"A boy must find
a way to save his
friend before it's
too late ... "
This child, who lives on an apartment-lined street, spends his early morning getting ready to head off to school. He makes his way from his home through the streets filled with the hustle-and-bustle that starts the day for many. His arrival at school shows him sitting on a quiet bench, while children play at full tilt all around him. School begins and ends; he makes his way back home.
Once there, he changes his clothes, prepares a tray of food and returns to the outside without being noticed by a distracted parent. Readers watch as he makes his way to the quiet green space next door. It is a peaceful haven for wildlife, and for a young child seeking comfort there. The trees offer companionship; one group in particular. Together, they brilliantly resemble an elephant. The first one provides the elephant's trunk, and is the recipient of one of the bowls of food he has carried with him.
Through the seasons, the child often returns to spend time at the base of his elephant friend. A FOR SALE sign, soon covered by SOLD banner, evokes much concern as he also watches trees being clearly marked with an X. Days pass, filled with worry. Then, one night, he makes his way to the trunk of his friend. He does his best to coax the elephant to follow him ... finally giving up when nothing happens. Exhausted, he makes his way toward home ... or does he? Readers will be awed by the fantastic happenings that ensue. What wonder there is in hopes and dreams of a better future!
Pencil and oil paints on watercolor paper artwork, created by the exceptional Freya Blackwood, proves to be all that is needed to tell this quietly wondrous wordless story of love and loneliness. This is an emotional and powerful tale meant to be shared.
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