THE ELEPHANT AND THE PIANO, by Colette Hiller and Nabila Adani, Sourcebooks Explore, May, 5, 2026, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)
A man helps bring joy to an Elephant in Thailand sanctuary in The Elephant and the Piano, by Colette Hiller and Nabila Adani.
Some stories are true. Others are make-believe. And some true stories are so amazing that it seems they must be make-believe even when they are not…
This is one of those stories.
In a sanctuary in Thailand lived an elephant called Bonti. Short-tempered and destructive, Bonti was alone – the other elephants (and humans) knew to keep their distance. But when a musician came to play the piano for Bonti, something incredible happened…
The Elephant and the Piano tells the spectacular true story of Paul Barton and the elephants who loved to hear him play. —Synopsis provided by Sourcebooks Explore
The Elephant and the Piano is the true story of Paul Barton, an Englishman who lives in Thailand. Though Bonti, the elephant in the picture book is based on three elephants Paul played for.
The Elephant and the Piano is a joyful story that celebrates music and how it helps people, and animals, communicate across barriers. And it provides a great starting point for introducing different kinds of music with children.
Author Colette Hiller’s gentle text exudes warmth and connection, and illustrator Nabila Adani’s colorful illustrations capture curiosity and feeling on multiple levels.
The Elephant and the Piano is a delight to read.
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