By Mary Davis, Grand Rapids Public Library, Ottawa Hills Branch

Kate DiCamillo became one of my favorite authors for children after publishing her first novel, Because of Winn-Dixie. She writes in a soothing, almost comforting voice, and she never talks down to her intended audience. She often blends realism with a sort of fantastical or magical twist. In her newest, The Magician’s Elephant, she casts another spell. She tells the story of Peter Augustus Duchene. Peter, a young boy in the care of a former soldier, believes that he will grow into a soldier as well.

One day the old soldier gives him money to buy bread and fish. Instead, a fortune teller’s tent catches Peter’s eye. She reveals to him that his sister, believed to be dead, lives and the elephant will lead him to her. This seems unbelievable until a visiting magician mysteriously and mistakenly conjures up an elephant.

DiCamillo weaves beautifully together the story of the elephant and how she leads Peter to his sister, a new future, and an interesting cast of characters. Yoko Tanka’s illustrations help define the time and place and bring depth to the storytelling. The Magician’s Elephant would make a lovely read-aloud to most elementary classrooms or just to share with any child in one’s life.