Author:E. B. White
THE TRUMPET OF THE SWAN is an uplifting story by E. B. White, author of CHARLOTTE'S WEB in which wildlife and nature blend with fantasy to make a tender, humorous and unforgettable animal tale.
Unlike other cygnets, Louis, the trumpeter swan, cannot utter a sound. But with the encouragement of his father, Louis sets out to overcome his problem. One way of doing this Louis decides, is to learn to read and write and so he sets off to Montana to find his friend Sam Beaver. Louis goes to school with him and learns to read and write, but when he returns to the lakes and falls in love with the beautiful Serena, he is upset that Serena can't read his sign, which says 'I love you'. Once again his parents are determined to help him find a new way of expressing himself and it is his father who dreams up the brilliant solution that will put Louis firmly on the path to success and fulfilment.
E. B. White was born in the USA. He travelled about trying all sorts of jobs before he joined the New Yorker magazine and became a writer. In 1970 he was awarded the prestigious Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal for Stuart Little and Charlotte's Web and in honour of his outstanding contribution to children's literature. E. B. White died in 1985.
Also by E. B. White:
Charlotte's Web and Stuart Little
Also available in A Puffin Book:
GOODNIGHT MISTER TOM and BACK HOME by Michelle Magorian
CHARLOTTE'S WEB, STUART LITTLE and THE TRUMPET OF THE SWAN by E. B. White
THE BORROWERS by Mary Norton
STIG OF THE DUMP by Clive King
ROLL OF THUNDER, HEAR MY CRY by Mildred D. Taylor
A DOG SO SMALL by Philippa Pearce
GOBBOLINO by Ursula Moray Williams
MRS FRISBY AND THE RATS OF NIMH by Richard C O'Brien
A WRINKLE IN TIME by Madeleine L'Engle
THE CAY by Theodore Taylor
TARKA THE OTTER by Henry Williamson
WATERSHIP DOWN by Richard Adams
SMITH by Leon Garfield
THE NEVERENDING STORY by Michael Ende
ANNIE by Thomas Meehan
THE FAMILY FROM ONE END STREET by Eve Garnett
We, and our children, are lucky to have this book
—— The New York Times Book Review. . . the beautiful details, the sweetness of relationships - poignant without this time being sad - also make you know that this is the author of Charlotte's Web
—— Virginia Haviland (US author and librarian, 1911 - 1988)The pictures were beautifully detailed and colourful ... I can see why Shirley Hughes is a well loved author
—— Reba and Amatullah , guardian.co.ukAs with all Nick Sharratt's books, the language and rhyming patterns are superb and really engage young readers
—— Hot Cross MumA heart-wrenching and sometimes terrifying tale . . . Compulsive reading
—— Children's Books IrelandExciting, funny and sadly topical . . . My children’s book of the year for 8-11s
—— Amanda Craig , New StatesmanRachel Campbell-Johnston's work is as vivid as it is moving
—— The Sunday ReviewPulls no punches, but there's a moving, almost spiritual ending
—— the IndependentThe 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.
—— Rebecca Foster , We Love This BookThis 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.
—— CarouselThe 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.
—— Caroline Sanderson , Books for KeepsRachel 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.
—— Book TrustA compelling story which has its roots in reality, it is a real page-turner
—— Parents in TouchThe extraordinary story of the incredible friendship between a boy and an elephant, and their survival against all the odds.
—— GransnetShows a deep knowledge of African culture, with lush metaphors and precise descriptions of locations, smells and weather.
—— Rebecca Foster , We Love This BookBeautifully 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.
—— The Book BagThis is an extraordinary book
—— The Book BagThis 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.
—— We Sat DownThis is a novel that will stay with me forever. I recommend The Child’s Elephant 100%!
—— Little M , We Sat DownMy children's book of the year for 8-11s
—— Amanda Craig , New StatesmanA must-read for both the old and young, it's a triumph in children's literature that you will never forget
—— Cirencester LifePulls no punches . . . There’s a moving, almost spiritual ending
—— Independent on SundayA 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.
—— Parents in Touch