51 pages • 1 hour read
Kate DiCamilloThe Magician's Elephant
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2009A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
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.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
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.
Who Should Read The Magician's Elephant?
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.