Sally Grindley

Little Elephant Thunderfoot Sally Grindley 1st edition

Little Elephant Thunderfoot is only twenty minutes old when he stands up to nurse for this first time. Soon he begins to learn much more about life on the African savannah: where to find food and water, what to do when danger is near, how to use his trunk for splashing playfully in the river. He is taught these things by his grandmother, Wise Old One, who is also leader of the herd. An enormous yet gentle creature, she has roamed the savannah for over fifty years.

One day, however, two loud bangs echo over the landscape and Wise Old One falls to the ground. The other elephants in the herd, unable to rouse her, flee in panic. Yet they return at dawn to cover her body with clumps of grass and to mourn. Now Little Elephant Thunderfoot, his family, and the rest of the herd must learn how to live without their leader and teacher.

Sally Grindley's straightforward, simple text presents a factually accurate picture of elephant life on the African savannah. John Butler's full-color illustrations contribute to the stunning realism of this picture book. Young readers who care about the conservation and protection of elephants will be captivated by this moving account of everyday elephant life.