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The Elephant and the Sheep
With poetic rhymes this striking picture book about the love and the simple kindness of a stranger is sure to touch a deep chord, particularly with fans of John Lennon’s “Imagine.”
When a lamb meets an elephant calf the two are happy to share a small patch of grass and a tiny water puddle available during the Big-Bad Thirst. None notices how different their bodies are, as the two are happy to spend their days together. Soon the sheep wishes that he, too, would arrive first at their meeting place and so he wakes up earlier and earlier each day. But no matter how hard he tries he cannot arrive before the elephant - because the elephant never left their tree, not having a home of his own. The sheep invites friend elephant to join her and her flock so that he will also have a family.
Inspired by the true story of Themba, the orphan elephant and Albert the good-hearted sheep that adopted him and cuddled him, the two remaining log-life best friends, “The Elephant and the Sheep” is a hymn to innocence and unconditional love, a read that is sure to warm up everyone’s heart.
Similar books: “The Lion and the Dog”, “The Cheetah and the Dog”.
When a lamb meets an elephant calf the two are happy to share a small patch of grass and a tiny water puddle available during the Big-Bad Thirst. None notices how different their bodies are, as the two are happy to spend their days together. Soon the sheep wishes that he, too, would arrive first at their meeting place and so he wakes up earlier and earlier each day. But no matter how hard he tries he cannot arrive before the elephant - because the elephant never left their tree, not having a home of his own. The sheep invites friend elephant to join her and her flock so that he will also have a family.
Inspired by the true story of Themba, the orphan elephant and Albert the good-hearted sheep that adopted him and cuddled him, the two remaining log-life best friends, “The Elephant and the Sheep” is a hymn to innocence and unconditional love, a read that is sure to warm up everyone’s heart.
Similar books: “The Lion and the Dog”, “The Cheetah and the Dog”.
36 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 12, 2017
8 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Furstenberg
57 books134 followersWriter and poet Patricia Furstenberg authored 18 books to date. Standing out are: historical bestseller Joyful Trouble, page-turner Silent Heroes, history and folklore-inspired Transylvania’s History A to Z: 100 Word Stories and Dreamland, and beloved children’s literature The Cheetah and the Dog.
The recurrent motives in her writing are unconditional love and war, while Patricia’s keen interest for history and dogs brought her writing, through a perfect loop, to her native Romania, Patricia being the creator of #Im4Ro hashtag, sharing positive stories.
Patricia grew up in Bucharest and was brought up listening to the legends and folktales of Romania’s past. She came to writing through reading, her passion for books being something she inherited from her parents. Her writing career followed a sinuous road that passed through a Medical Degree, practicing medicine, extensive traveling, and it also produced a happy marriage and two children.
Patricia blogs extensively, had her National TV debut, her work was featured in Libertatea Newspaper in a heartwarming interview by Andreea Archip, was on the radio at Expat Life, and has articles & interviews published by Romania Insider, Books by Women, Huffington Post UK, Biz Community SA, Secret Attic, and Poetry Potion.
The recurrent motives in her writing are unconditional love and war, while Patricia’s keen interest for history and dogs brought her writing, through a perfect loop, to her native Romania, Patricia being the creator of #Im4Ro hashtag, sharing positive stories.
Patricia grew up in Bucharest and was brought up listening to the legends and folktales of Romania’s past. She came to writing through reading, her passion for books being something she inherited from her parents. Her writing career followed a sinuous road that passed through a Medical Degree, practicing medicine, extensive traveling, and it also produced a happy marriage and two children.
Patricia blogs extensively, had her National TV debut, her work was featured in Libertatea Newspaper in a heartwarming interview by Andreea Archip, was on the radio at Expat Life, and has articles & interviews published by Romania Insider, Books by Women, Huffington Post UK, Biz Community SA, Secret Attic, and Poetry Potion.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 14, 2017
Book Reviewed by Jodie on www.whisperingstories.com
Inspired by the true story of a sheep named Albert who adopted an orphaned baby elephant named Themba. They now live in a nature reserve in South Africa.
In the story we are introduced to Albert the sheep and Themba the elephant. They meet at the watering hole every day during the Big Bad Thirst. Each day the rain doesn’t come. Despite the drought they frolic and play games together. They share food and laughter, and enjoy each other’s company.
Themba gets to the watering hole first every day. Albert wonders how Themba manages to get there first. One day Albert doesn’t go back to the farm, he hides and waits for Themba to leave so he can get to the watering hole first and surprise Themba. Albert sees that Themba is still there and is saddened by the realisation that Themba must be lonely.
Albert invites Themba to come and live with him on the farm with the other sheep and be part of his family. As this happens, the much-needed rain starts to fall. This is a lovely, fitting, ending to the story.
Two unlikely animals become the best of friends despite their diverse physical differences. This is yet another excellent story from the author that special bonds can form between two completely different species.
The rhyming is gentle and has a nice motion to it. I almost didn’t notice the rhyming because the story was so beautifully engaging.
Children will love the illustrations. They are delightfully simple and colourful. Both boys and girls will enjoy this wonderful friendship story from Patricia Furstenberg.
Inspired by the true story of a sheep named Albert who adopted an orphaned baby elephant named Themba. They now live in a nature reserve in South Africa.
In the story we are introduced to Albert the sheep and Themba the elephant. They meet at the watering hole every day during the Big Bad Thirst. Each day the rain doesn’t come. Despite the drought they frolic and play games together. They share food and laughter, and enjoy each other’s company.
Themba gets to the watering hole first every day. Albert wonders how Themba manages to get there first. One day Albert doesn’t go back to the farm, he hides and waits for Themba to leave so he can get to the watering hole first and surprise Themba. Albert sees that Themba is still there and is saddened by the realisation that Themba must be lonely.
Albert invites Themba to come and live with him on the farm with the other sheep and be part of his family. As this happens, the much-needed rain starts to fall. This is a lovely, fitting, ending to the story.
Two unlikely animals become the best of friends despite their diverse physical differences. This is yet another excellent story from the author that special bonds can form between two completely different species.
The rhyming is gentle and has a nice motion to it. I almost didn’t notice the rhyming because the story was so beautifully engaging.
Children will love the illustrations. They are delightfully simple and colourful. Both boys and girls will enjoy this wonderful friendship story from Patricia Furstenberg.
January 20, 2018
This is a very inspirational story of two very different animals just seeing each other purely as friends. It doesn’t matter that they look different and follow different life styles. All they see is what is good in each other. They are very different to look at, an elephant calf called Themba, who had been tragically orphaned and a sheep called Albert who lives on a farm as part of a flock.
The story is told through rhyme and the most beautiful colourful pictures. Although very simply drawn and coloured, together they tell of a true story set in Africa during a severe draught. The two think nothing of sharing what little green grass there is and small amount of water.
There are multiple lessons that a child can learn from this super story, from being aware of others needs and respecting each other to accepting everyone for who they are. It also encourages a child to question situations and new words, such as, What does orphan mean? and recognising when someone may be sad or need help.
This book is 29 pages of pure pleasure for both an adult to read to a child or a child reading on their own as they grow older. Lovely, lovely, lovely story.
The story is told through rhyme and the most beautiful colourful pictures. Although very simply drawn and coloured, together they tell of a true story set in Africa during a severe draught. The two think nothing of sharing what little green grass there is and small amount of water.
There are multiple lessons that a child can learn from this super story, from being aware of others needs and respecting each other to accepting everyone for who they are. It also encourages a child to question situations and new words, such as, What does orphan mean? and recognising when someone may be sad or need help.
This book is 29 pages of pure pleasure for both an adult to read to a child or a child reading on their own as they grow older. Lovely, lovely, lovely story.
November 9, 2017
The Elephant and the Sheep takes place in South Africa and is about the friendship of an orphaned elephant named Themba and a sheep named Albert. The book particularly excels in creating a sense of carefree joy that surrounds Themba and Albert’s friendship. There is also a strong sense of place throughout the story. There are charming touches that mention the weather and baobab trees, which help establish the African setting.
The story is written as a poem. The rhyme and meter are a bit inconsistent, but overall they help create a story that is fun to read aloud to children. The illustrations are attractive and colorful. Some of the clip art pieces were a bit blurry, but the four-year old I read the book with did not mind at all. She very much enjoyed looking at all the bright, cheerful illustrations, especially the colorful suns
The names of the main characters are not mentioned for several pages. The main characters are originally referred to as “two tails”, which could be disorienting for children reading the book alone. The reader learns that Themba sleeps all night under the tree where Albert and Themba play, but it is never directly stated that Themba is an orphan who does not have a home. Younger children will likely need an adult who can explain Themba’s situation to them. The ending of the book lends itself nicely to further discussion with children about the importance of kindness, family and generosity.
The story is written as a poem. The rhyme and meter are a bit inconsistent, but overall they help create a story that is fun to read aloud to children. The illustrations are attractive and colorful. Some of the clip art pieces were a bit blurry, but the four-year old I read the book with did not mind at all. She very much enjoyed looking at all the bright, cheerful illustrations, especially the colorful suns
The names of the main characters are not mentioned for several pages. The main characters are originally referred to as “two tails”, which could be disorienting for children reading the book alone. The reader learns that Themba sleeps all night under the tree where Albert and Themba play, but it is never directly stated that Themba is an orphan who does not have a home. Younger children will likely need an adult who can explain Themba’s situation to them. The ending of the book lends itself nicely to further discussion with children about the importance of kindness, family and generosity.
November 8, 2017
The Elephant and the Sheep by Patricia Furstenberg is an absolute delight. Filled with fabulously fun and brightly colored page and an engaging and enjoyable poetic story, young readers will immediately be drawn to this charming read. It is a sweet book about the friendship of a jungle animal and a farm animal—an elephant and a sheep. Parents will not want to miss sharing this story with their young readers.
Genre: children’s, animals, poetry
Publisher: Indie
Publication date: November 12, 2017
Number of pages: 28
A review copy of this novel was provided by the author. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
Genre: children’s, animals, poetry
Publisher: Indie
Publication date: November 12, 2017
Number of pages: 28
A review copy of this novel was provided by the author. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
October 31, 2017
This was another cute story that I fell in love with. It's an awesome read about two very different kinds of species of animals that became friends.
The illustrations were phenomenal and very colorful. I loved comparing the pictures to the story-line of the book.
The story-line was amazing and I love how the author told us that this was a true story. I enjoyed reading about the friendship between the elephant and the sheep. Such a magnificent story and friendship it was too. I highly recommend this read to parents and children and this will soon become a read that will be passed along and read for years to come.
The illustrations were phenomenal and very colorful. I loved comparing the pictures to the story-line of the book.
The story-line was amazing and I love how the author told us that this was a true story. I enjoyed reading about the friendship between the elephant and the sheep. Such a magnificent story and friendship it was too. I highly recommend this read to parents and children and this will soon become a read that will be passed along and read for years to come.
February 6, 2018
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November 9, 2017
The children’s book “The Elephant and the Sheep” by Patricia Furstenberg was a fun little book. The story is about an elephant and a sheep that become friends. Each day they meet at the water puddle but somehow the elephant always arrives first. The sheep tries to beat the elephant to the water puddle first but each day manages to always arrive second. Until one day the sheep discovers what the elephant’s secret is.
I liked “The Elephant and the Sheep” but at the same time it made me sad. The elephant’s secret was heartbreaking. The sheep was a very good friend to invite the elephant back to his home. I could not help but wonder what adventures lay ahead for this unique duo. I was surprised that this book was inspired by a true story. Furstenberg has peaked my interest in learning more about the original story. I read this story with my six-year-old daughter who loves animals, she thought the sheep and elephant were a funny pair. She was wondering why the elephant lived were he did. The wording in the bookis easy to read and in a poetic style. We both liked the illustrations. They are colorful and cute. I really liked the message that Furstenberg put into this story. It is one that children need to learn at an early age.
Overall my child and I enjoyed this book. My child was curious about the other animal books that Furstenberg has written. So, we plan on reading the others together soon. I recommend this book for anyone with young children.
~I reviewed this book for Readers' Favorite
I liked “The Elephant and the Sheep” but at the same time it made me sad. The elephant’s secret was heartbreaking. The sheep was a very good friend to invite the elephant back to his home. I could not help but wonder what adventures lay ahead for this unique duo. I was surprised that this book was inspired by a true story. Furstenberg has peaked my interest in learning more about the original story. I read this story with my six-year-old daughter who loves animals, she thought the sheep and elephant were a funny pair. She was wondering why the elephant lived were he did. The wording in the bookis easy to read and in a poetic style. We both liked the illustrations. They are colorful and cute. I really liked the message that Furstenberg put into this story. It is one that children need to learn at an early age.
Overall my child and I enjoyed this book. My child was curious about the other animal books that Furstenberg has written. So, we plan on reading the others together soon. I recommend this book for anyone with young children.
~I reviewed this book for Readers' Favorite
November 1, 2017
With poetic rhymes this striking picture book about the love and the simple kindness of a stranger is sure to touch a deep chord, particularly with fans of John Lennon’s “Imagine.”When a lamb meets an elephant calf the two are happy to share a small patch of grass and a tiny water puddle available during the Big-Bad Thirst. None notices how different their bodies are, as the two are happy to spend their days together. Soon the sheep wishes that he, too, would arrive first at their meeting place and so he wakes up earlier and earlier each day. But no matter how hard he tries he cannot arrive before the elephant – because the elephant never left their tree, not having a home of his own. The sheep invites friend elephant to join her and her flock so that he will also have a family.
Once again Patricia Furstenberg has written a beautifully illustrated children’s story. The poectic rhyming in the story will delight any reader / listener. One to have on any small child’s bookshelf.
The story tells of an elephant calf Themba and a lamb called Albert, they meet at a puddle during the big bad thirst. They shared the puddle equally so that neither one would go thirsty. Then from that moment in time they became the best of friends.
What follows is a tale of friendship beyond words and a fabulous happy ending.
This story will teach children about sharing, caring and most of all what true friendship is really about. A tale of innocence and unconditional love.
Patricia’s books are always written from the heart and as with Joyful Trouble (find my review for that here on my blog too ) this was inspired by a true story.
Once again Patricia Furstenberg has written a beautifully illustrated children’s story. The poectic rhyming in the story will delight any reader / listener. One to have on any small child’s bookshelf.
The story tells of an elephant calf Themba and a lamb called Albert, they meet at a puddle during the big bad thirst. They shared the puddle equally so that neither one would go thirsty. Then from that moment in time they became the best of friends.
What follows is a tale of friendship beyond words and a fabulous happy ending.
This story will teach children about sharing, caring and most of all what true friendship is really about. A tale of innocence and unconditional love.
Patricia’s books are always written from the heart and as with Joyful Trouble (find my review for that here on my blog too ) this was inspired by a true story.
November 30, 2017
A poetic picture book absolutely bursting with colour and filled with a happy, warm tale of an unlikely friendship between Themba the Elephant and Albert the Sheep.
I love that this tale is inspired by true events - how wonderful to encourage young readers to be mindful of nature reserves and the amazing, loving qualities of animals all around the world even in the most unlikely of combinations!
Albert and Themba slowly become friends, bonding initially over the Big Bad Thirst (a nasty drought). They learn to make the most of a bad situation however and continue to have fun and share what they have; a lovely message for little readers, told through the eyes of two really cute, fun and memorable characters.
Beautiful illustrations, a lovely message of friendship and overcoming lifes struggles and of course, as this author does so well, another fantastic story showcasing the brilliance of our furry (or not so furry!) friends.
This is the kind of story children read and then beg to have a stuffed animal of their favourite character....trust me, I know!
Many thanks to the author for a copy for review.
I love that this tale is inspired by true events - how wonderful to encourage young readers to be mindful of nature reserves and the amazing, loving qualities of animals all around the world even in the most unlikely of combinations!
Albert and Themba slowly become friends, bonding initially over the Big Bad Thirst (a nasty drought). They learn to make the most of a bad situation however and continue to have fun and share what they have; a lovely message for little readers, told through the eyes of two really cute, fun and memorable characters.
Beautiful illustrations, a lovely message of friendship and overcoming lifes struggles and of course, as this author does so well, another fantastic story showcasing the brilliance of our furry (or not so furry!) friends.
This is the kind of story children read and then beg to have a stuffed animal of their favourite character....trust me, I know!
Many thanks to the author for a copy for review.
November 12, 2017
The Elephant and the Sheep, The Lion and the Dog & The Cheetah and the Dog are a fantastic set of picture books by Patricia Furstenberg.
The Elephant and the Sheep is a charming story about an unlikely friendship that develops in the desert. Brought together during the big bad thirst you experience how the friendship develops to the point that they become family to each other.
Told in gentle rhyme and based on true stories Patricia has once again managed to capture that magical world of animals that can translate into everyday life, showing that you don’t have to come from the same background to find common ground and become lifelong friends. The illustrations that accompany these books are fantastic and set them off brilliantly.
My son may be too old now to enjoy these books but I have to say that I am a big fan of Patricia and her style of writing. She certainly knows how to capture the imagination and each book has the ability to engage the reader no matter what the age and I would happily recommend them to anyone with young children.
The Elephant and the Sheep is a charming story about an unlikely friendship that develops in the desert. Brought together during the big bad thirst you experience how the friendship develops to the point that they become family to each other.
Told in gentle rhyme and based on true stories Patricia has once again managed to capture that magical world of animals that can translate into everyday life, showing that you don’t have to come from the same background to find common ground and become lifelong friends. The illustrations that accompany these books are fantastic and set them off brilliantly.
My son may be too old now to enjoy these books but I have to say that I am a big fan of Patricia and her style of writing. She certainly knows how to capture the imagination and each book has the ability to engage the reader no matter what the age and I would happily recommend them to anyone with young children.
February 17, 2018
This book and the other two in the series “The Lion and the Dog” and “The Cheetah and the Dog”, is another beautifully written story for children which is accompanied by gorgeous pictures. This book is an easy to read story ideally suited to young children as it’s poetic nature would keep the child’s interest. This book would be great to read at bedtime to children. It speaks of friendship, love, and acceptance in spite of being different from others. I really loved this story as I do with all this author’s books. Well worth the investment.
November 13, 2017
Review coming shortly
August 26, 2024
Read to my daycare kiddos before nap time! A sweet little story about found family!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews