Elephant and Bird

By: Sally Hinkley

Narrated by: Bonniejean Boettcher

2023 IPPY Awards Bronze Medalist, Juvenile Fiction

Next Generation Indie Award Finalist in multiple categories: Animal/Pets, Juvenile Fiction and First Novel under 50,000 words

Living in a nursing home is all eleven-year-old Bird knows. Her grandmother turned their large Victorian house into a small, offbeat home for the elderly where the eccentric residents become Bird’s lovable and unique family. But after two of the residents pass away, Bird’s feelings of loss for her mother are reawakened. She seeks solace with Mr. Briggs, the last remaining resident, and with Pearl, an elephant Bird meets at a traveling carnival.

Pearl has her own problems. Blamed for a bizarre accident, she’s become a liability for the failing carnival. They can’t afford to keep her, and the owner hatches a plan to get rid of Pearl.

After a chance meeting between Mr. Briggs and Pearl, Bird thinks she’s found the solution to everyone’s problems. But has she put the old man and the elephant in danger?

Set in the heart of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, Elephant and Bird is told in alternating voices and follows Bird and Pearl as they both deal with memories– the ones we want to treasure and the ones we want to forget.

©2023 Sally Hinkley (P)2024 Bonniejean Boettcher

Charming is an insufficient word.

It seems like a weird mix - old folks home, elephants, New Hampshire - but, wouldn’t you know, this whole story just works. And not in an “oh that was cute” infantilizing kind of “works,” but more of an “I didn’t see the emotional depth and shared humanity this story exudes coming” kind of “works.” The plot is simple enough kids can enjoy it and yet the layers of life folded into each character and perspective is soul satisfying for those of us with more years and wrinkles like Pearl. The performance is beautifully done and perfectly paced, I couldn’t ask for better from another reader.

I would like to add, that as a resident of Vermont, I plan to remain hopeful that one of those wild New Hampshire Elephants might shuffle on over our way. We’ll have produce at the ready!

Says a lot in a short amount of time

I feel like this book is longer than its 4 hours. In a good way! There's a lot of emotion, whether it's hints of sadness or a nice big handful of hope, that the author manages to fit into the story. You really feel for Bird and the inhabitants of the nursing home. And not to mention Pearl the Elephant, whose story rivals Bird's. For fiction, the idea of a child growing up in a nursing home, witnessing first hand the effects of old age, is a such great concept. I really liked how Bird and Pearl's narratives intertwined with each other. The story's helped along by the great narration. The narrator gives Bird and Pearl their own distinct personalities, which is impressive considering one of them is an elephant. A great story for young and not-so-young.

Perfect Weaving of a Lovely Story

This is a beautiful and lovely story that blends themes of friendship, loyalty, love, empathy, and kindness. I loved it and would recommend it to anyone. The different voices were well defined and suited each character. Even the music fit the story perfectly!

Captivating tale of unlikely bonds, a gem of a story

Unlikely friendships, emotional bonds, and a found family — this story beautifully unfolds through the eyes of Bird, a young girl, and Pearl, a lonely elephant. The narrator's masterful performance truly brings the characters to life, infused with both humor and empathy. This book is an absolute gem.