nanda Singh's life.
It progresses on the story of Nandu and the unlikely and myriad family he makes along the way in different stages of his life. Each person bringing a different flavour and maturity to his tender age. But most importantly, it is a story of the bond between Nandu and his elephant mother Devi Kaali. A beautiful bond between mother and child.
The writing is simple yet lyrical. It is also very respectfully written. ..you can almost imagine the mahouts and stable hands speaking that exact way. . ( if they spoke in English that is)...
There's no complex plot twist and deep rooted vengeance but just a natural life progression with highs and lows. A story of life and its continuity. Of relationships transcending species. Of the fact that a person's bond is not only with their natural parents but with the showcase of love.
I would give this 🌟🌟🌟🌟s as I happily add this to my bookshelf.
October 26, 2024
I wanted to love this much more than I did. I loved the setting, the characters, and the animals. The plot and writing fell short for me. While what the synopsis says does happen, it is a bit misleading as the bulk of what you expect only happens in the last part of the book. The writing almost adds too much information with added animals while at the same time not really telling you much about them. I wish the author had focused on fewer animals and given more information. Some subplots were also not necessary. These two things made for a story that didn't really flow well. You expect Nandu to go on an adventure trying to save his elephant stable. This does happen, but while you are introduced to this issue earlier on, no progress happens until the last section of the book. You are just occasionally reminded of this threat looming. Even once we get to the main part, it is overshadowed by the maroon threat, which again wasn't necessary to the story. I also disliked the name-calling of dislikable characters. It's not a great message for the target demographic. With the things I did like, I do see this as one I could enjoy again on a reread with lower expectations.
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