Bandoola: The Great Elephant Rescue by William Grill

Bandoola: The Great Elephant Rescue by William Grill

By William Grill (author)

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Shortlisted for the UKLA Book Awards 2023: Information Books 3 - 14+

In this moving tale based on a true story, award-winning William Grill's stunning illustrations show the majesty of Myanmar's forests and mountains, the backdrop to a heart-warming tale about empathy between humans and animals, and the strength that can arise from working together when the world is full of danger.

When a world war comes to Myanmar (Burma), one special elephant becomes a hero.

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As people are forced to leave their home in the Burmese jungle, Bandoola, his keeper Po Toke and war veteran James Howard Williams (Aka Elephant Bill), undertake a journey that will test their courage, taking trust, understanding and bravery to the very limit.

Together, they lead a group of 53 elephants and over 200 refugees to safety, scaling 6000ft mountains as they trek from Myanmar to northern India.

Skilfully illustrated by a Greenaway medal winner, full of miniatures and landscapes, this is an elegant, astonishing story of elephants in Myanmar, their human allies and a heroic wartime journey. -- Nicolette Jones - The Sunday Times

Grill's art - from maps of the terrain to illustrated elephant commands - is distinctive and the story is stylishly told. -- Alex O'Connell - The Times

Retelling the emotional and stirring story of Asian elephants is no easy task, but Bandoola: The Great Elephant Rescue does it with simplicity, care and sensitivity. - Ayla Angelos, It's Nice That

Bandoola and war veteran James Howard Williams undertake a journey that tests their courage to the limit in the exceptionally beautiful new book from Kate Greenaway Medal-winner Grill. - Fiona Noble, The Bookseller

Bandoola is such a remarkable book, I love the way history, geography, culture, conservation and compassion are woven together so skilfully and with such heart throughout. It really is a remarkable - and quite exquisite - book! -- Jake Hope, CILIP

Not only does it tell a compelling story, full of tension and emotion, every page is a visual delight, inspiring children to experiment artistically. Poignant and powerful in both illustration and content! - North Somerset Teachers' Book Award

Fans of his debut will not be surprised to find within: a gripping historical narrative; beautifully presented information; and spreads that are just glorious works of art. William Grill's distinctive and deceptively simple crayon-style illustrations show the majesty of Myanmar's forests. -- Achuka

A beauty for the eyes, and a feast for the mind - a perfect non-fiction book for adults and children alike. - Paul Watson, The Great British Bookworm

What I have always loved about Will's work is the feeling that you can see every stroke of pencil. This feels as if Will has lived and breathed this story -- Matthew Tobin, Literature Academic and Klaus Flugge Prize Judge for 2021

It beautifully illustrates how amazing elephants are, what courageous creatures they are and how important. William Grill writes this story with passion, understanding and sensitivity. It is a truly moving reimagining of the story of Elephant Bill and Bandoola. - Jennie, Edspire

It is a majestic book about the most majestic of creatures and would make a wonderful gift for families to share. - The Little Literary Society on Instagram

The story of one special elephant from Myanmar and his role in a wartime escape is sensitively told in this beautiful book highlighting the importance of our relationship with animals. - Anne Thompson, A Library Lady

William Grill's stunning depiction of a deeply inspiring story of kindness and bravery might be his best book yet. - BookTrust

I've always been a fan of William Grill's non fiction books. He's managed to find a way to re-tell heroic, and sometimes tragic stories in a way that leaves you not just deeply moved, but a little changed too. - S.e_sussed on Instagram

A large, slim book, the perfect format for his simple, graceful illustrations. - The Spectator

Bandoola is visually and literarily compelling, powerful, and thought provoking; one not to miss for any age. - BooksforTopics

There is a real tenderness here, and a strong message that humans need to more to better support and respect the animal kingdom. - Stephen Connor, In The Twelve

I love the illustration style and each page is beautiful. - What_emmy_Read on Instagram

The book is factual, yet elicits discussion and empathy. - The Values Bookshelf

Grill's narrative is interspersed with panels depicting deeper context. Colored pencil illustrations in a limited palette render the sheer scope of this environment with acute clarity. - Booklist, Starred review

absolutely stunningly illustrated. - @kidsbookstolife on Instagram

This picture book will sweep you off your feet, bring you to tears and ignite a fire in your heart to do something about saving elephants! - inclusive_childrens_books on Instagram

Bandoola's story deserved an exceptional book: told with elegance, artistry and sensitivity. And this book does justice to that. - BookBairn on Instagram

Grill tells this story with empathy and respect. -- iBBY UK Prepare to fall in love with this story, these illustrations, and, more importantly, Bandoola himself. -- Imagining History Bandoola: The Great Elephant Rescue expertly blends narrative and expository text to give readers a more in depth understanding of Bandoola's story than they would get from just the story itself. - @kidsreadtheworld on Instagram

William Grill is a new talent in the British illustration scene. He graduated with a BA (Hons) at University College Falmouth and published his debut book, Shackleton's Journey, with Flying Eye Books in 2014. Grill's main interest lies in narrative illustration where he uses the natural world to inspire his artwork. His use of coloured pencils, layers of shading and work in relief printmaking all contribute towards the evocative and atmospheric illustrations that are so unique to his style. In 2014 Grill won the AOI (Association of Illustration) Illustration Award for New Talent. His book was also a winner of The New York Times Best Illustrated Books, 2014. Grill is commissioned by international publications for his work, and also runs illustration workshops based on Ernest Shackleton's expedition. He is currently working on his newest title with Flying Eye Books, due out in 2016.

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When a world war comes to Myanmar (Burma), one special elephant becomes a hero. As people are forced to leave their home in the Burmese jungle, Bandoola, his keeper Po Toke and war veteran James Howard Williams (Aka Elephant Bill), undertake a journey that will test their courage, taking trust, understanding and bravery to the very limit.

The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed Bandoola: The Great Elephant Rescue and determined it is suitable for children aged 7-10 years old

Bandoola: The Great Elephant Rescue features in the following genres: Ecological and Environmental Interest - Non Fiction, Children’s / Teenage: Social issues / topics, Personal Social Health Economic (PSHE), Children’s, Teenage and Educational, General Knowledge & Trivia, Children’s / Teenage: General interest, Featured Books for 9+ readers, Recommendations, Wildlife, The Natural World, Featured Books for 7+ readers

Hardback. £14.39, down from the £15.99 cover price. Not Available.

Bandoola: The Great Elephant Rescue was written by William Grill and published by Flying Eye Books

Bandoola: The Great Elephant Rescue has 83 pages

£14.39, reduced from £15.99. Not Available.

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