Review: Elephants Remember - Jennifer O' Connell

Review: Elephants Remember - Jennifer O'Connell - November 2022

Based on a true story, Elephants Remember is not only one of the most beautifully illustrated animal stories I have seen but it is also such a heart-warming, ugly crying, sweet read. It is one of the best animal books around and if you love stories like Katherine Applegate's The One and Only Ivan or the various Michael Morpurgo titles, then you will love Jennifer O'Connell's book Elephants Remember. This book starts with a guy named Lawrence who owns a haven for animals in South Africa. He has been asked to look after a herd of elephants, at first, he is reluctant as he doesn't have the equipment needed e.g. fencing and the space for them. Lawrence eventually is persuaded as he realizes if he doesn't save them, then they will be sadly hunted and killed by poachers which animal lover Lawrence won't let happen. It's not an easy task, as the elephants start to escape but each time Lawrence brings them back to safety and cares for them. Over time, they start to bond a relationship with Lawrence and soon the animals are set out to the wild. Years later Lawrence passes away and the Matriarch elephant aka Nana leads a group of elephants from all across Africa to the safe haven. The title though comes from the fact that every year since, on the anniversary of Lawrence's death - a group of Elephants shows up at the safe haven to pay their respects to Lawrence as the saying goes an Elephant always remembers and never forgets.  Elephants Remember is such a sweet read and perfect for children aged 6-10 years old.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ihB7Sq