Quality Children’s Books That Educate
by Glenn Perrett
Teaching children about animals and the incredible beings they are is important. There is no doubt that our species will have to change our ways if animals such as elephants are to continue living on this planet. Future generations will have to be more caring to other species if we are to coexist with them. And while it is important to educate children about how things like habitat loss and poaching are threatening the future of wild elephants, simply stating facts and giving statistics isn’t enough. 5 Elephants effectively addresses issues facing these remarkable animals because Rob Laidlaw not only provides “facts and figures” about elephants, he also introduces the reader to five individuals: Echo, Lucy, Tarra, Tusko and Thandora. It is easier to understand and get involved with the challenges facing elephants when you get to know some of them as individuals.
The first elephant the reader is introduced to is Echo, a female who was born near Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa in 1945. At 23 this wild elephant became the matriarch of her family. During her life she mothered eight calves and was an effective leader who lived to be 65.
In contrast to Echo’s life there is Lucy, an elephant who was born in Sri Lanka but who languishes in an Edmonton zoo. Lucy has become popular as people have fought to have her moved to a new facility where she could live with other elephants and in a larger area with a better climate. This sad story highlights some of the many problems of keeping animals in zoos.
The third elephant featured is Tusko, a male elephant from Thailand who came to New York in 1898 and was part of a travelling show. Tusko was later used in a circus and his life changed many times but not for the better. He died in 1933 at 42 years of age.
Tarra is the next elephant and she was a baby when she was taken from her family in Myanmar and sold to an animal dealer. She arrived in the USA in 1974 and during the eighties performed in circuses and shows. She was famous as “the only roller-skating elephant in the world.” Tarra’s life improved when went to a large elephant sanctuary in Tennessee where she lives today.
The final elephant looked at is Thandora. She was only four or five years old when her family was killed “during a culling operation in South Africa’s Kruger National Park in 1989.” Thandora was sent to live in a zoo where she stayed for more than 18 years. When concern was expressed about her living conditions she was allowed to be returned to the wild. Unfortunately, as she was successfully being transitioned to the wild she died of a rare bacterial illness.
Besides offering the readers a glimpse into the lives of five elephants, Laidlaw also provides considerable information about elephants including their habitats, elephant life, elephants in captivity, the ivory trade and more.
The interesting and informative text is complemented with numerous colour and black-and-white photographs. An informative glossary is also included.
5 Elephants is a good resource for teachers and an important read for children interested in these incredible animals.
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