bookbelle5_17's review against another edition
3.0
This was read to me at an adult reading group. It is a very sad story set during WWII at a zoo in Japan. Three elephants that have been around for a while have to be put down and a memorial is made for them.
My first thought was "this is a children's book?!" But thinking about this, I asked myself, do I think children should be sheltered from death and the consequences of war. The art style is very lovely with shades of pink. The book is based on a true story and explain what they do, but humans are not heartless about it. They hate having to do this, but in their eyes it is the only option. I don't have much more to say about this children's book.
My first thought was "this is a children's book?!" But thinking about this, I asked myself, do I think children should be sheltered from death and the consequences of war. The art style is very lovely with shades of pink. The book is based on a true story and explain what they do, but humans are not heartless about it. They hate having to do this, but in their eyes it is the only option. I don't have much more to say about this children's book.
emilie_laprofdefrancais's review against another edition
4.0
Quel bel album! Ça faisait un moment que je souhaitais mettre la main dessus et je n’ai pas été déçue! Les illustrations sont toutes simples, très minimalistes, mais tellement parfaites! Le texte est court, mais bien émouvant. Le fait que cette histoire en soit une réelle amène une autre dimension au livre. Je pense que les élèves seront assurément touchés par cette lecture. À utiliser en classe, au secondaire sans crainte. Parfait pour aborder les conséquences de la guerre.
realpageturner's review against another edition
3.0
This is a true account, told by the Japanese zoo keeper, explaining the graves at his zoo. The zoo keeper takes the reader back to the time not so long ago where Japan and the world was at ar. Fearing the danger of the wild animals getting lose, the zoo keepers were commanded to kill the animals one by one. The last to die is are the gentle giants--the elephants.
This book is clearly a anti war book rather then about elephants. It is a impacting book. I recommend it for children ages 8-12.
This book is clearly a anti war book rather then about elephants. It is a impacting book. I recommend it for children ages 8-12.
engpunk77's review against another edition
5.0
A wonderful read-aloud. My 11th grade English teacher read this aloud and I was sobbing on my desk. I read it aloud during a "lock-down" and my students were similarly affected. Sad, sad, sad.
kaylana's review against another edition
2.0
The book is supposed to bring about anti-war sentiments...but not for me. The illustrations were wonderful, but I just didn't buy the story. The zookeepers really couldn't figure out a more humane way to kill the elephants? I'm sure they had shotguns, at least. They really didn't have needles big enough to draw blood or administer other things for the elephants?
Yes, war is sh*tty, it really is. But this book didn't help me think more about anti-war, just how come these zookeepers were so inhumane? Moral was lost completely. Granted, I wasn't there...but maybe if there was more information. I guess I'll just have to look it up and see...
Yes, war is sh*tty, it really is. But this book didn't help me think more about anti-war, just how come these zookeepers were so inhumane? Moral was lost completely. Granted, I wasn't there...but maybe if there was more information. I guess I'll just have to look it up and see...
mara_jade510's review against another edition
5.0
One of my favorite books as a child. So sad and powerful.
elna17a9a's review
5.0
A beautiful story that really brings home the tragedies and consequences of war.