Nick Sharratt's loud, distinctive, illustrations are always sure to attract pre-schoolers. Shark in the Dark, a sequel to Shark in the Park, will delight his followers . . . Told in a jaunty rhyme and full of humour - especially the nice twist at the end - this is one for ages four and up to read in the half-light for full effect

It is the exhuberant exclamations such as "quivering catfish" that make this a delight to read aloud and children will be reading this under the duvet long after lights out

A wonderful choice for small kids everywhere

As with all Nick Sharratt's books, the language and rhyming patterns are superb and really engage young readers

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.