The Memory of an Elephant: An Unforgettable Journey

Gr 1–4—Readers first find Marcel, an elderly elephant, getting ready for his job as a writer for an encyclopedia to hold all of his vast knowledge. In his office are several mysterious packages, the largest containing a tuba. Holding the instrument, Marcel reminisces about his years as a jazz musician and then about the many other occupations he has held throughout his long life. He later remembers that it is his birthday, and all of his animal friends have been hiding in his office to celebrate with him. Tying the story together are facts about elephants as well as Marcel's encyclopedia entries, with each full-page of entries and pictures focusing on a particular subject related to the story on the previous page. The narrative, as well as the entries, can be rather dense, but these pages of facts make this book perfect for browsing, as readers will instantly get lost in Marcel's world of information. Martin's art deco-inspired style complements the various nods to fashion and culture of previous decades. This oversize book would certainly make for an interesting addition for some collections.—Peter Blenski, Greenfield Public Library, WI