Tua and the Elephant

A parent would reach for this book when their child is beginning to recognize unfairness in the world and feels a passionate, almost overwhelming, urge to protect those who cannot protect themselves. It is a beautiful choice for the sensitive child who forms deep bonds with animals and needs to see that even a young person can enact significant change through bravery and persistence. The story follows Tua, a young girl in Chiang Mai, who discovers an elephant being mistreated by two cruel men and decides to lead the animal on a dangerous journey to a sanctuary. While it touches on themes of animal cruelty and poverty, the tone remains adventurous and hopeful, making it a perfect introduction to social justice and global empathy for children in the mid-to-late elementary years. Parents will appreciate how the book models moral courage while celebrating the vibrant, bustling culture of Thailand.