What Elephants Know

By: Eric Dinerstein

Narrated by: Kirby Heyborne

Abandoned in the jungle of the Nepalese Borderlands, two-year-old Nandu is found living under the protective watch of a pack of wild dogs. From his mysterious beginnings, fate delivers him to the king's elephant stable, where he is raised by unlikely parents - the wise head of the stable, Subba-sahib, and Devi Kali, a fierce and affectionate female elephant.

When the king's government threatens to close the stable, Nandu, now 12, searches for a way to save his family and community. A risky plan could be the answer. But to succeed they'll need a great tusker. The future is in Nandu's hands as he sets out to find a bull elephant and bring him back to the Borderlands. In simple poetic prose, author Eric Dinerstein brings to life Nepal's breathtaking jungle wildlife and rural culture, as seen through the eyes of a young outcast struggling to find his place in the world.

©2016 Eric Dinerstein (P)2016 Recorded Books

Critic reviews

"Narrator Kirby Heyborne immerses himself in the character of Nandu.... Heyborne's earnest voice and brisk pace deposit listeners into the midst of each episode.... Dinerstein and Heyborne leave listeners ready to listen again." ( AudioFile)

Couldn't get through this fast enough

This was an easy read. Great story, inspiring and humbling at the same time. I purchased it and I'm glad I did because I'll come back and read it again and again.

loved it

loved the detail of the relationships between people and animals. it brought me back to the field.

I will miss Nanda Singh

This story has a lot of positivism . It is very detail, I honestly felt being in the jungle

Wonderful story for middle readers!

This is a charming story of a young boy growing up in the elephant region of Nepal. The novel touches on big issues, such as love, death, violence, the caste system, and the environment, but remains a touching story throughout. My 4th grade students thoroughly enjoyed listening to this audiobook! Some had tears, which means to me that they were captivated. Highly recommended for 4th-6th graders, especially.

Wonderful Coming to Age

Wonderful coming to age story about respecting nature and caring for your community. Delightful characters and lessons learned.