The+Magician's+Elephant+(Kleinmeyer)

//Submitted by Lynn Kleinmeyer//

The Magician's Elephant

This is the story of Peter, an orphan boy living in the fictional city of Baltese. One day at the market, Peter decides to visit a fortune-teller instead of buying the fish and bread his guardian, Vilna Lutz, sends him to buy. He seeks the truth. When Peter finds out his sister lives, he must know how to find her. The fortune-teller tells him "You must follow the elephant. She will lead you there." Thinking the woman is crazy, there is no elephant in Baltese, Peter returns to his life. Until one day, when an elephant suddenly arrives. ..
 * Summary:**

//New York Times// best-selling book
 * Awards:**


 * Videos:**

media type="youtube" key="ByFX9iOk_hE" height="349" width="425" This is a fan created book trailer introducing //The Magician's Elephant.// media type="youtube" key="4H_yZ2rPlao" height="349" width="425" This is a video of Kate DiCamillo reading the first chapter of //The Magician's Elephant.//

• The Magician's Elephant official website This is the link for the official website about //The Magician's Elephant.// In addition to information about the book, you can learn more information about Kate DiCamillo and Yoko Tanaka. • Kate DiCamillo's Author's Page This link takes you to Kate DiCamillo's page where you can learn more about the author. • Yoko Tanaka's Biography This link gives you information on illustrator Yoko Tanaka's life.
 * Extra Resources:**


 * Discussion Questions:**
 * 1) Thinking of how Vilna Lutz treats Peter, how do you think Vilna justifies his treatment of Peter? If you were Peter, what would you do?
 * 2) At the end of Chapter 8, the elephant is working to remember who she is and the place where she feels safe and loved. Where is the place that you feel the safest and most loved? What is it about that place that makes you feel so safe?
 * 3) This story has many possible themes. Pick one theme that you think this book has and explain why you think this is a good theme for this book.

Throughout much of the story, the magician and Madam LaVaughn are unable to say what they really mean. Choosing one of those two characters, write a letter from that character's perspective to the other. In the letter, say what you think they really wanted to say to each other.
 * Classroom Activity:**

Rulewicz, M. (2010, December 11). The magician's elephant [Video file]. Retrieved from Youtube database. Tanaka, Y. (2009). //The magician's elephant// [Cover illustration]. Retrieved from http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780763644109  TIMEkids. (2009, September 15). The magician's elephant [Video file]. Retrieved from Youtube database.
 * References:**