A young African pygmy elephant must confront his fears to fulfill a dream and become a legend…. Thunder, a young pygmy forest elephant, sets out on a journey to find his mother after he escapes capture by poachers.
Excerpt
A young African pygmy elephant must confront his fears to fulfill a dream and become a legend ….
Thunder, a young pygmy forest elephant, sets out on a journey to find his mother after he escapes capture by poachers. With danger at every turn in the central African jungle, he must face his fears to survive. Some unlikely friends: Soma, a cranky rhino; Frederick, a nutty pink flamingo; Penelope, a chatty parrot; three kooky egrets; and Jennetta Blue, a blue butterfly; help him with his dream to find his mother and fulfill his quest to be reunited with his herd.
Professional Reviews
Kirkus
A thrilling, inspiring tale of bravery and family. Kirkus
Readers Choice
Thunder: An Elephant's Journey by Erik Daniel Shein and L.M. Reker is an adorable story that revolves around a young pygmy forest elephant, Thunder, who is on a mission to find his mother, Serenity, after escaping from poachers. Thunder, along with Penelope the Parrot, escapes when their vehicle crashes. They go back to the jungle and from there the story takes readers through the perils of the African jungle where Thunder meets new people and makes new friends who help him to find his way back to his mother and his herd. Braving all dangers and adventures, Thunder uses the technique of stomping his two front feet to get back with his mother and keep the poachers at bay. The story conveys some relevant messages to readers and stresses the importance of understanding and respecting animals.
Be it via Soma the Rhino, Penelope the Parrot, Frederick the Flamingo, or Jennetta Blue the Blue Butterfly, readers will find themselves glued to the story till the very end. The book not only handles the topic of poaching, but also blends adventure, magic, suspense, and some good messages together, making it a must-read storybook for all those who love animals and want to address the issue of poaching.
The characters are all adorable, real, and memorable, and they highlight the role of friends in everyone's life. The mother and son moments between Serenity and Thunder are beautiful and connect well with readers. The author also looks from an angle of how animals feel about poachers and how they live with the fear of being separated from their families. Readers choice Award winner 2017
M j Magazine
The illustrations are amazing as you get to meet, Thunder, the egrets, Soma and of course our Flamingo in black and white and hopefully they will have more adventures in the future. Added at the end the authors add in Appendix I which enlightens readers to the threat to the elephant population and Appendix II which focuses on organizations that are working to protect and support the elephant and other endangered animals that need protection within Sanctuaries and more. This is a great book that can foster research by older children into endangered animals and other species and looking into each of the organizations listed hoping to learn more.
Fran Lewis: Just reviews/MJ magazine
Let's give this book: FIVE GOLDEN STARS
Little Z is a little person who feels lost and alone. Will he be able to focus and gain control to find his way and find the friends he wants to have? Read this short but very sweet story to find out what happens next.
