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 has published over 120 novels and picture books. His works have become bestsellers, been translated into sixteen languages, and won over one hundred awards, including ten Forest of Reading awards and the 2020 Governor General’s Literary Award. He lives in Guelph, Ontario, with his wife, Anita.
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
Biographical note
Eric Walters’s young adult novels have won numerous awards, including the Silver Birch, Blue Heron, Red Maple, Snow Willow, and Ruth Schwartz Awards, and have received honors from UNESCO’s international award for Literature in the Service of Tolerance. He lives in Mississauga, Ontario.
