Description

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

From the award-winning author-illustrator Ed Vere comes a lyrical tale celebrating bravery and quiet determination.

In a village by the sea, carved into the rockiest edge of land, where the waves are wild and tumbling lives an old elephant. Once he was a young elephant – with a dream of joining the lifeboat crew. But elephants don’t fit in lifeboats.

Gabriel is determined, and he is ingenious, and he is brave. So much so that one stormy day he might be the only one who can save the day.

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 *