Faithful Elephants by Yukio Tsuchiya

This children’s book will stay with you long after you’ve read it.  It isn’t meant for really young children since the topic is war and peace.  So I’m recommending this book with reservations – please read the book first before sharing it with children.

Having said that, the illustrations in this book are simply gorgeous watercolors.  The story that underlies these illustrations will have you in tears and wondering about the insanity of war.

The main purpose of this book is to teach children that wars, even when completely justified, have unintended consequences.  Too often, the only side of war presented, is the glorification and hero aspect of war.

Elephants are very special animals with apparent emotions that parallel those of humans.  I think it is this human affinity with elephants that makes this such a powerful and unforgettable story.

If you want children to value peace more than war, then consider reading this book to and with them.  It’s not a book to read alone – it must be felt and deeply discussed.