About This Book
Kate DiCamillo's "The Magician's Elephant" is a poignant middle-grade novel set in the fictional, post-war city of Baltese, where hope has dwindled. Peter Augustus Duchene, an orphan, seeks answers about his long-lost sister from a mysterious fortune teller. Her enigmatic reply, "Follow the elephant," propels Peter into an extraordinary adventure involving a magically summoned elephant, a reluctant magician, and a series of seemingly impossible tasks. This story beautifully explores themes of grief, belief, resilience, and the power of love and connection to heal both individuals and a community. It's a gentle yet profound narrative suitable for readers aged 8-12, offering rich opportunities for discussion about loss, hope, and the meaning of family.
When a fortuneteller's tent appears in the market square of the city of Baltese, orphan Peter Augustus Duchene knows the questions that he needs to ask: Does his sister still live? And if so, how can he find her? The fortuneteller's mysterious answer
Concepts
Sadness & GriefJoy & GratitudeLove & FamilyResilience & PerseveranceCuriosity & WonderFriendship & LoyaltySelf-Confidence & IdentityEmpathy & KindnessForgiveness & RedemptionLoneliness & BelongingCreativity & ImaginationDeath of a Loved OneMaking FriendsGrowing UpSibling RivalryFamily & SiblingsAnimalsFantasy & MagicAdventure
Character Death
peril_danger
sadness_grief
Discussion Prompts
1
What does "hope" mean to the people of Baltese at the beginning of the story, and how does it change by the end?
2
Peter is told to "follow the elephant." What does this mean literally and metaphorically in the story?
3
How do Peter, Vilna, and Sister Marie each deal with their guilt and grief? How do they find healing?
4
What role does belief play in the story, both for the characters and for the city itself?
5
If you could ask the fortune teller one question, what would it be?
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