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Description
We Bought a Zoo meets Jurassic Park in a gripping story set in an elephant sanctuary, featuring the perennial appeal of human-animal friendships.
Samantha (Sam) lives at the elephant sanctuary her dad runs and views the elephants there as much a part of her family as her single dad is. When a beloved elephant dies in childbirth, Sam develops a special connection with the baby, named Woolly because she has an unusual amount of hair. It soon becomes apparent that Woolly is . . . different. Woolly's mother was part of a special breeding project, and Woolly's DNA is not elephant but that of a rare specimen -- a woolly mammoth -- procured by the eccentric billionaire genius who runs the program. He will stop at nothing to protect Woolly, his multimillion-dollar investment, even it means turning Sam and her dad's world upside-down. An astonishing fact-based look at elephant behaviour and an endearing girl-elephant friendship.
Samantha (Sam) lives at the elephant sanctuary her dad runs and views the elephants there as much a part of her family as her single dad is. When a beloved elephant dies in childbirth, Sam develops a special connection with the baby, named Woolly because she has an unusual amount of hair. It soon becomes apparent that Woolly is . . . different. Woolly's mother was part of a special breeding project, and Woolly's DNA is not elephant but that of a rare specimen -- a woolly mammoth -- procured by the eccentric billionaire genius who runs the program. He will stop at nothing to protect Woolly, his multimillion-dollar investment, even it means turning Sam and her dad's world upside-down. An astonishing fact-based look at elephant behaviour and an endearing girl-elephant friendship.
Author Bio
Eric Walters is a Member of the Order of Canada and the author of over 125 books that have collectively won more than one hundred awards, including the Governor General’s Literary Award for The King of Jam Sandwiches. A former teacher, Eric began writing as a way to get his fifth-grade students interested in reading and writing. Eric is a tireless presenter, speaking to over one hundred thousand students per year in schools across the country. He lives in Guelph, Ontario.
Prizes
- Diamond Willow AwardShort-listed 2019
- Florida Sunshine State Young Readers AwardShort-listed 2019
- Manitoba Young Readers’ Choice AwardNominated 2019
Review Quotes
One of Winnipeg Free Press’ Ideal Book Gifts for Kids
One of CCBC’S Best Books for Kids & Teens (Spring 2019)
PRAISE FOR Elephant Secret:
"Walters packs in numerous details about these magnificent and highly intelligent creatures [elephants] while raising complex ethical questions regarding humans’ relationship with animals.” --Publisher's Weekly
"Walters’ depiction of the bond that exists between Sam and her elephants is captivating. The elephants, who are presented as majestic and intelligent creatures with humanlike characteristics and rich emotional lives, will leave readers awestruck."--School Library Journal
"Cliffhangers and elephants will keep readers engaged."--Kirkus
"Walters interweaves his beautiful family story with a thorough description of elephant behavior—their intellect, compassion, and loyalty—and factual scientific possibilities of cloning an extinct species...A must-read for anyone with an interest in elephants and their welfare."--Booklist
"Engaging, suspenseful, and educational, Elephant Secret will leave readers satisfied, yet full of questions.” -- CM Magazine
One of CCBC’S Best Books for Kids & Teens (Spring 2019)
PRAISE FOR Elephant Secret:
"Walters packs in numerous details about these magnificent and highly intelligent creatures [elephants] while raising complex ethical questions regarding humans’ relationship with animals.” --Publisher's Weekly
"Walters’ depiction of the bond that exists between Sam and her elephants is captivating. The elephants, who are presented as majestic and intelligent creatures with humanlike characteristics and rich emotional lives, will leave readers awestruck."--School Library Journal
"Cliffhangers and elephants will keep readers engaged."--Kirkus
"Walters interweaves his beautiful family story with a thorough description of elephant behavior—their intellect, compassion, and loyalty—and factual scientific possibilities of cloning an extinct species...A must-read for anyone with an interest in elephants and their welfare."--Booklist
"Engaging, suspenseful, and educational, Elephant Secret will leave readers satisfied, yet full of questions.” -- CM Magazine
