Elephants Books

BALLET OF THE ELEPHANTS by Leda Schubert is a charming book telling the story of three talented men and fifty performing elephants. In April 1942, a unique show opened: Circus Polka, the brainchild of three men with very different backgrounds: John Ringling North, George Balanchine, and Igor Stravinsky. The book briefly describes the individual lives of the three men, the collaboration between the three men in the creative process, the training of the elephants in preparation for the show, and the show itself. The book concludes with background notes from the author which adds even more interest to the book. For example, the author notes that during her research she learned that "the elephants, even when they retired, so loved the ballet and were so well trained that they performed it all by themselves, without music." There is also a black and white photograph of the real performance!

Gigantic elephants dancing in elegant pink tutus along with human ballerinas sounds like pure fantasy--but it's all true. Considering the great showman, choreographer and composer involved in creating the actual circus show, it couldn't escape being an amazing production. Now it's all documented in a fascinating book, worthy of being appreciated by young and old.
BALLET OF THE ELEPHANTS is well-written and exquisitely illustrated with dream-like art.

This is a wonderful book, and I highly recommend it for children and adults alike. This true story is simply and poetically described, giving very clear and interesting background on historical figures Stravinsky, Balanchine, and John Ringling North. The descriptions and illustrations of the elephant ballet are beautifully done, allowing the imagination to run wild at the thought of circus elephants in tutus, dancing a ballet. A truly magical book.

Diane Shainberg draws upon her experiences as a practicing psychotherapist and a Zen Buddhist priest-teacher to integrate the practice of western psychological healing with Buddhist spiritual precepts in Chasing Elephants: Healing Psychologically With Buddhist Wisdom. Shainberg aptly demonstrates that rather than searching for health through external solutions, we can look to our own internal potentials for healing and transformation. A very welcome and highly recommended addition to both Buddhist studies and psychology oriented self-help reading lists for the non-specialist general reader, Chasing Elephants offers a series of specific practices for psychological healing to initiate and be maintained.

This book is part poetry, part case studies, part how-to. Everybody tells you to accept your feelings, but almost nobody tells you how. This book tells you how and gives you the experience of healing when you do. Then it helps you to help others do the same in a healer/client situation.

I have just completed four years of healing school and have recommended this book as required reading to the school and anyone who intends to have anything to do with clients. Whether you are simply massaging someone or talking to them, the minute you agree to be in relationship, there is a psychotherapeutic aspect, and I think it is crucial that all healers be educated. This book has educated me. Doing Dr. Shainberg's exercises on myself, I have experienced the melting and shifting that takes place when I fully allow feelings, and I have begun helping others to have this experience as well.

Written with grace and wisdom, this book points the way to a new, more powerfully liberating form of psychotherapy. Many people who enter therapy reach a limit beyond which the insights gained from talking do not substantively transform their lives. Many people who practice a spiritual discipline find that interpersonal problems can be as difficult for them as for anyone else. This book provides concrete hope for all of them, and everyone else.

The book describes the root of human suffering and provides a remedy for suffering. By rigidly acting according to our ideas of who we are, and how the world should be, we cut ourselves off from our lived experience. Our lives pass us by without our noticing what is actually going on, moment to moment. Dr. Shainberg believes the way back to our lives is through our bodily sensations. Through personal stories, case histories and detailed instruction she provides an eloquent message of hope: all that you need to heal lies within and can be accessed with the proper help.

The structure of the book is like a symphony. Early themes, some borrowed from other sources and some original to the atuhor, are repeated throughout, and each time their motifs appear we hear them differently, and more profoundly.

I recommend it to anyone interested in learning how to live with less suffering.

Iloved this book. It was a bit of nostalgia. I learned about TV, could relate to it and to the historical events it covered. Once I started to read it, it was difficult to put down. I enjoyed every minute of it and recommend it highly not only for pure enjoyment but for learning about the origins of TV.

First, I am a friend of Dean. From his fencing career, not from television.

I confess I bought the book because of our friendship. But that doesn't change how much I enjoyed it. I was up until two AM the day it arrived, couldn't stop.

In the grand scheme of things, this is a coffee table book. But what I did glean from it was a much greater understanding of the creative collaboration involved in television. From the early days but it doubless continues today.

It is the cameramen AND the actors AND the writers AND the directors AND the producers AND a long additional list that make it work.

I am an ex-employee of The Videotape Center in New York. The stories Dean relates in his book are all true!
Looking back I can't believe they happened, but they did.
I think any reader interested in the Television business will find these stories heartwarming, funny, and informative.

It must be hard for anyone to believe that the tiny video recorder that they can hold in the palm of their hand now, began, at Videotape Center, as a machine that weighed 1300 pounds, used over 6000 watts of electriciy, and required clean and dried compressed air at 80 pounds per square inch to operate!

This book was incredible. My 3 year old came across it at the local library. It was the first book he ever "read". Each time we go to the library, we either check it out or return it! I am hoping to purchase a copy of the book eventually so that he can keep it and pass it on to his children. If you haven't gotten a chance to share it with a child, do so. It's a chance for some great memories!!

"Elephant Buttons" is a simple wordless picture book that anyone from young kids to adults can enjoy. We begin with a picture of an elephant, but the elephant has buttons on his belly; when we turn the page we realize that this was not actually an elephant, but a lion dressed up as an elephant. But wait! The lion has buttons too... who is it in the lion costume? And so we go, to the hilarious and unexpected conclusion of this chain of events. As a children's librarian, I have shared this book in front of groups of children (even though it is wordless) and I find that they all enjoy the joke.

Examining our collection for books my children have outgrown, I came across Elephant Buttons. I just can't give this one up. There are no words in the book, but the pictures tell a cute story that even a baby can understand. The first guffaw I remember my youngest emitting was in response to this book's punchline. A real gem.

I bought this for my daughter, but couldn't help sneaking a peek first.
What a joy, the illustrations, the story, the history, the ideas behind what it means to
be and/or become a God... delightful.

Elephant Prince: The Story Of Ganesh will serve to entertainingly introduce the elephant headed Hindu god to young readers ages 4 to 8. Belgin K. Wedman's superb illustrations are a perfect story-telling showcase to talented children's author Amy Novesky's story set in the Himalayas during a time of gods and goddesses. Elephant Prince does not recount the commonest version of Ganesh's origin, in which Parvati creates a child from earth and her husband Shiva is so surprised by the stranger he cuts the boy's head off; instead, Elephant Prince draws upon a classic Indian text entitled "Brahma Vaivarta Purana" to present a version in which Parvati wishes for a child and to her delight has her wish granted, yet tragedy strikes when the god Shani (Saturn) accidentally destroys the child's head, for whatever powerful Shani gazes upon is instantly obliterated. The merciful god Vishnu brings the boy back to life with the aid of a wise old elephant, who chooses to sacrifice himself so that the child may be restored. And so Ganesh lives again with the head of an elephant, and becomes skilled at writing down stories. The elephant will live forever, and Ganesh lives and is loved by all - especially his mother. The stunning watercolor artwork with gold leaf highlights was deliberately created in style of the Kangra school of painting, developed in India during the 16th century. Highly recommended.

I have been searching for children's books that present the Hindu gods and goddesses and this is by far the best of all that I have found. This is a beautiful book that matches authenticity with contemporary sensibilities. My four year old appreciates this one as much as I do. I have found that with many books retelling stories from Hindu texts, the story is often presented in a way that is inaccessible to young children. Here the story has been retold beautifully. In this version, it is not Shiva who cuts off Ganesh's head but Shani's gaze that turns the head to ashes. While this is not the most popular version, and may be a disappointment to some, it is 'authentic' and the source is cited. I think this makes the story a better read for my young daughter. Additionally, I really like the way that Parvati is presented as a goddess, a princess and "also just a girl." Beyond the story, the art is wonderful. Take one of your best children's books and imagine how it would look with a Hindu flare and that is what you will get here. The art is engaging and the images are detailed enough to keep a child's eye but not overly complicated. The authenticity of the presentation is very respectful. I would highly recommend this book as an introduction to one of the children's favourite Hindu gods, Ganesh, and as an excellent children's book for anyone interested in plurality and multiculturalism. I hope that the authors will collaborate again for more tales of the gods and goddesses of the Hindu pantheon.

This book is totally awesome! I definitely recommend it. It is a thrilling adventure, a history lesson and an emotional roller coaster. You will learn a lot while you are reading an amazing story of love and willpower. In the jungle there are strichnyne trees and fairy blubirds and they exist in real life. It made me want to go to Thailand and get lost in the river Kwai and stay away from swarms of butterflies. I cried at the end. Definitely worth reading. It should be a movie!

Precise descriptions of places and persons, especially in Bangkok, gave me the creeps. The reknowned story of the happenings at the River Kwai during the II WW finds in the novel "The Elephant Queen" an absolutely believable followup. Paul Soderberg shows his great knowledge, not only of the flora and fauna of the Thai jungle but also of criminals and their ways, with great expertise. His crafty play with words, with fiction and non-fiction kept me glued to the story. Minute details kept my reading slow, but brought great depth and understanding. His love for sudden magical and esotherical situations and especially the fairytale-seeming ending helped me over the many terrible and gross scenes. All characters were highly developed in their mannerisms and always true to themselves, whether American, Thai or Japanese etc., whether good or bad... An excellent story that would make a great movie!!!

Once again, Paul Soderberg's descriptive powers delighted and transformed me...can't wait until the movie comes out! The book does exactly what I want in a novel; it takes me to a certain place and time, then brings me right onto the scene, and, finally, makes me care about the message.

This book about a little boy who befriends the grouchy imperial elephant is one of the best children's stories I have ever read. The story line is simple, yet conveys a lot of messages, i.e. how Sing Lo develops empathy for the elephant's situation, how giving can be more fulfilling than receiving, how we all go to sleep more easily when we are well taken care of, etc. What a wonderfully rich book!
The illustrations in this book are absolutely exquisit. You just don't get tired at looking at them.
I have read this book many times to my sons. However, when this book was read to a group of us by another adult, I discovered so many new things I had not seen before. This is a must have for every child's library.

My daughter received this beautiful book as a gift and we enjoy reading it again and again.
The story tells of a wealthy, sometimes seemingly selfish, young boy who rather unselfishly reaches out to the emporer's elephant who has not slept since the death of his beloved master. The little boy reacts lovingly and works diligently to ensure care and rest for the sad animal.
The art is bold and each page is a museum-goer's dream. The pictures jump off of the pages and work exquisitely with the text.
I cannot do this book justice, I know. Just find and read it to your children!

Sun washed yet brilliant the unique illustrations of South African artist Jude Daly enhance this story of how a young boy learns to be helpful.

Sing Lo is the son of one of the wealthiest merchants in Peking. He's a rather spoiled child who has been cosseted since birth. One day during an outing in his rickshaw Sing Lo becomes bored, and asks his driver, Li, what might be the greatest sight of all. Upon learning that this extraordinary sight might be the Imperial Elephant, Sing Lo determines that is precisely what he wishes to see.

Cautioned by Li that the animal is reputed to be bad tempered since the death of the Emperor, Sing Lo decides to take him a gift of buns "glazed with honey and sprinkled with poppy seeds." When Sing Lo delivers them he learns that the elephant hasn't slept since the Emperor died.

What can Sing Lo possibly do to bring rest to the unhappy animal, and is he willing to expend time and energy to bring comfort to another?

This story, which is based on a bedtime tale told to the author by her father, is as relevant today as it was years ago.

- Gail Cooke

This book was on the summer reading list for my daughter's upcoming first grade year. After receiving it, we read it together and both thought it is very good. Each page has something a child can read, and a small paragraph for me to read. We enjoyed reading this together and have done so many times. She especially enjoyed looking at the pictures of the paintings the Elephants (!) had painted. We both highly recommend this book.

This book has quickly become my 5 1/2 year-old daughter's favorite. She delights in looking at the paintings made by elephants, and I appreciate the way facts about elephants are "sneaked" into the story so seamlessly. Switching back and forth between human students and animal ones makes for an engaging structure. There is humor as well as beauty. Best of all, the book has made us look at elephants--and by extension animals--in a new way (and has also broadened my daughter's concepts of what grown-ups can do as careers). We both really love this book.

inspiring book that illustrates the beauty within all, hope for an endangered species, connection between humans, animals, and our planet. Proceeds of the book benefit this innovation collaboration- I plan to purchase gift copies for birthdays, holidays.. really wonderful book for all ages.

One of the co-authors; Dr. Anita Hibler of "Elephants for Mr. Lincoln" is an old friend. It seems that she and I have been in and out of Southeast Asia for most of our adult lives and I can tell you she very much loves this area of the world and the peoples who live and work in it.
The notes and Selected Bibliography are fantastic starting off points for history, economic and numismatic researchers because I do not think I have even thought of using American missionary writings as sources of research of the region, or that they even survived and are available.
One of the most notable numismatic sets of coins during the timeframe was a present to the King of Siam of a complete set of American proof coins called the "King of Siam" set. It is not mentioned but a gold sword to the King and a silver sword to the second king are mentioned. There has to be more interesting gifts.
The many, many currency transactions will be very useful to someone researching the economics of the period, and there are brief items about the French taking over parts of Viet Nam and Cambodia that are interesing hints that more is hidden in the references to it. There are also quite a bit of Confederate Navy actions in it that might not be known to those interested in that side of the Civil War.
I highly recommend this book, but as my review title is an indication, do not look for any excitement in it.

ELEPHANTS FOR MR. LINCOLN: AMERICAN CIVIL WAR-ERA DIPLOMACY IN SOUTHEAST ASIA tells of American-Asian relationships and encounters before and during the U.S. Civil War era, focusing on the individuals who fostered relationships throughout the war years. Diplomacy, trade, and changing relationships between different Asian countries are the focus of chapters surveying changing opinions, politics, and relationships both affected by and distant from Civil War events. A fascinating coverage provides college-level readers with an unusual early diplomatic history key to understanding today's Asian history.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

Elephants for Mr. Lincoln is an interesting study as it places its focus on the activities of the United States government and American Christian ministry enterprises in Asia during the American Civil War.

Students of the "War Between the States" often find their education focused on both domestic issues and activities in Europe (at least I did when I took classes on the Civil War in college). The politics and the battles continue to produce large volumes of work and will continue to do so as time goes on, such is the Civil War ingrained in our historical fascinations.

This book is very well researched (as attributed by the pages of references) and finds its niche in an often overlooked part of American activity, in this case Asia. The authors underscore the dire state of our diplomatic representation and shipping industry that reduced the status of the United States in the eyes of Asian monarchs and governments. The Confederate raiders that attacked US shipping are also discussed to reflect their impact on shipping.

That lowly view of the US in Asia remained unchanged through the 1870's until around the time Ulysses Grant made a world wind tour of the region. (I think part of that is due to American focus on developing the Western Frontier after the war, and otherwise putting a lower priority on foreign issues during the two decades following the end of the conflict.) In the least it's an excellent historical research tool for anyone performing empirical in depth studies of the United States during the Civil War.

Listening to this work by Orson Scott Card is wonderful... you get a great Card tale several times a day. The stories are short, great, to the point, and excellently read. It was interesting to hear the short version of "Ender's Game" from its originally printed form. There were some other favorites that I had picked up in there, like "The Porcelain Salamander," which is a fascinating story I had read in another collection of his.

I found these stories interesting. Sure, there was one or two I didn't care for all that much (or, possibly, didn't understand) but on the whole I'm glad I picked this series up. But this does seem to span several different genres, not just science fiction which is Orson Scott Card's main forte.

I would highly recommend this to anybody who loves a good audio book. And, remember in life's battles: "The Enemy Gate is Down!!"

In this collection not only are you exposed to Orson Scott's Card's mastery of fiction, but you gain some insight into his creative process as well, thanks to the author's commentary on certain pieces.
The various storys are a joy to listen to and range from science fiction to fantasy, from psychological thriller to love story.
Whether you're a die hard Ender Series fan, a general fan of Card's, or a first time listener to the whole audiobook genre, there's something here you'll cherish.

I don't know what it is about Orson Scott Card -- Before I ever read him, I was prepared to not like him. I'd heard that he was a science fiction writer and that genre isn't a favorite of mine. However, my opinion now is that Card ranks as one of the absolute best and most skillful authors alive today. He has an amazing ability to get inside the person or circumstance he is writing about and make it into something that anyone could understand and be proundly moved by.

In addition, he comes up with some of the most fascinating ideas for a story. The title piece, 'The Elephants of Posnan', is one example. Although there is no doubt that Card wasn't suggesting that the premise of this story is truth, it still left me mulling the entire piece over and over again. He makes such a moving and brilliant case for something entirely bizarre, and insightfully comments on the nature of man in the process. 'The Elephants of Posnan' was positively spellbinding, beginning to end.

I love this collection. Orson Scott Card is a true master of his craft.