The Elephant and the Sea

By turns thrilling and warmly reassuring, this story demonstrates that resolve—and inclusion—wins out; readers will cheer for Gabriel all the way… Vere brings the Cornish setting to life beautifully. Gabriel cuts an endearing figure in the lively illustrations, rendered in a limited palette of soft oranges, grays, and blues. A charming winner about purpose, bravery, and making one’s dreams come true. * Kirkus - starred review *
This affectionately swashbuckling work … is not a tale of injustice redressed: Gabriel is so gentle, and the lifeboat crew so grateful, that only joy lingers as the elephant finds a way to do what he loves, and comes away with marvelous stories to tell. * Publishers Weekly - starred review *
Vere’s crisp text adeptly relies on repetition and sporadic punctuated rhythm to add intrigue to a tried-and-true narrative structure… Gabriel’s bright eyes, blue and yellow sailor’s costume, and feline companion make for a unique and endearing protagonist. This is an excellent addition to any maritime-themed storytime, with room for deeper exploration of the themes of vocation and heroism—or simply use this as a lead-in to a chorus of kid-friendly sea shanties. * The Bulletin for the Center of Children’s Books *
The atmospheric illustrations have layers and textures, creating a realistic backdrop juxtaposed with animal characters. * Booklist *
By turns thrilling and warmly reassuring, this story demonstrates that resolve—and inclusion—wins out; readers will cheer for Gabriel all the way… Vere brings the Cornish setting to life beautifully. Gabriel cuts an endearing figure in the lively illustrations, rendered in a limited palette of soft oranges, grays, and blues. A charming winner about purpose, bravery, and making one’s dreams come true. * Kirkus - starred review *
This affectionately swashbuckling work … is not a tale of injustice redressed: Gabriel is so gentle, and the lifeboat crew so grateful, that only joy lingers as the elephant finds a way to do what he loves, and comes away with marvelous stories to tell. * Publishers Weekly - starred review *
Vere’s crisp text adeptly relies on repetition and sporadic punctuated rhythm to add intrigue to a tried-and-true narrative structure… Gabriel’s bright eyes, blue and yellow sailor’s costume, and feline companion make for a unique and endearing protagonist. This is an excellent addition to any maritime-themed storytime, with room for deeper exploration of the themes of vocation and heroism—or simply use this as a lead-in to a chorus of kid-friendly sea shanties. * The Bulletin for the Center of Children’s Books *
The atmospheric illustrations have layers and textures, creating a realistic backdrop juxtaposed with animal characters. * Booklist *

Ed Vere is an award-winning and New York Times bestselling writer and illustrator of picture books, including How To Be a Lion - winner of Oscar’s Book Prize - and Max the Brave which was named one of The Sunday Times’s ‘100 Modern Children’s Classics’. He studied fine art at Camberwell College of Art and has been writing and illustrating children’s books since 1999. Ed has worked with CLPE to co-create the Power of Pictures scheme which encourages visual literacy in primary school education and has received major funding from the Arts Council. He is also a painter, working from his studio in east London.

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.