What Elephants Know

Dinerstein, a conservation scientist, draws on his Peace Corps experience in the 1970s for his children’s book debut, a compelling coming-of-age story. Nandu—an 11-year-old Tibetan child found in the Nepalese jungle by Subba-sahib, head of the Thakurdwara elephant stable—is raised to be a “mahout” (elephant driver) by his adopted father and the elephant he thinks of as his mother. When the Nepalese king threatens the stable with closure, Subba-sahib sends Nandu to school to learn to operate “in a world that is very different from the one in which I grew up.” Nandu attracts wise teachers like Father Autry, a priest and conservationist, and Baba, a holy man, who nurture and guide Nandu. Nandu’s experiences with ethnic prejudice (a plea for help lands him in jail: “A Tibetan driving an elephant? Ha”), as well as terrible guilt after he himself kills numerous “marvelous birds,” make him attuned to dangers facing wild species, particularly elephants. Through memorable characters, an exquisite natural setting, and Nandu’s direct narration, Dinerstein’s story reveals the rich diversity and interdependence of human and animal realms. Ages 8–12. Agent: Richard Abate, 3 Arts Entertainment. (May)