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An Elephant in the Garden

By: Michael Morpurgo
Narrated by: Fiona Clarke
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Summary

A thrilling and moving tale about an extraordinary animal caught up in a very human war. Perfect for anyone who loved The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips or The Butterfly Lion…

It’s 1945. Elizabeth's father is fighting with the German army on the eastern front. Her mother works at Dresden zoo, where her favourite animal is a young elephant named Marlene. When the zoo director tells her the dangerous animals must be shot to prevent them running amok when the town is bombed, Elizabeth's mother moves Marlene into the back garden to save her… and then the bombs start to fall.

Their home destroyed, Elizabeth and her family must flee the bombed-out city and through the wintery landscape, all the while avoiding the Russian troops who are drawing ever closer. It would be hard enough, without an elephant in tow…

©2010 HarperCollins Publishers (P)2010 HarperCollins Publishers
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What listeners say about An Elephant in the Garden

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Amazing! Excellent!

We have listened to it many times it's just as good as the first time we heard it!

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1 person found this helpful

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Engaging and emotional. An excellent story.

Loved it. Listened constantly for the whole story. Told had the whole family hooked. Fab.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Heartwarming

A beautiful book for young and old. A family saves an elephant and themselves during world war 2. A coming of age.

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3 people found this helpful

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Great but sad

I loved it and it was every easy to understand. The German voice was very good too.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Poo

Poo poo poo poo poo poo poo poo poo poo poo poo poo poo poo poo d r t y u I

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A moving story beautifully written

This is a unique story which will appeal to UKS2 and LKS3. The story is told with the back drop of the bombing of Dresen and highlights the complication and sadness of war told through a journey with an elephant. Highly recommend.

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The Elephant in the garden

It is a really good book and is a very moving story. It gives us a taste of what it was like for German people as we know lots about what it was like for English people. It is a fabulous story.

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Brilliant!

Would you listen to An Elephant in the Garden again? Why?

I wouldn't listen to it again - but I think my children would. We listened to it on a long car journey & it was engaging & exciting.

What did you like best about this story?

Hearing about WW2 from the side of German civilians - prompted some interesting family discussions.

Have you listened to any of Fiona Clarke’s other performances? How does this one compare?

No I haven't heard anything else she's narrated.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

The incredible story of an Elephant in war torn Germany!

Any additional comments?

A great story for children & adults!

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