My Sister Wants an Elephant


Children - Picture Book
36 Pages
Reviewed on 12/22/2022
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Courtnee Turner Hoyle for Readers' Favorite

My Sister Wants an Elephant by Lynne Podrat sees Randy, an eleven-year-old boy, wishing for a llama. His sister, Jerica, asks their mother for an elephant. The children press their mother for their chosen pets, practicing their pouts, and they receive them. Even though the children do not see their elephant and llama roaming in their backyard, their mother finds a way to allow them access to llamas and an elephant.

My Sister Wants an Elephant is about a surprising compromise. Amazingly, it is based on a true story. Told from the viewpoint of eleven-year-old Randy, the story is sure to be a hit with young readers. The mother, Lynne Podrat, was able to secure time with llamas for her son Randy by arranging for him to help with their care on a nearby farm. Additionally, she fulfilled her dream of getting close to a Siberian tiger and her daughter’s wish for an elephant by making donations and adopting them from the Philadelphia Zoo.

Being true gave more life to the story, and my children were delighted with the end of the story when they learned that Randy and Jerica were real people. The illustrations were light, and the snapshot of Randy and Jerica added a bit of humor to the story. My Sister Wants an Elephant would be a great addition to any bookshelf but should also be in libraries, as it benefits organizations like the International Fund for Animal Welfare, which rescues and cares for wildlife.