Kate DiCamillo's The Magician's Elephant is celebrated for its lyrical prose and enchanting storytelling, evoking a fairy tale ambiance. Critics praise its themes of hope and connection, though some note the pacing as slow and the plot as predictable. Overall, the book is deemed heartwarming and suitable for younger readers.

A middle-grade reader who appreciates whimsical, heartwarming tales would enjoy The Magician's Elephant by Kate DiCamillo. Fans of The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, also by DiCamillo, or The Tale of Despereaux, will be captivated by its themes of hope, magic, and unexpected friendships.

A fortuneteller tells 10-year-old Peter that an elephant will lead him to his lost sister, which starts Peter on a journey of self-discovery and wonder in Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo’s The Magician’s Elephant (2009). When a magician miraculously conjures an elephant, its appearance affects everyone in town. In his efforts to find his sister Adele and rescue the homesick elephant, Peter must overcome obstacles and unite a diverse group of characters that includes a policeman, an injured noblewoman, a stone carver, and the magician himself. Meanwhile, Adele dreams that an elephant will bring her home.

Mysterious / Fantastical / Heartwarming / Hopeful / Emotional

- The Magician's Elephant was adapted into a Netflix animated film, which was released in 2023, expanding the reach of Kate DiCamillo's magical story to a broader audience.
- Kate DiCamillo, the author of The Magician's Elephant, has received numerous accolades for her work, including multiple prestigious Newbery Medals for her contributions to children's literature.

Kate DiCamillo

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

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The Magician's Elephant Summary and Study Guide

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The Magician's Elephant Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-4

The Magician's Elephant Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 5-8

The Magician's Elephant Chapters 5-8 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 9-12

The Magician's Elephant Chapters 9-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-16

The Magician's Elephant Chapters 13-16 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 17-20

The Magician's Elephant Chapters 17-20 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Magician's Elephant Character Analysis

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Themes

The Magician's Elephant Themes

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The Magician's Elephant Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Magician's Elephant Important Quotes

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The Magician's Elephant

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