For children curious about animal lives and those who overcome challenges, this heartwarming true story follows an orphaned elephant baby's journey to survival and belonging.
A parent might reach for this book when their child is grappling with feelings of loneliness or facing a new challenge, or for any young animal lover curious about the real lives of wildlife. This heartwarming nonfiction book tells the true story of Moses, a baby elephant found orphaned and near death in Kenya. It follows his rescue, his slow recovery at an elephant orphanage, and his journey to finding a new family within a herd of other rescued elephants. Through stunning photographs and simple text, it gently explores themes of resilience, empathy, and the power of community and belonging, making it a comforting and inspiring read for early elementary schoolers.
The book deals directly with the theme of being an orphan and the death of a parent, although Moses's mother is never shown. The initial situation is one of life-or-death peril for a baby animal. The approach is gentle, factual, and focuses on the rescue and recovery. The resolution is entirely hopeful, showing Moses as a happy, thriving member of his new elephant family. The context is secular, centered on conservation and animal care.
Ideal Reader
This book is perfect for an animal-loving 6 to 8-year-old who is ready for true stories with emotional depth. It's also an excellent choice for a sensitive child who is feeling lonely, left out, or facing a transition (like a new school), as it models the process of finding your place and the comfort of belonging.
Parent Prep
A parent should preview the first few pages, which describe Moses as being found "alone and near death." The accompanying photos, while not graphic, clearly show a weak and vulnerable animal. It would be helpful to frame the story before reading, explaining that sometimes animals need help from kind people, and this is a story about that. A parent might seek this book after their child expresses feelings of not fitting in, or asks difficult questions about what happens when baby animals lose their parents. It can also be triggered simply by a child's intense interest in elephants, conservation, or true stories of survival.
Age Experience
A younger reader (6) will connect with the adorable baby elephant and the simple narrative of rescue and friendship. They will see a sad situation made happy. An older reader (8-9) will grasp the more complex themes: the dedication of the human caregivers, the emotional needs of animals, the social structure of elephant herds, and the broader context of wildlife conservation.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many encyclopedic animal books, this one is a character-driven biography. The use of high-quality, intimate photographs instead of illustrations makes the true story feel immediate and powerful. It provides the emotional satisfaction of a fictional story but with the weight and educational value of nonfiction, a combination that is particularly effective for this age group.
Read plot summary
This nonfiction chapter book uses photographs and simple prose to tell the true story of Moses, an orphaned elephant calf discovered near death in Kenya. He is brought to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where keepers nurse him back to health. Initially isolated and weak, Moses slowly gains strength and confidence. The story follows his journey as he is gradually introduced to and eventually accepted by the other orphaned elephants at the sanctuary, finding a new family and a place to belong.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
When Moses first arrived at the orphanage, he stayed by himself. Why do you think it was hard for him to make friends with the other elephants right away?
2
The keepers gave Moses a colorful blanket to make him feel safe. What is something that makes you feel safe and comforted when you are sad or scared?
3
The other elephants in the herd eventually welcomed Moses and made him part of their family. What are some of the ways they showed him he belonged?
4
This is a true story about real people and a real elephant. How does knowing the story is true change the way you feel about it?
