What do you think?
Rate this book
Nandu #2
A Circle of Elephants
What Elephants Know companion novel about the complex relationship between people and nature coexisting in the Borderlands of 1970s Nepal.
Thirteen-year-old Nandu lives in the newly established Royal Elephant Breeding Center on the edge of the jungle. Here, the King's elephants are to be raised under the protective watch of the stable. Nandu-along with his adoptive father Subba-sahib, his mentors, friends, and the rest of the elephant drivers-is tested by man and nature as earthquakes, drought, wild herds, and rumors of poachers threaten the Center.
When Nandu's world is thrown into turmoil, so, too, is the world of Hira Prasad, the Center's powerful bull elephant. An unbreakable bond of brotherhood drives Nandu and Hira Prasad together as they struggle to maintain the delicate natural order of life in the Borderlands.
Thirteen-year-old Nandu lives in the newly established Royal Elephant Breeding Center on the edge of the jungle. Here, the King's elephants are to be raised under the protective watch of the stable. Nandu-along with his adoptive father Subba-sahib, his mentors, friends, and the rest of the elephant drivers-is tested by man and nature as earthquakes, drought, wild herds, and rumors of poachers threaten the Center.
When Nandu's world is thrown into turmoil, so, too, is the world of Hira Prasad, the Center's powerful bull elephant. An unbreakable bond of brotherhood drives Nandu and Hira Prasad together as they struggle to maintain the delicate natural order of life in the Borderlands.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 22, 2019
8 people are currently reading
190 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
January 6, 2022
This is a follow-up to the book What Elephants Know. The Nepalese Borderlands are suffering...earthquakes, drought, poaching, and a wild elephant herd are all causing problems for the King's elephant breeding center. Nandu, with the help of his faithful, Hira Prashad, must track down the poachers and try to restore peace to the jungle.
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
February 7, 2025
How was a book where so much happens so boring?
April 6, 2025
This was so good! There is so much to learn about elephants and other wildlife in Nepal. The story has fun and exciting moments, but also terror and sadness for the horrible humans in the world, and the things they do to innocent creatures who have no voice. This is an eye-opening story!
"We humans like to think that we are above animals, smarter and more clever, but we are animals, too. When I look at my fellow human animals, I don't understand what makes some of us do: the poachers, the villagers who would have speared Baba's tiger, the fathers of Kabita and Jayanti and of Kanchi. But when I remember that we are all animals, trying to make our way in the world, I understand a little bit. And that little bit of understanding can give way to a greater understanding. I belive this is how horrible things can be stopped, reversed, forgiven. Tomorrow, we can always start again, take a new path."
"We humans like to think that we are above animals, smarter and more clever, but we are animals, too. When I look at my fellow human animals, I don't understand what makes some of us do: the poachers, the villagers who would have speared Baba's tiger, the fathers of Kabita and Jayanti and of Kanchi. But when I remember that we are all animals, trying to make our way in the world, I understand a little bit. And that little bit of understanding can give way to a greater understanding. I belive this is how horrible things can be stopped, reversed, forgiven. Tomorrow, we can always start again, take a new path."
January 24, 2021
This book made me so happy and reminded about the wildlife beauty in Asia! Such a simply and powerful story about the 13 y.o. boy trying to protect marvelous wildlife in Nepal!
June 24, 2019
This is a well written, heartfelt story of a thirteen year old Elephant boy in 1975 Nepal who works with his “elephant brother, Hira Prashad,” to keep the Borderlands area safe for animals and humans. A Circle of Elephants is a sequel and throughout the text refers to the protagonists’ earlier experiences, captured in What Elephants Know (2016), a 2017 ALA Notable Children's Book and winner of the 2017 South Asia Book Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature. Though written at a middle grade level, this story mentions child trafficking and deals extensively and graphically with animal poaching. Eric Dinerstein's story will change you, giving you a sense of how Elephants and humans communicate and can thrive together.
March 18, 2019
“We humans like to think that we are above animals, smarter and more clever, but we are animals, too. When I look at my fellow human animals, I don't understand what makes some of us do what we do: the poachers, the villagers who would have speared the Baba's tiger, the fathers of Kabita and Jayanti and of Kanchi. But when I remember that we are all animals, trying to make our way in the world, I understand a little bit. And that little bit of understanding can give way to a greater understanding. I believe this is how horrible things can be stopped, reversed, forgiven. Tomorrow, we can always start again, take a new path."
A powerful message of love, compassion, wisdom, forgiveness and hope from the teenage hero in this book - Nandu. With beautiful writing, inspiring characters and a gorgeous place setting in the Jungles of Nepal, Eric Dinnerstein managed yet again to draw me fully into this world far far away. He accomplished this easily in his first book in this series - What Elephants Know. He managed to do this again, quite skillfully, in this sequel too. .
I hope that this book series gets read by many children and adults around the world. I really appreciated the immersion into a new culture and a different way of living. It's not that there are no problems and struggles in this world. There are, but they are different from the problems that I face in my own little world. And that helps me put things into perspective in my world.
I also really enjoyed the beauty and wisdom behind the spiritual messages that Dinnerstein's writing convey. He writes: "Nature's way was to keep flowing, to keep growing. I would have to do the same, but it was harder for me to do when it was humans who had disturbed the natural flow." These are our lead protagonist, thirteen year old Nandu's contemplations on nature. Simply beautiful 💕
A powerful message of love, compassion, wisdom, forgiveness and hope from the teenage hero in this book - Nandu. With beautiful writing, inspiring characters and a gorgeous place setting in the Jungles of Nepal, Eric Dinnerstein managed yet again to draw me fully into this world far far away. He accomplished this easily in his first book in this series - What Elephants Know. He managed to do this again, quite skillfully, in this sequel too. .
I hope that this book series gets read by many children and adults around the world. I really appreciated the immersion into a new culture and a different way of living. It's not that there are no problems and struggles in this world. There are, but they are different from the problems that I face in my own little world. And that helps me put things into perspective in my world.
I also really enjoyed the beauty and wisdom behind the spiritual messages that Dinnerstein's writing convey. He writes: "Nature's way was to keep flowing, to keep growing. I would have to do the same, but it was harder for me to do when it was humans who had disturbed the natural flow." These are our lead protagonist, thirteen year old Nandu's contemplations on nature. Simply beautiful 💕
February 11, 2019
This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 4.5 of 5
Just over two years ago I read and reviewed What Elephants Know by Eric Dinerstein. It was a tremendously beautiful novel. Now Dinerstein is back with a follow-up ... A Circle of Elephants.
Thirteen-year-old Nandu works for the Royal Elephant Breeding Center - a newly established program that houses and protects the royal elephants. The center in on the edge of the jungle, which is good for the elephants to have some native land nearby. But even with the protection of Nandu and the others at the Royal Elephant Breeding Center, the animals and humans alike will be challenged by nature and by men.
Poachers are getting more and more bold, killing rhinos and elephants in the area for their tusks, and even the Royal breed are potential targets for these men without morals. Among these men is a poacher with a personal score to settle with Nandu for the trouble he caused earlier (in the previous book).
As before, Dinerstein's writing is so natural and casual that it is easy to forget that this is a work of fiction and not an actual journal of events. We can't help but fall in love with the elephants and wilderness that Nandu clearly cares for. And because we're brought into the story so nicely we also feel the same fear and concern when the animals are in danger.
This book has just a bit more of a didactic feel to it, as if the goal were to make sure we understand the real dangers for the animals, rather than telling a story and letting us recognize those dangerous as we go. Even so, this is too beautiful a book to ignore and I would love to make sure that every middle school student reads the adventures of Nandu - the world couldn't help but become a better place if youngster could be brought into a world like this.
Looking for a good book? A Circle of Elephants by Eric Dinerstein continues the adventures of Nandu and elephants in India which could have positive life-changing results on young readers.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Just over two years ago I read and reviewed What Elephants Know by Eric Dinerstein. It was a tremendously beautiful novel. Now Dinerstein is back with a follow-up ... A Circle of Elephants.
Thirteen-year-old Nandu works for the Royal Elephant Breeding Center - a newly established program that houses and protects the royal elephants. The center in on the edge of the jungle, which is good for the elephants to have some native land nearby. But even with the protection of Nandu and the others at the Royal Elephant Breeding Center, the animals and humans alike will be challenged by nature and by men.
Poachers are getting more and more bold, killing rhinos and elephants in the area for their tusks, and even the Royal breed are potential targets for these men without morals. Among these men is a poacher with a personal score to settle with Nandu for the trouble he caused earlier (in the previous book).
As before, Dinerstein's writing is so natural and casual that it is easy to forget that this is a work of fiction and not an actual journal of events. We can't help but fall in love with the elephants and wilderness that Nandu clearly cares for. And because we're brought into the story so nicely we also feel the same fear and concern when the animals are in danger.
This book has just a bit more of a didactic feel to it, as if the goal were to make sure we understand the real dangers for the animals, rather than telling a story and letting us recognize those dangerous as we go. Even so, this is too beautiful a book to ignore and I would love to make sure that every middle school student reads the adventures of Nandu - the world couldn't help but become a better place if youngster could be brought into a world like this.
Looking for a good book? A Circle of Elephants by Eric Dinerstein continues the adventures of Nandu and elephants in India which could have positive life-changing results on young readers.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
May 13, 2019
I really enjoyed Dinerstein's first book about Nandu. When I heard there would be another book about Nandu I was excited to return to the setting and characters I'd grown to care about. This book is just as fascinating and important as the first one. I love books like this one for several reasons. First, they give me a glimpse into a way of life and a culture very different than my own, something I enjoy reading about. Second, I'm a big believer in the need to take better care of the environment and the animals around us. And third, I just love a good story. This story revolves around the live of a young Tibetan boy named Nandu, who was adopted by Subba Sahib, the man who runs the elephant breeding stable Nandu calls home. Nandu's love for his home and the elephants shines through, which I credit the author for, his own passion for his subject is clear. But he does struggle with the tradition of chaining the elephants up, especially in the face of his growing desire to protect the animals that live in the surrounding jungle. When poachers arrive and start killing the rhinos, Nandu is infuriated and desperately wants to help stop them, but to do so would be very risky. But Nandu's heart is tender and he can't just sit back and let the animals die, so with the help of some friends he sets out to do something about it. I enjoyed reading about Nandu's journey as he wrestles with the circumstances in which he finds himself as well as his own conscience. A fabulously told story for those interested in reading about other cultures and the importance of the environment.
January 15, 2019
Most works of literature are comprised of the same elements: paper and ink. Some works are able to take on a degree of vibrancy that allows readers to immerse themselves onto the pages that serve as portals to other worlds. However, there are who few authors that wield the words to speak directly to the spirit. After reading A Circle of Elephants, I can write without any reservation that Eric Dinerstein is one of those outstanding individuals.
A Circle of Elephants is the sequel to What Elephants Know, however both these works read just fine as stand alone novels. A Circle of Elephants chronicles Nandu’s inspirational story in the heart of Nepal and the importance of being in unison with our natural environment. This book champions Dinerstein’s devotion to conservation in addition to reflecting his own experiences in Nepal and translating them into a fictionalized account.
From the title to the sound of an elephants trumpet, readers will find themselves completely mesmerized by this magnificently haunting work; every element in this book creates a symbolic symphony. This is a must read for those who enjoyed works such as A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, or Running Wild by Michael Morpurgo. These are important works that surround you much like a circle of elephants that serve as a perpetual barrier of knowledge and wisdom that you forever carry with you.
A Circle of Elephants is the sequel to What Elephants Know, however both these works read just fine as stand alone novels. A Circle of Elephants chronicles Nandu’s inspirational story in the heart of Nepal and the importance of being in unison with our natural environment. This book champions Dinerstein’s devotion to conservation in addition to reflecting his own experiences in Nepal and translating them into a fictionalized account.
From the title to the sound of an elephants trumpet, readers will find themselves completely mesmerized by this magnificently haunting work; every element in this book creates a symbolic symphony. This is a must read for those who enjoyed works such as A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, or Running Wild by Michael Morpurgo. These are important works that surround you much like a circle of elephants that serve as a perpetual barrier of knowledge and wisdom that you forever carry with you.
October 17, 2019
A coming of age story with strong paternal themes and friendly bonds that explores how the world of nature enteracts with the human world. Nandu, the main character, creates a world between animals and people that somehow becomes a safe place for all. Subba-sahib adopted Nandu, whom was originally raised by an elephant, and has helped him create a Royal elephant Breeding Center deep inside the jungle. Nandu has close friends he works with as well as mentors. Each character in the book gets tested by man and nature through wild animals and herds, some earthquakes, lack of water and rumors of the center being shut down. The three friends and their mentors go through serious growth and find their time together, and while these humans struggle with the situation, the animals follow their lead.
What I did not know before reading this, was that it was a sequel. I think reading the first book would have greatly helped my opinion on this book! I did enjoy it, however, it felt very long for a Young Adult novel. It has a great story line, yet never really got started in the beginning. Again, the first book problaby presented what I was missing. A specific positive I enjoyed through the whole novel was the imagery the author provided, through most of the text I did feel like I was in the middle of the jungle. Overall, I did enjoy this book. I think if a Young Adult reader has gotten into the series in the first book, the second book would be great.
What I did not know before reading this, was that it was a sequel. I think reading the first book would have greatly helped my opinion on this book! I did enjoy it, however, it felt very long for a Young Adult novel. It has a great story line, yet never really got started in the beginning. Again, the first book problaby presented what I was missing. A specific positive I enjoyed through the whole novel was the imagery the author provided, through most of the text I did feel like I was in the middle of the jungle. Overall, I did enjoy this book. I think if a Young Adult reader has gotten into the series in the first book, the second book would be great.
April 20, 2019
I really liked What Elephants Know, which I read to prepare for this one. I was less excited about A Circle of Elephants. Though it picked up where the previous one left off, and continued on the same types of real-world struggles the previous one did, I felt it went too far for a middle grades book. I also felt that Kanchi and her struggle seemed tacked-on.
As The Baba said to Nandu, "There is evil and extreme cruelty in this world. Not everywhere, but I am afraid you know too much about it at such a young age." Maybe if this were geared toward YA readers, I'd feel differently, but I don't think this is a good match for my sensitive middle-grade reader.
As The Baba said to Nandu, "There is evil and extreme cruelty in this world. Not everywhere, but I am afraid you know too much about it at such a young age." Maybe if this were geared toward YA readers, I'd feel differently, but I don't think this is a good match for my sensitive middle-grade reader.
January 21, 2019
Nandu is a thirteenth-year-old elephant drive who lives in the Royal Elephant Breeding Center in the jungle. The King's elephants in the compound are protected in the stable. Nandu and his friends at the center are tested when an earthquake hits Nepal, which the locals deem to be a bad omen. Nandu and his elephant, Hira Prasad, have an unbreakable bond but, becomes strained when a series of event upturn their lives. Will Hira Prasad and Nandu be able to keep their bond? Is the earthquake a sign for more evil to come?
This novel was one of the best novels I have read this year (yes, the year did just start). The author wrote the novel so beautifully, that I felt transported to Nepal being surrounded by lush foliage and being there with Nandu. I love how the characters felt so real because they were flawed people trying to do the best with what they have. Overall, I love this book and I can't read more books by the author.
This novel was one of the best novels I have read this year (yes, the year did just start). The author wrote the novel so beautifully, that I felt transported to Nepal being surrounded by lush foliage and being there with Nandu. I love how the characters felt so real because they were flawed people trying to do the best with what they have. Overall, I love this book and I can't read more books by the author.
January 4, 2026
I was interested in this book loaned by a friend because of my love of elephants. It is easy to read but felt slow to get into deeply. The writing felt simple and declarative, with short sentences and descriptions. I expect it is true to a 13-year-old narrating his own story, but for me it was hard to really connect at first; and I put it down for quite some time. When I came back to it, the action picked up, and I plowed thru, singing myself appreciating the storytelling more.
While I did not find the book as a whole deeply engaging or written with an especially beautiful literary quality of form, I very much appreciated the storyline, characters and culture woven throughout, which the author showed through the eyes of the characters in the story. The author clearly has great experience, love and passion for animals and wildlife. These features alone make this a valuable read for young adults and not-so-young adults alike.
While I did not find the book as a whole deeply engaging or written with an especially beautiful literary quality of form, I very much appreciated the storyline, characters and culture woven throughout, which the author showed through the eyes of the characters in the story. The author clearly has great experience, love and passion for animals and wildlife. These features alone make this a valuable read for young adults and not-so-young adults alike.
May 1, 2020
You will enjoy this book if you love animals, particularily elephants. There is a recurring them of precarity. Drought and famine that can push people to poach or even sell one's own child for rice.
The story follows Nandu, who is an elephant driver for the King at an elephant breeding center. Nandu drives Hira Prashad, a powerful bull elephant and leader of the domesticaled elephants. Through the course of the book, we meet the holy men, the friends and his adoptive father who are fighing for the lives of these magestic animals.
I found the book didn't take off for me until over half way through. That being said, any young person that loves animals will devore this story because it is well told, full of adventure and interesting facts.
The story follows Nandu, who is an elephant driver for the King at an elephant breeding center. Nandu drives Hira Prashad, a powerful bull elephant and leader of the domesticaled elephants. Through the course of the book, we meet the holy men, the friends and his adoptive father who are fighing for the lives of these magestic animals.
I found the book didn't take off for me until over half way through. That being said, any young person that loves animals will devore this story because it is well told, full of adventure and interesting facts.
December 6, 2025
Nandu is back in a sequel to one of my favorite books, and he is once again noticing the effects of poverty and poaching on his little community. He and his brother elephant do their best to make a difference and bridge the understanding between angry, hungry townsfolk and wild animals who also deserve to live their best lives.
While I think there's a lot more that could be said on this topic, I think where this book goes is beautiful and thoughtful. There are a few vaguely supernatural element in this volume, but the plot and character arcs are strong and don't rely on just that to reach a satisfying (though somewhat tragic) ending.
While I think there's a lot more that could be said on this topic, I think where this book goes is beautiful and thoughtful. There are a few vaguely supernatural element in this volume, but the plot and character arcs are strong and don't rely on just that to reach a satisfying (though somewhat tragic) ending.
February 24, 2019
Engaging and gripping as the first book, What Elephants Know. Nandu shows strength and resolve in protecting his elephants and all animals in the jungle in the face of drought and poachers, while struggling with the best way to do so within the realities of 1970s Nepal.
April 12, 2019
Book two from Dinerstein about Nandu and the elephants. While this book seemed to drag in parts, the last quarter of the book was reminiscent of the first book - a little more action to keep the story moving at a quicker pace. I think reluctant readers may struggle with this book. But give to young readers who are advocates for animals. Though, the descriptions of poaching are sad.
February 22, 2020
With what you have been learning in Social Studies about world religions, you will appreciate this glimpse into the Borderlands and the questions in the young protagonist's mind. With Earth Day coming up, this book can inspire you to sharpen your lens on the natural world. All in all, I have no doubt that you will be glad if you pick up this book. I loved it.
April 21, 2020
A beautiful follow up to What Elephants Know. I loved being back with Nandu and the elephants. It was everything I wanted and more.
March 6, 2020
A circle of Elephants is a beautiful, well-written story about a thirteen-year-old Elephant Boy in 1975 Nepal who works with his brother to patrol the area and keep both animals and humans safe. This is a fun story that students will enjoy and love.
August 17, 2020
This story takes place in Nepal, in the borderlands with India, on a royal elephant reserve. Nandu, the 13 year old main character, encounters a poaching scheme and takes great risks to reveal it. It’s a story about friendships, connections between humans and animals, spirituality, and growing up.
November 12, 2020
Great easy read. I love the relationships between man and nature that take place in the book. The characters are very likable and the elephants tug at my heart. I would recommend this book to my students.
December 30, 2022
This engaging story is based on the reality of the poaching of rhinos and elephants in the wild. Told from the point of view of a young teenaged boy from Nepal, it paints a picture of a world that was and is worth saving.
April 2, 2024
This is the sequel to What Elephants Know, a book I dearly loved about a boy and the elephants living on the borderlands of Nepal. This second book is also interesting, but somehow didn't make me feel the way the first book did.
November 21, 2018
I like this book because it was quick and easy to read and I think my 9 year old would like to read it too. Nothing better than sharing books with your kids
February 23, 2019
This book was amazing. It showed how humans can be so horrid and also so kind.
March 1, 2019
A great follow up to the first book. Read them both.
March 1, 2019
2.5 stars
This felt very lecture-y and less of an organic story. It's not bad but not that great either.
This felt very lecture-y and less of an organic story. It's not bad but not that great either.
March 10, 2019
Loved this book and the lessons that Mandy learns about life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews