The Magician's Elephant

Reach for this book when your child is asking deep questions about the world's fairness or struggling with a sense of isolation and longing for family. It is a perfect choice for those who feel small in a large, confusing world and need to see that belief and compassion can spark real change. The story follows young Peter, an orphan living with a stern soldier, who seeks his lost sister after a fortune teller claims an elephant will lead him to her. Kate DiCamillo crafts a fable-like atmosphere that explores grief and hope with a gentle, sophisticated touch. While the book touches on themes of loss and the weight of adult expectations, it ultimately serves as a comforting reminder that the impossible can become possible when people choose to care for one another. It is ideal for independent readers aged 8 to 12 or as a transformative family read-aloud.