THE BOY AND THE ELEPHANT, by Freya Blackwood, Random House Studio, Aug. 27, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (Ages 4-8)
The Boy and the Elephant, by Freya Blackwood, follows a boy who saves the trees in the lot next door from being cut down.
Amongst the hustle and bustle of the city is an overgrown piece of land where trees and wildlife thrive. A boy, who lives in a house on the lot next to it, loves to visit. He has a friend there: an elephant, an animal that he sees within the shapes of the trees. No matter the weather, the boy visits. And as the seasons change so does the elephant; thick green foliage changes to autumnal colors before the bare branches of harsh winter appear. But one day, builders arrive. The land has been sold, and the trees have been marked for removal. The boy can’t lose his elephant, and so he comes up with a plan. —Synopsis provided by Random House Studio
I love wordless picture books. They speak directly to a child’s imagination, inviting them to fill in the gaps and create their own dialogue.
The Boy and the Elephant, by Freya Blackwood, is a perfect example of this.
Blackwood’s illustrations — crafted with pencil and oil paints on watercolor paper — are exquisite. The soft edges and blurred lines bring her story into focus. Her use of space and light open the door for the narrative to grow.
The Boy and the Elephant is not only a celebration of creativity, but a celebration of nature and the ability to create change. It’s a beautiful picture book that would be a wonderful addition to any classroom or home.
About the author:
Freya Blackwood fell in love with illustrating books as a child while growing up in New South Wales, Australia. She is the illustrator of many acclaimed picture books published throughout the world, including My Two Blankets, Baby Day, and Harry and Hopper for which she won the Kate Greenaway Medal. She lives in New South Wales with her daughter. To learn more, visit her website: freyablackwood.com.au
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