Dick King-Smith has brought magic into the lives of millions of children

The animal stories of Dick King-Smith have revitalised the tradition so completely that other writers who put words into animals' mouths are outclassed

Sparkling humour and wonderful characters are Dick King-Smith's trademarks

Remember those wonderful occasions as a child when a book gave you reassurance, warmth, humour and a cracking story? King-Smith's animal stories hit that mark every time

A heart-wrenching and sometimes terrifying tale . . . Compulsive reading

Exciting, funny and sadly topical . . . My children’s book of the year for 8-11s

Rachel Campbell-Johnston's work is as vivid as it is moving

Pulls no punches, but there's a moving, almost spiritual ending

The story is remarkably free from sentimentality and anthropomorphism, and the author does not talk down to the children who will form her audience. Like Rudyard Kipling (to whose folk tale The Elephant’s Child this is surely a tribute), Campbell-Johnston shows a deep knowledge of African culture, with lush metaphors and precise descriptions of locations, smells and weather.

This beautifully written story is a new departure which draws on her (Rachel Campbell-Johnston's) original training as a zoologist. The Child's Elephant sings with a formidable talent, imagination and passion.

This powerful story is as huge as the African savannah it describes.

The Child’s Elephant is a captivating and deeply affecting book, exceptional both for the in-the-field research that has gone into writing it, and for the writing itself which is mesmerising.

Rachel Campbell-Johnson lyrically conveys much about life in contemporary Africa: its beauty, its communities and many of the issues surrounding its poverty...This is an unforgettable, beautiful and moving novel about the powerful bond between an elephant and a child.

A compelling story which has its roots in reality, it is a real page-turner

The extraordinary story of the incredible friendship between a boy and an elephant, and their survival against all the odds.

Shows a deep knowledge of African culture, with lush metaphors and precise descriptions of locations, smells and weather.

Beautifully conveys life in a traditional African village . . . the sights, smells, tastes and colours . . . Reading this left me wanting to find out more about both the place and the background to this story.

This is an extraordinary book

This is an amazing story . . . Definitely for Michael Morpurgo fans and also Gill Lewis and Lauren St John fans. I think almost anyone should read it.

This is a novel that will stay with me forever. I recommend The Child’s Elephant 100%!

My children's book of the year for 8-11s

A must-read for both the old and young, it's a triumph in children's literature that you will never forget

Pulls no punches . . . There’s a moving, almost spiritual ending

A compelling story which has its roots in reality, it is a real page-turner as the reader is anxious to find out what happens to the pair.