  | Full Text Reviews: Booklist - 11/01/2016 Baby animals are hard to resist, and baby elephants might just take the cake. In this true story, wildlife photographer Ellis documents the early life of Natumi, an orphaned elephant who is eventually rescued and taken to an elephant orphanage to be raised. Seven other baby elephants soon join her there, and the small group quickly becomes a family. None of the keepers expected shy, quiet Natumi to step up as the group leader, until one day she does just that, leading her fellow elephants on adventures and protecting them from dangers as the keepers prepare them for life in the wild. Glossy, high-definition photos of the baby elephants growing up, playing in the mud, and snuggling with their keepers are beyond adorable, and extensive endnotes add extra information about African elephants and wildlife centers. The narrative glosses over the events that left Natumi parentless—although the back matter mentions the problems of poaching—making this tale of confidence and family suitable for the youngest readers. - Copyright 2016 Booklist. School Library Journal - 11/01/2016 PreS-Gr 2—Set on the "African savanna" (the back matter clarifies that the location is Kenya), this is the true story of a baby elephant named Natumi who is separated from her herd when her mother is shot and killed. A kind farmer rescues her and takes her to an elephant orphanage. There, shy Natumi hides behind her keepers' legs and is cared for and raised along with seven other orphan elephants. Over the years, the eight "elies" grow and form a family of their own. Kids will have already gleaned from the title that Natumi will be the leader of this new herd, but the tale is nonetheless enjoyable. While the text is light on details, the back matter is quite extensive, including a map of Natumi's home (in Kenya) and where elephants live in Africa, a "Facts About Elephants" section, a paragraph about the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (the orphanage), a note on how the design of the book was inspired by the area and "local cultures," and more. VERDICT A fine addition to collections to inspire and teach young readers about African elephants and conservation efforts.—Megan Kilgallen, Packer Collegiate Institute, Brooklyn - Copyright 2016 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Loading...
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