ELEPHANT BOY

by Susan Williams ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 1, 1964

The special relationship that can develop between man and beast is the theme of this action/adventure story set in Burma prior to and during World War II. The elephant boy is Ba Tu and he was given the baby elephant, Po Sein, early in its infancy. They literally grow up together as Ba Tu learns the elements of elephant command and care while Po Sein gains the strength that will make him a superbly trained work animal in the Burmese teak forests. The understanding and sympathy that exists between the two allow them to become experts together by the time Ba Tu reaches young manhood. This much of the story is dramatic in itself and described with restraint and authority by Mrs. Williams whose husband was the famous ""Elephant Bill"" and who lived in the Burmese jungles where he worked for many years. The steady, satisfying work and life of Ba Tu and his elephant was destroyed by the coming of World War II and the Japanese invasion of Burma. Ba Tu, now a young married man, is taken by the invaders who work the trained elephant transport to the limit of human and animal endurance. The last happiness Ba Tu was to know came in working with Po Sein for the British. He was killed by sniper fire and the only treasure he had to pass on to his family was the well-trained elephant. Boys will like this book for its straight forward style and its complete descriptions of the feats of civil engineering accomplished by intelligent animals and men.

Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1964

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: McKay

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1964

Categories: FICTION