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The Masterwork of a Painting Elephant
Ever since he was an infant, Pigeon Jones has lived on the back of an artistically gifted white elephant named Birch. Birch is a loving father, but that doesn't stop Pigeon from wondering about the human parents who abandoned him. Birch has dreams, too―of being a well-known artist, and of finding the acrobat he fell in love with while they performed together in a circus years ago. And so, on Pigeon's tenth birthday, their search for fame and lost loves begins. Pigeon and Birch paint their way across the world, dodging an evil circus ringleader, freeing zoo animals, and befriending singing hoboes along the way. But when they reach the end of their journey, Birch must master the most difficult art of letting go and allowing his beloved Pigeon to stand on his own two feet.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
2 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Cuevas
12 books116 followersMichelle Cuevas is an award-winning author of children’s literature. She graduated from Williams College and holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing from the University of Virginia, where she received the Henry Hoyns Fellowship.
Cuevas is the author of eight books for young people, most recently the 2023 Indie-List Bestseller, The Dreamatics. Her other books include Massachusetts Book Award-winning novel, The Care and Feeding of a Pet Black Hole, national best seller The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles illustrated by Caldecott medalist Erin E. Stead, and international best seller Confessions of an Imaginary Friend. Her books have been named best of the year by Time, People, The Boston Globe, and School Library Journal, and have been translated into over twenty languages as well as various theatrical productions.
Her other titles include: Beyond the Laughing Sky illustrated by Julie Morstad, Smoot: A Rebellious Shadow illustrated by Sydney Smith, The Masterwork of a Painting Elephant illustrated by Ed Young, and The Town of Turtle illustrated by Cátia Chien.
Her 2017 title The Care and Feeding of a Pet Black Hole is in production with Matt Reeves through his 6th and Idaho banner, and her 2015 title Confessions of an Imaginary Friend is being developed into an animated feature film by Fox. Cuevas has freelanced as a creative consultant for Fox Animation, and is the writer of "Follow Your Heart," which qualified for the animated shorts category of the 2018 Academy Awards, as well as the STEM short Happy Birthday, Ada, commissioned by Google, which won 1st place at the 47th ASIFA-East Animation Awards.
Michelle lives and works in the Berkshires in Massachusetts with her husband and two Bernese Mountain Dogs, Fable and Indy.
Cuevas is the author of eight books for young people, most recently the 2023 Indie-List Bestseller, The Dreamatics. Her other books include Massachusetts Book Award-winning novel, The Care and Feeding of a Pet Black Hole, national best seller The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles illustrated by Caldecott medalist Erin E. Stead, and international best seller Confessions of an Imaginary Friend. Her books have been named best of the year by Time, People, The Boston Globe, and School Library Journal, and have been translated into over twenty languages as well as various theatrical productions.
Her other titles include: Beyond the Laughing Sky illustrated by Julie Morstad, Smoot: A Rebellious Shadow illustrated by Sydney Smith, The Masterwork of a Painting Elephant illustrated by Ed Young, and The Town of Turtle illustrated by Cátia Chien.
Her 2017 title The Care and Feeding of a Pet Black Hole is in production with Matt Reeves through his 6th and Idaho banner, and her 2015 title Confessions of an Imaginary Friend is being developed into an animated feature film by Fox. Cuevas has freelanced as a creative consultant for Fox Animation, and is the writer of "Follow Your Heart," which qualified for the animated shorts category of the 2018 Academy Awards, as well as the STEM short Happy Birthday, Ada, commissioned by Google, which won 1st place at the 47th ASIFA-East Animation Awards.
Michelle lives and works in the Berkshires in Massachusetts with her husband and two Bernese Mountain Dogs, Fable and Indy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
October 10, 2020
I too wish I had a talking elephant as a friend to carry me to Paris.
I knocked off a star because
I knocked off a star because
April 2, 2012
Like all good fables, it doesn’t seem to make much logical sense and seems to bear little in common with the real world, yet it captures wisdom and truth and connects readers to a deeper reality.
-----
"Allow me to tell you a story," the turtle said. "You see, scientists have shown us how astronomy works: that the earth orbits around the sun and that the sun, in turn, orbits around the center of a vast collection of stars called our galaxy. However, a group of people called the Hindus believes that the world rests upon an elephant. And the elephant rests upon the back of a giant turtle."
"I've heard that story," I said. "But I always wondered what the turtle rests upon."
She paused. "Well, the Hindus would tell you, 'Something, but we know not what.' And this is a wise notion, because we will never get to the bottom of things. We do not know what supports the turtle that supports the elephant that supports the world. No man stands on absolute truth. Perhaps we are merely banded together, each of us leaning on one another, keeping the world afloat."
I sat and thought about that for a moment, how each person has lots of people in his or her life, and how all those people make up the world for that person. Perhaps home is not located over mountains and through cities, past trains and tracks and across the ocean. Perhaps home is always right in our hearts and beneath our feet.
-----
"Allow me to tell you a story," the turtle said. "You see, scientists have shown us how astronomy works: that the earth orbits around the sun and that the sun, in turn, orbits around the center of a vast collection of stars called our galaxy. However, a group of people called the Hindus believes that the world rests upon an elephant. And the elephant rests upon the back of a giant turtle."
"I've heard that story," I said. "But I always wondered what the turtle rests upon."
She paused. "Well, the Hindus would tell you, 'Something, but we know not what.' And this is a wise notion, because we will never get to the bottom of things. We do not know what supports the turtle that supports the elephant that supports the world. No man stands on absolute truth. Perhaps we are merely banded together, each of us leaning on one another, keeping the world afloat."
I sat and thought about that for a moment, how each person has lots of people in his or her life, and how all those people make up the world for that person. Perhaps home is not located over mountains and through cities, past trains and tracks and across the ocean. Perhaps home is always right in our hearts and beneath our feet.
November 12, 2011
Beautiful. I am not sure what the community of reviewers is missing in this small little treasure about a boy, Pigeon, who grows up and lives upon the back of a white elephant named Birch. Wonderful extensions on the myth of origin stories and plenty to ponder in the presentation of Hindi beliefs regarding elephants and turtles. Lost of quotes to pull out of this one, but I want to post this and get my readers on this little book right away.
This one is Hero's Journey ready. Notable connections to Of Mice and Men for its depiction of symbiotic relationships.
Instant ladders with upcoming books:
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
Chained by Lynne Kelly
This one is Hero's Journey ready. Notable connections to Of Mice and Men for its depiction of symbiotic relationships.
Instant ladders with upcoming books:
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
Chained by Lynne Kelly
January 31, 2013
One Sentence Review: Like a puff of wind upon the brain, you'll enjoy reading it when it comes up and then never be able to conjure up a single detail ever again.
December 8, 2011
Not my cup of tea; but I can appreciate why other adults would like it. Afraid I don't see it appealing to many children.
May 9, 2021
There are two ways to look at this book.
First, it's a children's book. It does have a light, lyrical quality and it's ostensibly about a boy adopted by an elephant and how that works out. You could read this book as one about a charming story and it would be fine. The children would enjoy it.
I honestly don't know how any adult reads this book without seeing himself or herself on the pages. The unrequited love. The self-sacrifice for the one you love. The jealousy of someone who has something you don't. The feeling of being unworthy of love. The triumph of love. I sobbed my way through this book. Just as Birch is able to see things in someone's heart and show them on his canvas, the author is able to see inside mine and show me what is there. It is a mirror, a knife, and a balm.
Do yourself a favor and find this out of print book at your local library and savor it.
First, it's a children's book. It does have a light, lyrical quality and it's ostensibly about a boy adopted by an elephant and how that works out. You could read this book as one about a charming story and it would be fine. The children would enjoy it.
I honestly don't know how any adult reads this book without seeing himself or herself on the pages. The unrequited love. The self-sacrifice for the one you love. The jealousy of someone who has something you don't. The feeling of being unworthy of love. The triumph of love. I sobbed my way through this book. Just as Birch is able to see things in someone's heart and show them on his canvas, the author is able to see inside mine and show me what is there. It is a mirror, a knife, and a balm.
Do yourself a favor and find this out of print book at your local library and savor it.
March 15, 2018
An interesting fable. Not sure middle readers will look beyond the surface level so it may not hold their interest.
The baby is abandoned by his parents and raised by an elephant. He never leaves the shelter of the elephant's back until he's ready to be brave and see life on his own.
The baby is abandoned by his parents and raised by an elephant. He never leaves the shelter of the elephant's back until he's ready to be brave and see life on his own.
August 10, 2021
I read this aloud to my kids and it sparked so many interesting conversations. Would recommend this to fans of The Little Prince and The Giving Tree who are looking for more philosophical children’s books.
October 24, 2011
I was very excited to have received The Masterwork of a Painting Elephant by Michelle Cuevas through Goodreads First Reads Giveaway. Not only is it a debut novel for a brand new author, it is illustrated by Ed Young, one of my favorite children's book illustrators (Lon Po Po; Wabi Sabi; Tsunami; Seven Blind Mice and others).
I must begin by saying that I was expecting a book suitable for ages 6-12. So keeping this in mind, I began reading. Normally, I would have read the first chapter or two and then put it aside, as this is definitely not a book that will have appeal for readers as young as six. However, since it is a First Reads book, I decided that I really should read the whole thing. In many ways, Masterwork is not a children's story at all, even though the main character, Pigeon is a 10-year-old boy. I did think it is more appropriate for 9 years or 4th graders and up, although the story may appeal more to older adults. It is a quiet little story with a philosophical bent. I especially like this quote from the last chapter, "My elephant was right about feelings of love: that they float away on the wind, circling the earth forever and landing, ever so briefly, from time to time" (p. 136).
I must begin by saying that I was expecting a book suitable for ages 6-12. So keeping this in mind, I began reading. Normally, I would have read the first chapter or two and then put it aside, as this is definitely not a book that will have appeal for readers as young as six. However, since it is a First Reads book, I decided that I really should read the whole thing. In many ways, Masterwork is not a children's story at all, even though the main character, Pigeon is a 10-year-old boy. I did think it is more appropriate for 9 years or 4th graders and up, although the story may appeal more to older adults. It is a quiet little story with a philosophical bent. I especially like this quote from the last chapter, "My elephant was right about feelings of love: that they float away on the wind, circling the earth forever and landing, ever so briefly, from time to time" (p. 136).
November 5, 2012
Elephant Novel:
This is the story of a little boy named Pigeon who was born with very large ears, and abandoned. He meets a retired white circus elephant named Birch, and Pigeon spends his whole life riding Birch’s back. Birch is determined to one day be reunited with his long lost love, an acrobat he met back at the circus. This was a sweet-hearted tale with fable-like qualities. The main thing I loved about it was the lack of logical sense. It takes readers to another world and demands imagination and critical thinking. Yet, it speaks wisdom and truth at the same time. It has themes of optimism, happiness, belonging, and love. I did think this book would be a challenge for some readers. I’d be interested to see whether students would love it, or be frustrated by it. But I would recommend this for advanced middle school readers looking for a challenge. It is not a quick read; the beautiful language makes readers really think!
This is the story of a little boy named Pigeon who was born with very large ears, and abandoned. He meets a retired white circus elephant named Birch, and Pigeon spends his whole life riding Birch’s back. Birch is determined to one day be reunited with his long lost love, an acrobat he met back at the circus. This was a sweet-hearted tale with fable-like qualities. The main thing I loved about it was the lack of logical sense. It takes readers to another world and demands imagination and critical thinking. Yet, it speaks wisdom and truth at the same time. It has themes of optimism, happiness, belonging, and love. I did think this book would be a challenge for some readers. I’d be interested to see whether students would love it, or be frustrated by it. But I would recommend this for advanced middle school readers looking for a challenge. It is not a quick read; the beautiful language makes readers really think!
February 1, 2012
I really did like this sweet sweet story/fable about an elephant and a boy who lives on his back. It brings to mind the delight of being optimistic in a dreary world, and the joy you can get when you 'color' your world with happiness. However, I knocked it down a star or two because I felt there were many lessons shared in such a way that a kid wouldn't get it at all. For example, near the end, Cuevas writes, "You use wood to build a boat, but it's in the space where there is nothing that the boat becomes useful." And then she goes on to connect that to Pigeon finally getting off of Birch's back. Now, I ask you, what kid is going to understand that abstract concept? I am not sure I even get exactly what she was trying to say.
Cuevas painted her images very well, with lots of beautiful color. But while this got great reviews, I don't think a kid will like it.
Cuevas painted her images very well, with lots of beautiful color. But while this got great reviews, I don't think a kid will like it.
February 28, 2012
the book the masterwork of a painting elephant is a great story for everyone because it has comedy, romance, and it is touching.
it has comedy because ts a story about a young boy with giant ears that falls in love with a girl named Darling. The boys name is Pigeon Jones. That is his name because a elephant named Birch named him.
it had romance in it. One of the people that fell in love was Pigeon Jones with Darling. Darling wants to work with animals and Pigeon barley knows anything about them but he is learning from her.The other people that fell in love were Birch the elephant and the acrobat named Dahlia. They both used to work in a circus together but Birch ran away never to return.
It was touching because Pigeon was left on orphanage steps by his own mother and he hopes to find his parents and he looks and looks but he sadly cannot it was a very touching story.
it has comedy because ts a story about a young boy with giant ears that falls in love with a girl named Darling. The boys name is Pigeon Jones. That is his name because a elephant named Birch named him.
it had romance in it. One of the people that fell in love was Pigeon Jones with Darling. Darling wants to work with animals and Pigeon barley knows anything about them but he is learning from her.The other people that fell in love were Birch the elephant and the acrobat named Dahlia. They both used to work in a circus together but Birch ran away never to return.
It was touching because Pigeon was left on orphanage steps by his own mother and he hopes to find his parents and he looks and looks but he sadly cannot it was a very touching story.
July 5, 2012
This book has very beautiful language--I wanted to underline tons--but I don't quite consider this a children's book in the sense that one would normally think. I do feel that it could be studied in a literature course. I'd rate it a 3 if it weren't classed as a children's book.
The story has a dream-like quality. It is about a little boy who was abandoned as a baby and meets a former circus elephant named Birch (named after birch trees because he is white like birch bark). The little boy, named Pigeon, spends his whole life riding on Birch's back. In the story, Birch works at a car wash but dreams of being a world famous painter and being reunited with a lovely acrobat he fell in love with during his days at the circus. The story takes us from New York to Hollywood to France and back again, all the while painting a portrait of what it truly means to be family.
The story has a dream-like quality. It is about a little boy who was abandoned as a baby and meets a former circus elephant named Birch (named after birch trees because he is white like birch bark). The little boy, named Pigeon, spends his whole life riding on Birch's back. In the story, Birch works at a car wash but dreams of being a world famous painter and being reunited with a lovely acrobat he fell in love with during his days at the circus. The story takes us from New York to Hollywood to France and back again, all the while painting a portrait of what it truly means to be family.
July 26, 2016
When the boy was born, he had extremely large ears. After a few short months, his parents abandoned him on the steps of an orphanage. He wandered away and was discovered by Birch, an elephant who had just quit his job at a car wash to spend time painting. Birch adopts the boy who spends his life living on Birch’s back. This is their story and the story of their attempts to find the boy’s parents and Birch’s one true love, an acrobat in flame orange tights.
Descriptions on the back of the book liken this tale to The Little Prince and I heartily agree. It’s a beautifully written fairy tale of love and loss. The language is spectacular, the line drawings by Ed Young are wonderful, and this is a book to be read aloud and shared with children of all ages
Descriptions on the back of the book liken this tale to The Little Prince and I heartily agree. It’s a beautifully written fairy tale of love and loss. The language is spectacular, the line drawings by Ed Young are wonderful, and this is a book to be read aloud and shared with children of all ages
January 28, 2012
If there were a way to give negative stars, I would. There is not a page of this novel on which you cannot see the hand of the author. She jerks the reader around through time and across the minds of several characters. You'll be in the mind of one character and then in the same paragraph get a description of things miles away.
The book is peppered with lame philosophical tidbits.
Just when you think there is a moment of good writing she ruins it by pulling out the purple pen. "Who knew a girl's hair had so much to say" [end it there, but no!...] "or the tongue to say it." Ludicrous image. And these are all through out the book along with those faux-deep philosophical pronouncements.
Not a realistic character to speak of. No real emotions. Just not worth your time.
The book is peppered with lame philosophical tidbits.
Just when you think there is a moment of good writing she ruins it by pulling out the purple pen. "Who knew a girl's hair had so much to say" [end it there, but no!...] "or the tongue to say it." Ludicrous image. And these are all through out the book along with those faux-deep philosophical pronouncements.
Not a realistic character to speak of. No real emotions. Just not worth your time.
September 5, 2013
This is a quirky little book about a boy who lives on top of an elephant who is an artist. Yeah, you kind of have to let go of logic in this one. The book had some interesting images and ideas, but it just didn't work overall. I felt like it was trying too hard. I kept thinking it wanted to be The Little Prince, but it's not. And I certainly can't imagine many children enjoying this "children's" book. Too esoteric for most kids, I think.
One interesting thing I learned about through this story was a restaurant called Dans le Noir where guests are served their meals in total darkness by blind waiters. I first thought this was an invention of the author but discovered it is an actual establishment with locations around the world. Sounds like a fun dining experience.
One interesting thing I learned about through this story was a restaurant called Dans le Noir where guests are served their meals in total darkness by blind waiters. I first thought this was an invention of the author but discovered it is an actual establishment with locations around the world. Sounds like a fun dining experience.
July 18, 2012
This is one of those mythical, metaphorical stories that lingers in my brain like a good fragrance. It is a mixture of real-life advice and fairytale fantasy. It reminds me of the Little Prince in that its sweet story passes on practical advice and mild social commentary.
Pigeon Jones is abandoned as a baby. He is found anraise4d by Birch, a white elephant who used to be in a circus but now paints pictures. Neither one is really connected to life until he meets the other. This is a story of loving, belonging, family, and loyalty.
I enjoyed this; however, I would be really interested to see how a middle school student reacts to it??!
Pigeon Jones is abandoned as a baby. He is found anraise4d by Birch, a white elephant who used to be in a circus but now paints pictures. Neither one is really connected to life until he meets the other. This is a story of loving, belonging, family, and loyalty.
I enjoyed this; however, I would be really interested to see how a middle school student reacts to it??!
January 15, 2012
This may be one of the most beautiful things I have ever read. If you take the time to think about what grass really feels like on bare feet, what it feels like to be really loved, how lovely it can be to stop and really spend time studying the lovely things around you, then you can probably appreciate this. I cried tears of joy at how beautifully this ended. It reminded me of the best of the philosophical readings from my youth.
January 22, 2012
This is sort of a strange little book, but I really enjoyed it. On the surface, it is a story about a boy and an elephant, but really it is a book about love. A boy's love of an elephant, an elephant's love of a boy, an elephant's love of an acrobat, even a pigeon's love for the ringmaster. I think fans of The Little Prince will find plenty to enjoy in this short and unique novel.
September 8, 2016
I kept trying to like this book, but I just couldn't get excited about it. It was difficult to keep picking up to read and it took me weeks to get through this small book. The point was illusive (I know, I know, it's about friendship, optimism, love, and being true to yourself), especially after I finally finished.
October 5, 2011
This is a special book that will strike a chord with the right reader. Full review posted at my blog: http://bookends.booklistonline.com/20...
Want to read
October 19, 2011Read a bit of this today and boy is it REALLY fun and silly read so far. I love the description in it--as clever as it is, which is VERY. I'm turning page after page already. I have got to get this one to finish it since the amazon peek ends after a few pages. :(
November 9, 2011
There were some really beautiful lines (both written and drawn), but the story didn't seem finished to me. Also, it didn't really feel like a children's book, but more like something written for adults.
November 16, 2011
I love elephants and I have a high tolerance for whimsy but this book did not work for me. An abandoned baby is raised by a former circus elephant. I'm sure it's meant to be a fable about families and love but I was just not captivated.
December 30, 2011
I think I don't like fables where you're supposed to learn something beuatiful about the world. I just didn't really see the point of this one. I guess it could be a good read-aloud, but it'd have to be a pretty spectacular reader.
July 24, 2012
A young boy lives atop an elephant. The love between the boy, Pigeon, and Birch, the elephant is sweet. I do not know enough about Eastern religions to understand the significance of the symbolism throughout. This would be enjoyed by readers who like something different.
January 10, 2012
I picked this out for my 8-year-old and ended up reading it myself. I don't know if it would really appeal to your average kid, but I found the writing breathtakingly beautiful. It's not really the story I enjoyed so much but, oh! so many readbacks for this one!
February 28, 2012
perfect....
any animal- loving,
child-loving
soul will never
forget the
beauty of this
little story....
haven't been so
moved by a book
in many ages...
only a twit with
no magic will
think this
book not
fantastic
any animal- loving,
child-loving
soul will never
forget the
beauty of this
little story....
haven't been so
moved by a book
in many ages...
only a twit with
no magic will
think this
book not
fantastic
March 5, 2012
This book is imaginative and philosophical. Living on the back of an elephant after being orphaned by his human parents, Pigeon attends school, travels, and adventures; all with his adoring elephant parent, Birch. Did I mention the circus? And the painting? And the meany Ringmaster?
August 19, 2012
my kid wouldn't read this, so i did.
"too weird," she declared, but all she's been reading is harry potter
1-7 over and over again, unless she's watching the movies of same.
this book tries for the 'little prince' genre. somewhat trite.
"too weird," she declared, but all she's been reading is harry potter
1-7 over and over again, unless she's watching the movies of same.
this book tries for the 'little prince' genre. somewhat trite.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews