Bashi, Elephant Baby

by Theresa Radcliffe, John Butler (Illustrator)

When it is discovered that a group of lionessess is nearby, Bashi, the baby elephant, must stay very close to his protective mother and family as they journey onward to the watering hole.

Genres: Picture Books, Africa, Childrens, International

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations are gorgeous! I would have liked a few more of the baby elephant, but what is there is very nice and the illustrations of the lionesses is especially realistic.

The story itself was just so-so for me. I like the idea of following a baby elephant through his first day of life, and I realize there is a good deal of peril in the wild, but I just would have liked a bit less focus on the scary stuff. On the other hand, some children may really enjoy having a more realistic look at the life of wild animals, and at least Bashi gets a happy ending for his first day out.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of two books me and Mara read together tonight. (This and Nobody Hugs a Cactus). This was a really cute book about the first day of Bashi (from birth to sleep of the first day). Mara especially liked it because its elephants and thats MaMa's favorite animal.

Its a cute, quick, fun read that the two of us enjoyed.

[Nicola Clements · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really lovely book and a lovely read for young children. Beautiful illustrations and an exciting storyline wondering will Bashi get back to his family safely! Showing children the precious relationship between a child and their mother and how they will do anything to protect them.

[Kota Abe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated children's picture book. Thank you to my kindergarten teacher for gifting me a copy of it.

[Jbondandrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good little story.

[Kandace · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Bashi, Elephant Baby” is children’s picture book that tells the story of a newborn elephant’s first day on an African plain. Young Neo encounters many obstacles such as averting a pack of hungry lions and getting stuck in the mud. With the protection of his family, Neo escapes danger and makes it through his first day.

This tale of survival was inspired by a National Geographic wildlife film. The story comes to life with the realistic illustrations of John Butler. The reader is transported to the African plain through his genuinely detailed images. The natural obstacles facing wildlife is dramatically demonstrated in this simply told picture book. This would make a great introduction to a study of African wildlife, as well as a launching point for research extension activities.

[Sfia Hussain · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about survival set on the African plain. It follows a herd of elephants during their day, and the main character is Bashi, the baby elephant. The tale begins just after he is born, when he has only just learnt to walk. However, the story takes a dramatic turn when three hungry lionesses spot Bashi drinking at the edge of the waterhole.

I really enjoyed reading this book because it is an exciting story about one of my favourite animals and its themes are based on family and caring for each other. Furthermore, the illustrations are beautifully drawn and really bring the story to life, making a person feel like they are there or want to be there in Africa.

[The Styling Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

My son and I really didn't expect the adventure and survival of the first day of an elephant baby's life. Really cute and special.

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was so cute. it was an amazing story. it is locatedd in long cane elementary school.