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Bandoola: The Great Elephant Rescue
In this tale, join war veteran James Howard Williams as he encounters Bandoola, a working Asian elephant for the first time. Working together on a teak plantation, the two develop a rare friendship, which even today set standards around elephant care and conservation.
But when another war forces them to leave their home in the Burmese jungle, the two undertake a journey that will test their friendship, taking trust, understanding, and bravery to the very limit. Together, they lead a group of refugees and over 70 elephants to safety, scaling 5000 ft mountains as they cross the border from Burma into northern India.
But when another war forces them to leave their home in the Burmese jungle, the two undertake a journey that will test their friendship, taking trust, understanding, and bravery to the very limit. Together, they lead a group of refugees and over 70 elephants to safety, scaling 5000 ft mountains as they cross the border from Burma into northern India.
80 pages, Hardcover
Published March 1, 2022
1 person is currently reading
171 people want to read
About the author
William Grill
9 books62 followersWilliam Grill recently graduated from University College Falmouth, and currently works in London as a freelance illustrator. He works in predominately in coloured pencil, and has worked for a variety of clients such as Harrods, The New York Times, Shelter and NOBROW. William draws most of his inspiration from looking closely at what's around him, and from a young age has maintained a keen interest in dogs and the outdoors.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
June 30, 2022
I wanted to read this book before I knew anything about it simply because it is about Asian elephants, I loved the colors and arrangement on the cover and it is by William Grill. What I didn't know is that it is also an interesting true World War II story, as much as it is about James Howard Williams and the elephant he bonded with.
Grill begins by giving some background information about animal and forest life in Myanmar (formerly Burma) and the important role Asian elephants have always played in its economy, especially when it came to harvesting and transporting of timber.
After serving in World War I, Williams applied for a job with the Bombay Burma Trading Corporation. He became the overseer involved in cutting down and transporting the giant teak trees found in Myanmar and responsible for 70 work elephants. Impressed by these animals, Williams took the time to learn all about them. Here Grill digresses with a series of 2 page spreads giving general information about elephants, facts about elephant behavior and history, a description of the demanding job of being a timber elephant, the job of the ooziers or the men who are elephant riders, trainers and keepers and an accounting of how the timber is transported, how elephants are captured and trained, and introduces readers to Po Toke.
Po Toke was a young oozier who raised a young calf named Bandoola with a kindness and patience unusual for that time.. Po Toke introduced Williams to Bandoola and the three of them had an instant connection and bond. Seeing how well Bandoola responded to Po Toke's gentle training, he and Williams opened an elephant school devoted to training elephants compassionately. The school was soon followed by an elephant hospital.
But, by now the Second World War had begun and in 1942, the Japanese began an invasion of Myanmar, putting elephants, ooziers and everyone else in the camp in danger.
In 1944, Williams was order to evacuate and travel to Assam, India where he would be safe. But Williams wasn't willing to leave the elephants in his care to their fate at the hands of the Japanese army. It was decided that a party "of 64 women and children, 53 elephants, 40 armed soldiers, 90 ooziers and assistants, and four British military officers" would also leave the Myanmar jungle and travel to safety. To get to safety, they would face "190 kilometres [about 118 miles] of perilous jungles, with countless towering mountains, as well as the very real threat of attacks from tigers or human enemies."
How did they get across those mountains? To help readers understand just what an arduous journey Williams and his party faced, Grill details the difficult terrain in a 2 page spread. The terrain was difficult, but a wall of rock felt like a real impasse. And Williams came up with an impossible plan - build an elephant stairway, with Bandoola leading the way.
Amazingly, Williams' plan worked and the arrived in India three weeks after leaving Myanmar.
I found this to be such a fascinating story that I've reread it a number of times, even renewing my library copy several times (I think it might be time to buy my own copy). The text is spare but no word is wasted, with Grill letting the illustrations tell half the story. Yet, he has really captured the bond between Williams, Po Toke and Bandoola. The escape and rescue of the elephants is a thrilling and scary part of the story, especially when I think about those magnificent animals walking on a narrow path on the side of the mountain, with a sheer drop if any had lost their footing.
Grills illustrations are done using color pencils and are mainly in shades of greens and yellows which really give you a sense of being in a jungle. Other pages are done in pinks and blues reflecting the jungle's amazing sunsets. Grill points out that Williams' compassionate approach to the training and care of elephants is still being used today, but that elephants are still not completely safe. But though the elephant population has diminished, Grill ends on a hopeful note for the future relationship of man and elephant.
Back matter consists of an illustrated glossary, an appendix and suggestions for further reading, as well as a variety of websites. I highly recommend this book.
Grill begins by giving some background information about animal and forest life in Myanmar (formerly Burma) and the important role Asian elephants have always played in its economy, especially when it came to harvesting and transporting of timber.
After serving in World War I, Williams applied for a job with the Bombay Burma Trading Corporation. He became the overseer involved in cutting down and transporting the giant teak trees found in Myanmar and responsible for 70 work elephants. Impressed by these animals, Williams took the time to learn all about them. Here Grill digresses with a series of 2 page spreads giving general information about elephants, facts about elephant behavior and history, a description of the demanding job of being a timber elephant, the job of the ooziers or the men who are elephant riders, trainers and keepers and an accounting of how the timber is transported, how elephants are captured and trained, and introduces readers to Po Toke.
Po Toke was a young oozier who raised a young calf named Bandoola with a kindness and patience unusual for that time.. Po Toke introduced Williams to Bandoola and the three of them had an instant connection and bond. Seeing how well Bandoola responded to Po Toke's gentle training, he and Williams opened an elephant school devoted to training elephants compassionately. The school was soon followed by an elephant hospital.
But, by now the Second World War had begun and in 1942, the Japanese began an invasion of Myanmar, putting elephants, ooziers and everyone else in the camp in danger.
In 1944, Williams was order to evacuate and travel to Assam, India where he would be safe. But Williams wasn't willing to leave the elephants in his care to their fate at the hands of the Japanese army. It was decided that a party "of 64 women and children, 53 elephants, 40 armed soldiers, 90 ooziers and assistants, and four British military officers" would also leave the Myanmar jungle and travel to safety. To get to safety, they would face "190 kilometres [about 118 miles] of perilous jungles, with countless towering mountains, as well as the very real threat of attacks from tigers or human enemies."
How did they get across those mountains? To help readers understand just what an arduous journey Williams and his party faced, Grill details the difficult terrain in a 2 page spread. The terrain was difficult, but a wall of rock felt like a real impasse. And Williams came up with an impossible plan - build an elephant stairway, with Bandoola leading the way.
Amazingly, Williams' plan worked and the arrived in India three weeks after leaving Myanmar.
I found this to be such a fascinating story that I've reread it a number of times, even renewing my library copy several times (I think it might be time to buy my own copy). The text is spare but no word is wasted, with Grill letting the illustrations tell half the story. Yet, he has really captured the bond between Williams, Po Toke and Bandoola. The escape and rescue of the elephants is a thrilling and scary part of the story, especially when I think about those magnificent animals walking on a narrow path on the side of the mountain, with a sheer drop if any had lost their footing.
Grills illustrations are done using color pencils and are mainly in shades of greens and yellows which really give you a sense of being in a jungle. Other pages are done in pinks and blues reflecting the jungle's amazing sunsets. Grill points out that Williams' compassionate approach to the training and care of elephants is still being used today, but that elephants are still not completely safe. But though the elephant population has diminished, Grill ends on a hopeful note for the future relationship of man and elephant.
Back matter consists of an illustrated glossary, an appendix and suggestions for further reading, as well as a variety of websites. I highly recommend this book.
October 7, 2021
Set with the country of Myanmar, William Grill's 'Bandoola' tells the story of the famous elephant and its carers during the rule of the British Empire and the dawning of the Second World War. Lavishly illustrated in coloured pencils and presented with a series of beautiful spreads and highly accessible facts about Bandoola and all elephant-kind, William Grill's book is a little masterpiece. Wonderful to share and read alone too.
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May 19, 2022This is a very well researched book, with lots of facts about elephants, the logging industry, the historical figures of Po Toke and James Howard Williams and Bandoola (the elephant.)
This book is for middle schoolers and high schoolers.
The forward of this book mentions that during the time of this book, Myanmar is under British colonial rule and that most of the wealth, power and goods are for the British. I am very glad that this is mentioned.
But then colonialism seems to disappear from the rest of the book.
Williams is a British colonialist. He gets to be in charge of the logging company and the elephant school and elephant hospital because he is British. All of the companies, organizations and government bodies in Myanmar were ruled by British nationals. Myanmar nationals were not allowed to have positions of power. From the book, it appears that Williams was very impressed with Po Toke, and kindly made him the head teacher of a school about training elephants, but Po Toke was likely aware that this is the highest position he could ever be promoted to under British colonial rule.
The book mentions also that Po Toke and the oozies taught Williams about elephants. This is another thing that happens under colonial rule - the colonized people have to teach their superiors about their jobs. So in this case, the Myanmar nationals had to share everything they knew about elephants and training elephants etc… with Williams. He was, fortunately, a good listener who cared deeply about the elephants.
The book also discusses WWII. In WWII, Myanmar was under Britain’s colonial rule and the Brits were pilfering much of Myanmar’s riches. Japan was attacking because they wanted to overthrow British rule and become the new colonialists. Note that neither option is particularly good for Myanmar and Myanmar people.
The author, who is British, writes with a pro-British perspective. So of course, readers will cheer when the elephants, Williams, and the Myanmar nationals under Williams’ rule escape from some of the war fighting and make it “safely” into British-ruled India.
Overall this is a good book. If reading this with kids, I would suggest pointing out that this book is written from a pro-British perspective and that colonialism is a large part of the story, even if it is not woven into the text everywhere.
(Myanmar is still suffering today. After getting its independence, it fell into the hands of an authoritarian dictatorship military group. And there are still elephants in captivity who are not always well treated.)
This book is for middle schoolers and high schoolers.
The forward of this book mentions that during the time of this book, Myanmar is under British colonial rule and that most of the wealth, power and goods are for the British. I am very glad that this is mentioned.
But then colonialism seems to disappear from the rest of the book.
Williams is a British colonialist. He gets to be in charge of the logging company and the elephant school and elephant hospital because he is British. All of the companies, organizations and government bodies in Myanmar were ruled by British nationals. Myanmar nationals were not allowed to have positions of power. From the book, it appears that Williams was very impressed with Po Toke, and kindly made him the head teacher of a school about training elephants, but Po Toke was likely aware that this is the highest position he could ever be promoted to under British colonial rule.
The book mentions also that Po Toke and the oozies taught Williams about elephants. This is another thing that happens under colonial rule - the colonized people have to teach their superiors about their jobs. So in this case, the Myanmar nationals had to share everything they knew about elephants and training elephants etc… with Williams. He was, fortunately, a good listener who cared deeply about the elephants.
The book also discusses WWII. In WWII, Myanmar was under Britain’s colonial rule and the Brits were pilfering much of Myanmar’s riches. Japan was attacking because they wanted to overthrow British rule and become the new colonialists. Note that neither option is particularly good for Myanmar and Myanmar people.
The author, who is British, writes with a pro-British perspective. So of course, readers will cheer when the elephants, Williams, and the Myanmar nationals under Williams’ rule escape from some of the war fighting and make it “safely” into British-ruled India.
Overall this is a good book. If reading this with kids, I would suggest pointing out that this book is written from a pro-British perspective and that colonialism is a large part of the story, even if it is not woven into the text everywhere.
(Myanmar is still suffering today. After getting its independence, it fell into the hands of an authoritarian dictatorship military group. And there are still elephants in captivity who are not always well treated.)
February 27, 2022
In 1897, an extraordinary elephant was born in the jungles of Myanmar. Barely escaping death from a tiger’s attack, he was named Bandoola after a brave war general.
Thousands of kilometres away in England, James Howard Williams was also born that same year. Fortunate to survive WW1, he joined the Bombay Burma Trading Corporation which produced wood from teak trees with the help of thousands of elephants.
Much has been written about this amazing story of a man and the elephant, but award-winning illustrator William Grill has now made this a totally immersive experience.
Between the ages of 15 and 20, wild elephants were captured and trapped, beaten and denied food to break their spirits and force them to obey humans. It was a brutal process.
Williams believed this did not need to be so, and with the help of Bandoola’s oozie (or keeper) Po Toke, he set up a compassionately-run “school” to train the elephants.
Deliriously ill with malaria one time, Williams clambered onto Bandoola’s back on a ten-day trek to seek help, saving his life.
WW2 came upon them far too soon, and Bandoola and a team of elephants became The Elephant Company of Force 136, a branch of the British secret service based in the deep jungles of SE Asia.
“It was time to show the world what these amazing animals could do.”
In March 1944, Williams received orders to evacuate the jungle and travel to the safety of Assam, India in British territory.
He couldn’t bear to leave his friends, knowing the fate of those who stayed would not be a kind one.
He decided to take them.
I finished this book heartbroken, but so uplifted. It’s really a story we all need in this world today. I highly recommend this to anybody, actually.
📚: Times Distribution
Thousands of kilometres away in England, James Howard Williams was also born that same year. Fortunate to survive WW1, he joined the Bombay Burma Trading Corporation which produced wood from teak trees with the help of thousands of elephants.
Much has been written about this amazing story of a man and the elephant, but award-winning illustrator William Grill has now made this a totally immersive experience.
Between the ages of 15 and 20, wild elephants were captured and trapped, beaten and denied food to break their spirits and force them to obey humans. It was a brutal process.
Williams believed this did not need to be so, and with the help of Bandoola’s oozie (or keeper) Po Toke, he set up a compassionately-run “school” to train the elephants.
Deliriously ill with malaria one time, Williams clambered onto Bandoola’s back on a ten-day trek to seek help, saving his life.
WW2 came upon them far too soon, and Bandoola and a team of elephants became The Elephant Company of Force 136, a branch of the British secret service based in the deep jungles of SE Asia.
“It was time to show the world what these amazing animals could do.”
In March 1944, Williams received orders to evacuate the jungle and travel to the safety of Assam, India in British territory.
He couldn’t bear to leave his friends, knowing the fate of those who stayed would not be a kind one.
He decided to take them.
I finished this book heartbroken, but so uplifted. It’s really a story we all need in this world today. I highly recommend this to anybody, actually.
📚: Times Distribution
April 30, 2023
Undeniably, this is an interesting story, from a place that primary school children often don't come across. Some pages are laid out creatively and I liked some of the map pages, and the scale that was created during the climb up the elephant stairway. Clearly a lot of research was done, and I learnt a few things (elephants have the strongest sense of smell in the world? I thought that was dogs!). The emotional ending was also delivered well - unexpected, and all the more powerful for it.
I think it needed some better editing; there were just too many moments where something felt disjointed, overloaded, or not in the right place. Factual discrepancies in the book niggled me - pg23 says current population is 500,000 but the epilogue says something quite different. Equally the page describing their behaviour had contradictory information on size of herds.
The style of illustration didn't always work for me - and I usually love a muted palette with soft edges - several of the smaller pictures were not clear so I got distracted figuring out what it they were meant to be! Last minor problem was how the main character was referred to using his surname which felt too formal, almost journalistic. Especially if we are meant to be understanding him as a person. Why not call him Bill? Would have felt more personal.
So overall, I thought it was a beautiful book to hold and many pages were gorgeous to look at and learn from, but the editing and awkward finer details felt a bit sloppy.
I think it needed some better editing; there were just too many moments where something felt disjointed, overloaded, or not in the right place. Factual discrepancies in the book niggled me - pg23 says current population is 500,000 but the epilogue says something quite different. Equally the page describing their behaviour had contradictory information on size of herds.
The style of illustration didn't always work for me - and I usually love a muted palette with soft edges - several of the smaller pictures were not clear so I got distracted figuring out what it they were meant to be! Last minor problem was how the main character was referred to using his surname which felt too formal, almost journalistic. Especially if we are meant to be understanding him as a person. Why not call him Bill? Would have felt more personal.
So overall, I thought it was a beautiful book to hold and many pages were gorgeous to look at and learn from, but the editing and awkward finer details felt a bit sloppy.
December 22, 2021
This book came about because, the author found a second hand book called Elephant Bill. After researching he knew this was an important story that shouldn't be lost.
Set in Myanmar when the British Empire was exploiting land in 1920
The illustrations are beautifully done in colours you will find in this country and the landscapes are based on real places the author visited and saw old or copies ofphotographs of from those who worked with elephants.
Elephant schools and training and the people who depended on them to help collect timber were suddenly under threat when World War 2 bought Japan and England to blows and Myanmar was caught in between.
This is the story of a miraculous great elephant escape mission that would take Elephant Company from Myanmar over to India across mountainous terrain.
This was done on foot with the Keepers literally cutting footholds into the mountains for the elephants to climb with the refugees and company.
Even reaching safety the Elephant Company continued to work building bridges to enable civilians to flee conflict areas and vehicles to be transported through the bad terrain.
It's an amazing true story that should not be forgotten and in this beautifully illustrated edition with an author who obviously researched his book with great passion for the elephants I hope generations to come will recognise the story of Bandoola.
Thank you to Flying Eye Books for my gifted copy.
Set in Myanmar when the British Empire was exploiting land in 1920
The illustrations are beautifully done in colours you will find in this country and the landscapes are based on real places the author visited and saw old or copies ofphotographs of from those who worked with elephants.
Elephant schools and training and the people who depended on them to help collect timber were suddenly under threat when World War 2 bought Japan and England to blows and Myanmar was caught in between.
This is the story of a miraculous great elephant escape mission that would take Elephant Company from Myanmar over to India across mountainous terrain.
This was done on foot with the Keepers literally cutting footholds into the mountains for the elephants to climb with the refugees and company.
Even reaching safety the Elephant Company continued to work building bridges to enable civilians to flee conflict areas and vehicles to be transported through the bad terrain.
It's an amazing true story that should not be forgotten and in this beautifully illustrated edition with an author who obviously researched his book with great passion for the elephants I hope generations to come will recognise the story of Bandoola.
Thank you to Flying Eye Books for my gifted copy.
October 18, 2022
An astonishing history of elephants, Myanmar, and World War II. Others can recount the history of one remarkable elephant and the many others who worked beside him, but I was struck by the illustrations, detailed but soft and impressionistic at the same time. There is much explained, lists, attributes, and collections of individuals that appear on generous spreads. The counting child, the child who loves tidbits of information, the child who loves animals will embrace this book and study it again and again. I learned some things about elephants and adored the author voice, steady and recounting, and the lush landscapes and vistas. The size of the book matches its namesake. Just wonderful.
January 24, 2022
Reading this is a masterclass at so many levels: read alone, to a class or share with family plus young friends. It is highly educational especially with the lavish, colourful illustrations plus a magnificent glossary. The illustrations are simply awesome and in a unique almost classic style. This is another superior book following on from my other favourite “Shackleton’s Journey “ not least I have been to Shackleton’s grave at Grytviken : a uniquely moving experience. William am in awe and await your next adventure. Thank you Colin Welborn
August 18, 2022
The story of “Elephant Bill” Williams and the elephant Bandoola. Myanmar (formerly Burma) was known for its teak wood and the British used elephants and “oozies” (elephant trainers/caretakers) to clear forests. When World War II broke out, several elephants, soldiers, and citizens needed to escape from Myammar to Inda. Elephant Bill and Bandoola led the journey. Elephant Bill championed the Asian elephants and advocated for more humane training methods. This is a timely book and a great way to learn more about our alarmingly shrinking worldwide elephant population.
October 21, 2021
Set with the country of Myanmar, William Grill's 'Bandoola' tells the story of the famous elephant and its carers during the rule of the British Empire and the dawning of the Second World War.
Lavishly illustrated in coloured pencils and presented with a series of beautiful spreads and highly accessible facts about Bandoola and all elephant-kind, William Grill's book is a little masterpiece.
Wonderful to share and read alone too.
(Review written by Mat Tobin)
Lavishly illustrated in coloured pencils and presented with a series of beautiful spreads and highly accessible facts about Bandoola and all elephant-kind, William Grill's book is a little masterpiece.
Wonderful to share and read alone too.
(Review written by Mat Tobin)
March 1, 2022
While meant for kids, this book needs an adult interpreter both because of vocabulary and some concepts. It would be best suited for older kids and adults but they are the same ones who would most likely dismiss it. I love the drawings, the story itself, and the wish for greater care of elephants in general. Perhaps it should be thought of as a jumping off place for more reading about elephants, Myanmar, and WWII.
January 20, 2023
An incredible true story based, beautifully illustrated and simply narrated with facts and tenderness.
Page 72 will always stays with me and as a grown up… I am so glad I can find these truth-worthy children reference books and enjoy them with my purest soul. These adaptations from non fiction books and true stories are welcome in the children’s publication.
More please.
And thank you for the trip.
Page 72 will always stays with me and as a grown up… I am so glad I can find these truth-worthy children reference books and enjoy them with my purest soul. These adaptations from non fiction books and true stories are welcome in the children’s publication.
More please.
And thank you for the trip.
November 15, 2021
An excellent book to educate children not only about elephants and their treatment throughout time, but this book also offers a different way to introduce WW2 to children. The glossary at the back of the book helps to make the language used throughout the book more accessible for children and the use of illustrations makes the text 'easier' to understand. A wonderful book!
December 23, 2022
This is a very special book indeed. The story itself of a man and elephant befriending each other and surviving extreme circumstances including war deserves 5 stars. What puts it over the top for me is how the illustrations thoughtfully tell the story between the lines of narration. An amazing book to add to any collection.
July 23, 2024
This was totally an impulsive selection based on the cover and the shape of the book...and it IS very visually-appealing, but not enough to make up for what it lacks in character and plot development. The real-life events which inspired this book seem much more interesting than the way they were presented here.
December 9, 2022
An exploration of the exploitative nature of colonisation, and the tragedies of war.
It is an inspirational story of cross-species friendship and support.
Muted and folkart-like illustrations add to the historical atmosphere, while also softening any violence.
It is an inspirational story of cross-species friendship and support.
Muted and folkart-like illustrations add to the historical atmosphere, while also softening any violence.
January 18, 2023
“Elephants can breathe while underwater by using their trunks like snorkels. They also have the strongest sense of smell of any animal on Earth.”
Gorgeous illustrations, elevated Richard Scarry vibes.
Gorgeous illustrations, elevated Richard Scarry vibes.
April 25, 2024
I really enjoyed this book about Elephant Bill, Po Toke and Bandoola. I want to read a longer book because the story of their escape to India during WWII was so exciting. The book is a little preachy about earth/animal care…I do care…but stop.
October 1, 2021
Beautifully illustrated and fascinating story. Highly recommend !
October 11, 2021
Our whole school book for after half term.
Am so looking forward to sharing this with my class!
A fascinating and wonderful story of elephants in Myanmar!
Am so looking forward to sharing this with my class!
A fascinating and wonderful story of elephants in Myanmar!
December 26, 2021
This is the most impactful book I read this year.
March 14, 2022
Beyond description. Superlative in every way. A must read.
July 22, 2022
Gotta say Po Toke is probably the real hero of the story... Just sayin'
July 28, 2022
I feel as though my world has grown a little more as I read this book.
October 24, 2022
A beautiful picture book perfect for older readers. First published in England.
October 29, 2022
Incredible, amazing story that needs to be shared. Po Toke, Elephant Bill and Bandoola's stories need to be recognized and lauded for their bravery.
December 26, 2022
Beautifully drawn and told story with facts and historical and social context woven throughout.
February 15, 2023
Beautiful and informative historical children’s book.
March 20, 2023
Beautiful illustrations.
Educational.
Educational.
April 3, 2023
Stunning and spectacular and beautiful and a must read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews