The Elephant in the Tree
by Mallika Nagarajan
“The Elephant in the Tree” by Mallika Nagarajan. Published by Katha. A story with a skilful blend of fantasy and reality of little Mahi and her strange encounter with a seven-trunked elephant in a tree which changes her life forever.
The story starts off with little Mahi enjoying her fill of mangoes and wondering what she would do if there weren’t any mangoes. That night she saw a fat little elephant in the tree outside her window. He had seven trunks and came into her room. Before she could scream, he put one of his trunks across her mouth and introduced himself as Airavat. He wanted some help from her.
Airavat told Mahi that there was no water left in his world. The “Tree of Life” that breathed life into all things was sick and dying. He needed Mahi’s help to save her. For which she needed to go with him. He gently sucked her into one of his trunks. What happened next? Did Mahi get scared? What was Airavat’s plan? How could Mahi help the tree and Airavat? What would she learn from this incident? Could she perform a miracle? Accompany Mahi and Airavat on this incredible mission and get to know the importance of the tree of life. The accompanying illustrations are bright and stunning.
My 7.5 year old has enjoyed reading this book for almost two years now. The book talks about the water cycle through this story and shows how each one of us can perform miracles through the example of Mahi. The interconnection between trees and water has been portrayed so well through a skilfully written story. The book also introduces children to the mythological character of Airavat who is the vehicle of Indra, the God of rain. Thank you Vidya Mani of Funky Rainbow for recommending this lovely book! Some of the other books that we have read related to water cycle are “The Sea in a Bucket” and “Boondi’s Story - Water”.
Recommended Age
The book is apt for children aged 6+.
Reasons to Read
The book is a lovely means to learn about the water cycle and the role of trees in bringing about rain through a story.
The book shows through the example of Mahi as to how we can do our bit of work, however small it may be, in resolving issues.
Where to buy from?
The publishers Katha here.
An independent indie bookstore, Funky Rainbow, from where I buy many of my books.