Grandma Elephant's in Charge » (Reprint)

Martin Jenkins, a conservation biologist, is the author of several nonfiction books for children. He says, "I first saw wild elephants in the Masai Mara Reserve in Kenya, where a big family of them was making their way across the savanna. I’ve seen elephants lots of times since then, but I’ll never forget that first family, strolling across the plains without a care in the world - that was magic."

Ivan Bates has illustrated many books for children. He says of GRANDMA ELEPHANT'S IN CHARGE, "I have always found elephants to be fascinating creatures, capable of both extreme strength and tenderness. This, along with their mighty stature and a wonderful setting amid vast land- and skyscapes, makes them a joy to draw."

"With relaxed, informal words and realistic illustrations, this boisterous picture book brings children close to exciting facts about African elephants in the wild." — BOOKLIST

Elephants are the biggest animals on land, and they live in big families, too. So who can keep them in line? Grandma! In lively prose interspersed with fun facts, Martin Jenkins spins a striking story about this no-nonsense matriarch and her remarkable brood, while Ivan Bates brings the great beasts to rumbling, tumbling, lumbering life.

Publishers Weekly

Conservation biologist Jenkins (Chameleons Are Cool) takes readers on safari into the world of African elephants with this blending of factual text and playful, at times soulful illustrations. Bates's (One Dark Night) watercolor washes feature elephants so expressive they sometimes seem to be smiling. His pencil strokes convey a sense of earth-shaking movement as the biggest land mammals make their way across the spreads, as well as a sense of intelligence behind the eyes. Enlarged, conversational text relays information about "the most important member of an elephant family"-the pachyderm grandmother ("Grandma's been around a long time and she knows lots of important things. She knows where the water holes are when it hasn't rained and the easiest places to cross the big river when it has rained"). Meanwhile, smaller bold typeface relates more straightforward elephant facts about life span, diet, etc. (e.g., "Adults eat about 1U tons of food each day"). This inviting nonfiction primer starring the matriarch of the elephant herd maintains a story-like appeal for young audiences as it delivers intriguing information. Ages 5-up. (Aug.) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.