Description

From the award-winning author-illustrator Ed Vere comes a lyrical tale that reminds us all to chase our dreams.

Meet Gabriel. A young elephant who lives in a village by the sea.

He has one dream and it’s to join the lifeboat crew. He wants to help people in the water, bravely sailing out to sea! But elephants don’t fit in lifeboats. He’s too big to help the sailors. But one STORMY, WINDY day, the lifeboat crew run into trouble and Gabriel might be the only one who can help. Can Gabriel save the day?

One growing elephant. One smallish lifeboat. One BIG dream . . .

“A charming winner about purpose, bravery, and making one’s dreams come true.” – Kirkus Reviews

Publisher Review

By turns thrilling and warmly reassuring, this story demonstrates that resolve-and inclusion-wins out; readers will cheer for Gabriel all the way… Vere brings the Cornish setting to life beautifully. Gabriel cuts an endearing figure in the lively illustrations, rendered in a limited palette of soft oranges, grays, and blues. A charming winner about purpose, bravery, and making one’s dreams come true. * Kirkus – starred review * This affectionately swashbuckling work … is not a tale of injustice redressed: Gabriel is so gentle, and the lifeboat crew so grateful, that only joy lingers as the elephant finds a way to do what he loves, and comes away with marvelous stories to tell. * Publishers Weekly – starred review * Vere’s crisp text adeptly relies on repetition and sporadic punctuated rhythm to add intrigue to a tried-and-true narrative structure… Gabriel’s bright eyes, blue and yellow sailor’s costume, and feline companion make for a unique and endearing protagonist. This is an excellent addition to any maritime-themed storytime, with room for deeper exploration of the themes of vocation and heroism-or simply use this as a lead-in to a chorus of kid-friendly sea shanties. * The Bulletin for the Center of Children’s Books * The atmospheric illustrations have layers and textures, creating a realistic backdrop juxtaposed with animal characters. * Booklist * By turns thrilling and warmly reassuring, this story demonstrates that resolve-and inclusion-wins out; readers will cheer for Gabriel all the way… Vere brings the Cornish setting to life beautifully. Gabriel cuts an endearing figure in the lively illustrations, rendered in a limited palette of soft oranges, grays, and blues. A charming winner about purpose, bravery, and making one’s dreams come true. * Kirkus – starred review * This affectionately swashbuckling work … is not a tale of injustice redressed: Gabriel is so gentle, and the lifeboat crew so grateful, that only joy lingers as the elephant finds a way to do what he loves, and comes away with marvelous stories to tell. * Publishers Weekly – starred review * Vere’s crisp text adeptly relies on repetition and sporadic punctuated rhythm to add intrigue to a tried-and-true narrative structure… Gabriel’s bright eyes, blue and yellow sailor’s costume, and feline companion make for a unique and endearing protagonist. This is an excellent addition to any maritime-themed storytime, with room for deeper exploration of the themes of vocation and heroism-or simply use this as a lead-in to a chorus of kid-friendly sea shanties. * The Bulletin for the Center of Children’s Books * The atmospheric illustrations have layers and textures, creating a realistic backdrop juxtaposed with animal characters. * Booklist *