The Magician’s Elephant ~Kate DiCamillo
–published 2009
–201 pages, Candlewick Press
–5 heartwarming stars out of 5
“When a fortuneteller’s tent appears in the market square of the city of Baltese, orphan Peter Augustus Duchene knows the questions that he needs to ask: Does his sister still live? And if so, how can he find her.
The fortuneteller’s mysterious answer (An elephant! An elephant will lead him there!) sets off a chain of events so remarkable, so impossible, that Peter can hardly dare to believe it.
But it is–all of it–true.”
Precious few authors could drag me out of my gothic/suspense/mystery reading mode with a new release, especially given how satisfying this first month of the R.I.P. IV Challenge has been. One of those authors is Kate DiCamillo. The moment I saw her latest release, The Magician’s Elephant, I knew that I would be rolling out the red carpet to escort it center stage in my reading. Following so closely on the heels of my unforgettable experience with The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, I feel like I have reached reading Nirvana, a place where every book one reads makes you feel like a choir of angels is singing.
But then, Kate DiCamillo will do that to you.
I mentioned in my review of The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane that Kate DiCamillo is quite skillful when it comes to opening up the floodgates on my tear ducts. With The Magician’s Elephant I had the opposite reaction…no matter how hard I might have tried I simply could not wipe the contented grin off of my face. Though completely unplanned, it has been a wonderful experience reading this book and The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie back to back. For each book does much of the same thing in very different ways. Alan Bradley uses lovely, large words and descriptive language to bring his characters to life and infuse them with memorable personality. Kate DiCamillo does the same thing in such a deceptively simple manner that the real magic of the book is her ability to create a cast of characters who you suddenly find inside of you, tugging on your heart strings, with only a few lines of text giving them breath. I’ll give you an example.
There was one character in Peter’s life that I had pretty much pegged as a ‘bad guy’. With one line…One Line!…Kate DiCamillo added a dimension to his personality that made me understand just who this character really was and made me care about him. She is amazing.
This book is a quick read: small pages, few words on the page, and yet is one that you cannot help but savor. Each word, each line of dialogue is important, is necessary, is filled with meaning. This is something I have come to expect from Kate DiCamillo’s writing. She writes books for kids, it is true. Every book of hers that I have read, The Magician’s Elephant included, is a story crying out to be read aloud to children. And yet each and every book of hers that I have read also has a message that only an adult can truly perceive and appreciate. The message in this book is as deceptively simple as Kate DiCamillo’s writing skill: Believe! Miracles do happen! Sometimes, despite improbability, the stars do align, love does conquer all, and there is such a thing as a happy ending! Many writers could not craft a book like this without it coming off as syrupy, sugary-sweet fluff. There is nothing saccharine at all about The Magician’s Elephant. It is an elegantly written, beautiful story. The ending of a book like this may not come as a complete surprise, but that is hardly the point. Peter’s story, as is the story of every character in this book, is that the joy is in the journey.
The Magician’s Elephant is funny and touching and whimsical. It is a treasure. The cast of characters are an absolute delight. Yoko Tanaka’s delicate illustrations enhance and enrich the story without ever being a distraction. If you are a fan of Kate DiCamillo or have never had the pleasure of sampling her work, The Magician’s Elephant is a book you must add to your list.
In the interest of full disclosure, Kate DiCamillo did manage to wring tears out of my eyes by the end of this story. 😉 As I closed the final pages I could not help but wonder, in the same manner as my favorite character, Leo Matienne:
“What If?”
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If you are interested, you can follow this link and hear Kate talk briefly about this book and can watch/listen to her read the first chapter.
I feel like I’ve been having just a great run of idyllic reading, too! Ain’t life grand?
Caitlin: Yes it is! 🙂
I can’t wait to get this one. It’s just the sort of read I need right now.
I preordered this one from amazon and had forgotten that I did!! It was te best little treat in the world when it arrived at my doorstep the other day 😀 I think I’m going to save it for the read-a-thon in October. Should be perfect. And even though it doesn’t seem very RIP-ish, it does look like a very October book. Make sense? Oh and guess what??? I’m ecstatic!! The Swell Season is playing here in November and Me and Megan are going!!
Chris: It will be a great October read. It is set in an autumn/winter season. I have no doubt you’ll really enjoy it.
And I’m so excited for you. Swell Season is so wonderful. Mary and I saw them perform on PBS the other night and it brought back a flood of wonderful memories from when we saw them live. Can’t wait to hear about it once you go.
Kristin: It is very uplifting. I needed it to and it delivered.
i had a feeling this would be yet another winner. as many other I have to cut way back to close to nothing for my book buying.. but i will maintain my wish list!
Carl – you are a really bad influence. You see, now I want this one too. Stop reviewing such fabulous books please. Anyone tell you that you take fantastic photos too? I always feel like I am reading an article in a glossy magazine when I come over to your site for a visit.
This sounds so wonderful! I have heard nothing but good things about Kate diCamillo – don’t know why I’ve never picked up any of her books. Looks like it’s time for that to change…
I have loved all her past books and I look forward to reading this one as well one day. It sounds magical. I BELIEVE!!!
I’ve never read any of this author’s books, but you make them sound so amazing. Yet another book for the TBR pile.
Logan: They are so good. I recommend Tale of Despereaux, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane (probably my favorite, but this latest one is a close second) and this one. Definitely worth checking out.
Jeff: You and the kids will love this one. It is indeed magical. Feel free to borrow after Mary gets through with it.
Jenny: She is such a fantastic author. I’m sure you would enjoy her work.
Vivienne: I can’t help myself! 🙂 Thanks, I prefer finding pictures of books online to use but more often than not I am not happy with the size or resolution of what online offers and I just have to do it myself.
Deslily: This is definitely a good one to put on the wish list…and on your Santa list as well! 🙂 That will be here sooner than we know it!
I love this author’s work. I posted about The Tale of Despereaux and The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, and recently read The Tiger Rising. I will “check out” the link you provided.
I’ve really got to quit reading your review, Carl…they are awful for my TBR pile, and my pocketbook:)
To be honest I am not sure, whether I would like to read this, even if it is as short as it is and can’t swallow too much of my time. I am just not into children’s books or at least not there mentally, when I have read my share of drama and human wickedness to return to that blissful childhood innocence and its fuzzy aura. 🙂 But will keep this in mind.
Harry: That’s too bad Harry. A really well written children’s book is a distinct pleasure. 🙂
Jessica: I hear you, I feel the same way as I visit the blogging community.
Susan: Those are all great books. I read and reviewed Tiger Rising several years back and enjoyed it as well.
Oh my, I didn’t think I could possibly want this book more than I already did…but I was wrong. (Nothing new there 😉 ) This was such a beautiful, tender, joyful review, Carl, and I cannot for the life of me believe ANYONE could resist this book after this review!
I think this is one that all of you would enjoy in a family read-aloud Debi. I think there is something for people of all ages to enjoy here. I hope you get a chance to read it soon. 🙂
Please stop by my blog when you have a moment. I have an award for you!
Oh, I’ve wanted to buy this for my classroom for weeks! I really must get out there and do it this weekend. I loved your review, Carl, and I’m glad to know you deem it worthy. Sometimes, a writer just gets by on reputation, but I doubt that could happen to Kate. Because of Winn Dixie remains one of my favorite children’s books every; the Litmus Lozenge begs the question, “What does sadness taste like?” A very profound question, in my opinion…
Agh! I meant “children’s book EVER”
Loved your review as well as this amazing book. I linked to your site in my review.
I can’t wait to read this one, too. I agree w/ Vivienne, Carl, you do take stunning photos!
I just got this one at the library yesterday. Glad u enjoyed it. I loved her last book !!!
C.S. Lewis wrote:
“A children’s story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children’s story in the slightest.”
I agree with C.S. Lewis’ thought and based on that quote is how I judge a children’s book – whether it is a worthy read in our home. Sound superior, do not intend it to be so but I have read soooo many children’s books in the past that were just plain boring yet seem to be on children book lists. If it does not speak to me, in some way, even in a small way, then we do not read it aloud.
It sounds to me like this book, The Magician’s Elephant, falls in line with the quote. That it is truly a good children’s story as it can be enjoyed by adults as well. I am putting this book on my list of to-read for myself and my children.
Thanks Carl for your wonderful review!
BTW: I agree with Vivienne. I really like the look of your blog along with the book photos. I think I am may start taking pictures of my books, if you do not mind.
I have this one on my reserve list at the library. Surprisingly it will be my first DiCamillo book. Now I really can’t wait to get to it.
Thanks to Carl for loaning me his copy of this wonderful book. I absolutely loved it and would have to say it’s now my favorite of Kate DiCamillo’s enchanting tales. I’m always amazed how she can weave so many characters stories together with so few words and at the same time make you care so deeply for them seemingly instantly. I found myself tearing through this book in only 3 days, which is quite fast for me. Even though I could guess how the story ended I just had to live the journey with the characters as quickly as possible. I couldn’t wait too experience the magic with them.
Sidenotes: I was luke warm with the editor’s choice of illustrator. Of course the poorly reproduced black and white plates might have had a lot to do with it. It would have been nice to have had atleast color plates for the hardcover edition.
Also, I checked out the link Carl provided at the end of the post. Her live reading of chapter one was quite flat. It made me appreciate the magical readings of Neil Gaiman even more than I already do. Sorry Ms. DiCamillo.
Thanks for the great review Carl!!!
Jeff: It is funny that you say that about the reading as I felt the same way. It is a talent that not everyone has, at least not in the way Gaiman and others do. I’m glad you enjoyed the book so much. I think it is probably my favorite of hers as well. It is just such a warm and wonderful tale.
Chelle: Well once you fall in love with this I suggest giving The Mysterious Journey of Edward Tulane a try!
Deanna/ibeeeg: That is a fantastic quote, and one I agree with as well. This one is definitely a fantastic read aloud book, I have no doubt you’ll enjoy it. And yes, please feel free to borrow the idea. I certainly didn’t invent the idea, but often find it is the only way to get a good book cover image for my blog.
Diane: She is fantastic, isn’t she?
diana: Awww…thank you so much!
Michelle: Thanks, I’ll check out your review.
Bellezza: That is very profound. I know that melancholy can taste delightful, if imbibed in just the right doses with a foundation of joy laid underneath. I hope you and your students enjoy this treasure.
Susan: Thanks, I will!