The Shadow Elephant

By Nadine Robert, Valerio Vidali (illustrator),

Book cover of The Shadow Elephant

Book description

A gentle story about sadness showing that sometimes all you need to feel better is the openness of someone who accepts you as you are.


A Financial Times Best Children's Book of 2021


This is a subtle story about an elephant who is feeling sorrowful, and nothing seems to interest…

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Why read it?

1 author picked The Shadow Elephant as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

In addition to being an absolute beauty, this book tackles the subject of empathy and self-acceptance with delicacy. It tells the story of an elephant who feels down and can't be cheered up by his colorful savannah friends. It reminds us that sometimes, it’s okay to be sad without having to get better right away. Friends can show their support by simply being there, without judgment or action.

From Geneviève's list on to discuss loneliness and depression.

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Elephants 58 books
Depression 92 books
Empathy 170 books