Elephant in the Dark: Based on a Poem by Rumi

Inspired by a Rumi poem based on the parable of "The Blind Men and the Elephant," Javaherbin offers a lively take on a classic story about the folly of a limited perspective. When a merchant named Ahmad brings a "mysterious creature" (an elephant) home and stores the animal in his barn, the villagers sneak in and attempt to identify it. One man, after touching the elephant's legs, declares that the animal is "round and tall, like a tree trunk!" Another, feeling its tail, reports that it is "skinny and hairy, like a paintbrush!" Taking cues from Persian miniatures, Yelchin creates a rowdy, bickering cast of villagers in turbans and vividly patterned garments, successfully playing up the story's comedic clashes. Ages 4-8. Author's agent: Abigail Samoun, Red Fox Literary. Illustrator's agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. (Aug.)

K-2--A merchant has brought a strange creature from India to a Persian village, and the locals are curious. The merchant puts off his neighbors because it is too dark in the barn and he wants to sleep. The villagers sneak in one at a time to figure out what is inside. Each one feels a different part of the animal, coming to a different conclusion about its identity. They are so busy squabbling among themselves that they miss seeing the elephant the next morning as the merchant leads it to the river. The villagers never see the wonder of the elephant because "they each knew only a small piece of the truth." This picture book is based on a poem by Rumi. Yelchin's illustrations are bright and colorful and filled with expressive faces. They take the story to an imaginative level. The story is told simply but with a meaningful impact. VERDICT Young readers and teachers who enjoy folktales with an entertaining moral will appreciate this story's message.--Kris Hickey, Columbus Metropolitan Library, OH

Praise for Elephant in the Dark

"An amusing retelling." — Booklist

"The book should provide opportunities for rich discussions about perception and about advocating for what you believe to be true." — Horn Book