What Elephants Know

[This review first published in High Points magazine, September 2016]

With a nod to The Jungle Book, Dinerstein tells the tale of Nandu, a teenager working in the King of Nepal's elephant stable. When just a toddler, Nandu was found in the wilderness, being protected by wild dogs. Unlike most orphan stories, however, this is not a tale about finding his lost roots, but instead about finding his place in the present.
The Borderlands, a wild jungle between India and Nepal, is a seemingly timeless setting at the beginning of the book. After the first few chapters, you think you're reading a pleasant Nepalese fable. Soon, however, we learn of the inevitable encroachment of Land Rovers into the area, and governmental budget cuts mean the king show more needs to close Nandu's elephant ranch. He gives the ranch one year to prepare to move all their elephants to a larger, more centralized ranch.
During that year, Nandu's experiences—boarding school, a terrible fight with bandits, befriending a few strangers, personal tragedy, and his change in stature at the stable—give him the courage to try to save the stable from closure, using the plan of his best friend's sister.
Ultimately, this is a coming-of-age story, as many young adult novels are. But it may never make the bestseller list, because this is a throwback to older writing: no grandiose plot of saving the world, only saving a stable; no fantastic alternate reality, but the rustic setting of a Nepalese jungle. The basis in reality is actually surprising for a book published by Disney, which is no stranger to hyperbolic fantasy. However, the author spent many years as a scientist in Nepal, and after reading this book, you'll feel like you know a little about the Borderlands and the life of an elephant driver.
The Borderlands, like America, is a place of mixed cultures. In the story, we see Hindus, animists, Muslims, and a Christian missionary; and I can't even keep track of the different ethnicities that inhabit the area. Despite this jumble of people, respect is the order of the day. If for no other reason, this mutual respect of race and religion makes the book a good read for anyone, not just young adults.
And what, exactly, do elephants know? Well, you'll just have to read the book and find out! show less

What Elephants Know by Eric Dinerstein is Nandu, an orphan who was found and raised by the head of a royal elephant stable in Nepal and Devi Kali, the female elephant who found him when he was only two. Now twelve, Nandu struggles to find a way to keep the elephant stable from closing to keep his family together. The story is well written and well told by Kirby Hayborne. His storytelling keeps you in the world of Nandu, and he is very good at switching between characters so that you don't lose track of who is speaking when there is dialogue.

The story itself is a year in the life, with happy and sad moments and points where the situation makes you angry at the unfairness of it or laugh out loud at the humor. Many of the secondary show more characters are well-rounded, like Nandu's teacher Father Artry and Rita. The author does a good job of giving you the feeling of being right there in Nepal, walking along a dusty path or in a bustling city or an elephant market. Definitely worth listening to. show less

What Elephants Know written by Eric Dinerstein is right up there with classics like Jungle book, Moby Dick or The Incredible Journey. The author is a storyteller of the highest magnitude. I found myself carried deep into the jungles of Nepal...to the lush foliage and beautiful wildlife and that was only the beginning. The characters in this story are so complex and engaging. Nandu, a small child of only two, is found abandoned in the jungle. He is taken in and raised by the head of the elephant stable. It becomes apparent early on, that Nandu has a rare and special ability with animals. This beautiful story takes us through the many challenges and adventures that Nandu and his family face, as they try to survive and carry on the age old show more traditions of their tribe. This is truly one of the most engaging and well written novels that I have read in a long time. As a lifelong reader and a teacher.. that is quite an endorsement. I listened to the audio version first, which was excellent, very well done. Enjoyed it so much I went out and got the book! show less

Nandu has been raised among the King’s Elephant Stable in Nepal. When the king decides to shut down the stable, Nandu and his adopted father do everything they can to save the community. Nandu was a very likeable and interesting character. The setting was fascinating, I love reading about other cultures and lifestyles. Although the book is definitely aimed at a younger audience, it has something to offer for all age ranges. Overall, highly recommended.

WHAT ELEPHANTS KNOW by Eric Dinerstein tells the compelling story of a boy living in the Nepalese Borderlands.

Abandoned as a toddler, Nandu grows up in the King’s elephant stable. When the government threatens to shut down their operation, twelve-year-old Nandu must convince his adopted father to turn the stable into an elephant breeding center. Along the way, Nandu faces issues of political corruption, cultural identity, environmental ethics, and social justice.

Dinerstein’s beautiful prose brings a fascinating array of supporting characters to life including a nurturing mentor and caring elephant. Readers will be engrossed with the heartwarming tale from beginning to end.

Written for a middle grade audience, librarians will find show more this book has a number of audiences including animal lovers, history fans, and those who enjoy stories set in other cultures.

This “out of the ordinary” story of human connections with the environment in a far-off land is a refreshing break from mainstream children’s literature.

Published by Disney-Hyperion on May 17, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher. show less

There are no number of stars I could give to this book that would justify its awesomeness. It's a beautifully written story of an orphaned boy trying to find where he fits, a beloved elephant and "mother" to Nandu, a close knit family in the borderlands of Nepal. The Elephants know more than we think. I loved this story. I didn't want it to end. ❤️

This is a charming adventure story of 12-year-old Nandu living in Nepal. He is an orphan but grows up with his adoptive father in an elephant stable. With the threat of closure for the stable, Nandu works on a plan to save it. This is adventurous but also provides insight into the jungle of Nepal and how elephants are used in this culture. I recommend this story for 4th-6th grades, and it would appeal to children who enjoy The Jungle Book and adventure stories.