The Elephant and the Sea

By: Ed Vere

Narrated by: Ed Vere

USA TODAY BESTSELLER! An inspiring, seafaring fable about a determined and brave elephant who reaches for his dreams, from New York Times bestselling author-illustrator Ed Vere.

"There is only one thing I want to do . . . So I will do it!"

Gabriel the elephant dreams of being part of the lifeboat crew in his seaside town, but he is too young, and too little. But soon, Gabriel grows up and he is too . . . BIG! Disappointed but undaunted, Gabriel makes a plan. He hammers and chops, saws and sands, and builds his very own boat.

One night, a great storm hits, and it's Gabriel's time to shine, pulling his oars alone against the crashing waves to save a crew in peril.

Young children will love rooting for underdog Gabriel and will draw inspiration from his determination to achieve his dreams despite hurdles and setbacks.

The Elephant and the Sea is a perfect gift for anyone setting out on a new path, encouraging them to face life’s obstacles with optimism.

Critic reviews

USA TODAY BESTSELLER!

★ "A charming winner about purpose, bravery, and making one’s dreams come true." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"The gentle reminder to readers to pursue their passions, no matter the odds against them, makes this endearing tale an inspiring one." —The Horn Book

"The atmospheric illustrations have layers and textures, creating a realistic backdrop juxtaposed with animal characters." —Booklist

"Watercolor and ink illustrations in Vere’s signature style . . . imbu[e] the tale with a sense of childhood whimsy and nostalgia. . . . Use this as a lead-in to a chorus of kid-friendly sea shanties." —The Bulletin for the Center of Children's Books