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The Girl Who Stole an Elephant
by Nizrana Farook
Chaya steals the queen's jewels to help her village, and escapes into the jungle on the king's elephant with two friends and the army behind her.
A story about children and animals, adventurous and warm in tone. We would put it with children of 8–11, and at a reading age of about 9 for reading alone.
Worth knowing before you buy
- Mild peril
None of this makes it a bad book — often the opposite. It is here so you can decide whether it is right for your child now or in a year or two.
Our take on this book
Chaya, a bold and reckless girl in a lush island kingdom, steals the queen's jewels to help her poor neighbours — and when the plan goes wrong, she ends up fleeing into the jungle on the back of the king's own elephant, with her friends and half the palace guard in pursuit. Nizrana Farook writes a fast, sun-drenched adventure set in a Sri Lanka-inspired world, with a headstrong heroine, a glorious elephant, and a chase that barely pauses for breath. It is exciting and warm-hearted, with peril of the thrilling rather than frightening sort, and a satisfying Robin Hood streak. For a nine- to twelve-year-old who wants pure adventure — jungle, elephants, daring escapes and a brave, flawed heroine — it is a hugely enjoyable romp, and a refreshing one, set somewhere far from the usual fantasy landscapes. A brilliant choice for a child who just wants to be swept along by a rollicking, big-hearted story.
If they like this, try these
Chosen by matching age, reading age, tone and subject — not by what is selling.
The Water HorseDick King-Smith
Danny the Champion of the WorldRoald Dahl
Stig of the DumpClive King
Asha and the Spirit BirdJasbinder Bilan
Running WildMichael Morpurgo
Or let them write their own.
Nothing gets a child reading like a story they invented themselves. Your child plans the characters and the plot, and we write, illustrate and print it as a real book with their name on the cover as the author.
Find another book
Tell us the age, the reading age and what they like, and we will suggest a handful.