The White Elephant

by Sid Fleischman, Robert McGuire (Illustrator)

How can a beautiful white elephant be a terrible curse? Run-Run, a young elephant trainer, discovers the answer when he incurs the fury of the prince. The boy's punishment? The gift of an elephant, white as a cloud. From that moment forward, the curse reveals itself. According to tradition, so rare an elephant cannot be allowed to work for its keep. It is poor Run-Run who must feed the beast the hundreds of pounds of food it eats each day, and scrub it clean, and brush its pom-pom of a tail, and wash behind its ears, and, above all, keep it from doing any work. Oh, if only Run-Run could make the magnificent white elephant disappear! Clever as a magician, he does—but the curse has tricks of its own for Run-Run.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Animals, Asian Literature, Chapter Books, Middle Grade, Fiction, Childrens

112 pages, Library Binding

First published October 1, 2006

About the author

As a children's book author Sid Fleischman felt a special obligation to his readers. "The books we enjoy as children stay with us forever -- they have a special impact. Paragraph after paragraph and page after page, the author must deliver his or her best work." With almost 60 books to his credit, some of which have been made into motion pictures, Sid Fleischman can be assured that his work will make a special impact.

Sid Fleischman wrote his books at a huge table cluttered with projects: story ideas, library books, research, letters, notes, pens, pencils, and a computer. He lived in an old-fashioned, two-story house full of creaks and character, and enjoys hearing the sound of the nearby Pacific Ocean.

Fleischman passed away after a battle with cancer on March 17, 2010, the day after his ninetieth birthday.

He was the father of Newbery Medal winning writer and poet Paul Fleischman, author of Joyful Noise; they are the only father and son to receive Newbery awards.

Reviews

[Joanne Roberts]

Anything Sid Fleischman wrote is worth reading. But don't start with The White Elephant, and don't save it for last.

This is especially for fans of the author or fans of elephants. I'd also recommend it for curious fourth graders who are interested in animal stories or Asian cultures. It was a quick read with some light humor. The sweet relationship between the main character and his elephants is something kids will connect with. The story is peppered with information about the culture of ancient Thailand and mahouts or elephant riders, though I cannot say how accurate a picture it presents.

I would have loved to see this story in the hands of Lloyd Alexander. I can only imagine how funny it would have been. As it is, the book is charming but for me, forgettable.

[Gale]

GIFT OR CURSE?

Set in India this story demonstrates the value of persistence and compassion towards animals by a young mahout (elephant boy). After his old elephant, Walking Mountain, accidentally embarrasses a haughty Prince, Run-Run is cursed with the “gift” of a sacred white elephant as punishment. Since these sacred animals may not perform any labor, the youth will be forced to feed him at his own (nonexistent) expense. The best and the worst of human are shown two adults as
Run Run struggles with his new duties.

Behind his present financial distress lurks the memory of a vicious, one-eared tiger who had
murdered Run Run’s mother. Brought to life by the charming illustrations of Robert McGuire, this tale of moral redemption places the protagonist on the horns of a serious dilemma at the end. With its simple syntax this charming storybook proves a delightful read for elementary pupils.

[Hanna]

This book was alright. I did really enjoy the interactions between the main character & his elephants (very sweet!). It's mostly the protagonist brainstorming how to keep body & soul together after being cursed by the gift of a white elephant that he's not supposed to let work...but that he has to feed hundreds of pounds of food/day. Sweet, very short read.

[Diana]

What an engrossing historical fiction tale. I would delight in using this with third graders for animal research and diversity lessons. It would be a great work to develop critical thinking skills/conversations since abstract reasoning begins at this age.

[MaryJo]

I cannot enjoy books in which elephants are called beasts

[Pomada]

This book is about a boy that take care of a white elephant for a king, This book is fun I like it.

[Jennifer Curtin]

EDLI 200 Reading Requirement: Fiction Middle Grade
Genre: Fiction
Reading Level: 3-5

Inspired by a true story, Run Run and his old elephant work hard to survive in their hillside village in old Siam. They are tightly bound together in mutual admiration, live simply and dream of somedays to come. Their lives change with an unexpected "gift" from Prince Noi. Run Run learns a valuable lesson in this sweet story and ultimately risks everything for the love of the animals in his charge.

[Scott Hayden]

Delightful story of a young Thai mahout who is cursed with a gift. Or is he? Clever exchanges between a sparse number of characters. Set in a mountain village of northern old Siam. From the author of another fast-paced boys-will-like-it book "The Whipping Boy."

Thoroughly enjoyed this quickly paced tale.

[Christian]

This was recommended as a start of the year read aloud. I really liked it and it was rich with conversation starters for my class. However, most of that was wiped away with an ending that left me cold.

[Vicki]

Takes place in old Siam. Young elephant trainer ticks off the prince and is given a white elephant to care for as punishement. White elephants are not allowed to work and must be pampered, fed and cared for with no reward. In the end the boy and his two elephants outsmart everyone.

[Betsy]

Another great story by Sid Fleischman. A nice introduction to another culture, a fun (boy) character in Run-Run, an animal story that features elephants instead of the usual dogs/horses--this one's a great addition to the early chapter book lineup.

[Susan]

I love learning the origin of common phrases---now I know the why something is called a "white elephant"!

[Vicki]

Cute story, not great.

[Kristy]

A quick little read, I will never attend a white elephant gift exchange without know the significance again!

[Carol]

Rec by Uppi

[Leigh]

Sweet story of a young elephant trainers attempt to deal with an unwanted white elephant.

[Ginger]

This story works on the level of folktale, with a seemingly insurmountable dilemma at its core.

[Lisa]

a quick chapter book read to the kids shedding insight in a boy's life in Thailand taking caring of an elephant

[Corinne]

Great story set in Siam, about a young mahout and his elephant. Written in short chapters with pencil illustrations.

[Jacqueline]

Good book to read after reading Elephant Run by Roland Smith

[Lori]

A cute book, and it gives a good explanation about what a white elephant gift is all about.

[Concordian Library]

25 Copies Available
2014-2015:

[Julia]

A delightful children's story.

[Clara]

Enjoyed this story, quick read and now I know the background of a white elephant gift.

[Lea Ann]

Lovely story of a boy cursed by a prince with the gift of a white elephant. Themes of love, family, loyalty, honor.