Queenie One Elephant's Story

A parent might reach for this book when helping a child understand the life and death of a beloved animal, or to gently introduce the concept of a life lived long ago. Based on a true story, it follows Queenie, an elephant who lived for many years at the Melbourne Zoo, giving rides to generations of children. The book tenderly explores her loneliness as the only elephant, the love she shared with her keeper, and the sadness of her eventual passing. The soft, nostalgic illustrations and gentle text make it a suitable introduction to complex feelings for children ages 4 to 8. It's an excellent choice for fostering empathy and starting conversations about animal welfare, history, and the natural cycle of life and death.