Written and illustrated by Ellen Rankin
Review Heidi Frankel
Ages: 4-8
rhcbooks.com
The Secret Elephant tells the incredible true story of Belfast’s first female zookeeper, Denise Weston Austin, and her extraordinary bond with a baby Asian elephant during World War II.
Inspired by actual events, this tale follows the unlikely friendship between Denise and Sheila, the baby elephant, set against the backdrop of the Belfast Blitz. Told uniquely from Sheila’s perspective, the story takes readers on an adventure through everyday life at the zoo just before the bombs begin to fall.
You might expect a zookeeper’s account, but the clever choice to narrate through Sheila’s eyes makes this story even more immersive and captivating.
A zookeeper’s courageous act of love
As Denise grew closer to Sheila, she became fiercely protective of her. Soon, she was known as the “Elephant Angel” for her unwavering devotion. When bombs rained down on Belfast, Sheila’s fear was undeniable, and Denise knew she had to act.
Every night, she risked everything—sneaking Sheila out of the zoo and into her home to keep her safe.
You and your grandkids will giggle at how she fit an elephant into her tiny enclosure—a feat that seemed impossible yet happened.
A secret worth keeping
At the time, authorities feared that bombed enclosures could lead to dangerous animal escapes, prompting an order to euthanize zoo animals as a precaution. But Denise refused to let that happen to Sheila.
Her bold decision to protect her beloved elephant set her on an incredible, rule-breaking adventure.
Denise knew the risks—getting caught could mean serious trouble. Yet, her love and courage outweighed her fear, teaching an important lesson:
Sometimes, breaking the rules is the right thing to do when it means saving a life—even if that life is an elephant.
A story that stays with you
This beautifully written book keeps readers on the edge of their seats, rooting for Sheila and her devoted keeper. Though set in WWII, the story remains uplifting and full of heart, never becoming too dark or frightening for young readers.
The illustrations vividly capture Denise’s deep affection for Sheila and the extraordinary lengths she went to keep her safe.
Everything was going well until one day when Sheila chased a cat right through a wooden fence—elephants are strong, and their secret was revealed. Denise had no choice but to take Sheila back to the zoo. Once there, the baby elephant felt alone and afraid. But soon, Denise returned, gently reassuring her, “I could never leave you, my girl. My home is with you.”
At the end of the book, readers will find news clippings, fascinating historical facts, and real-life photos that add even more depth to this unbelievable yet true tale.
You and your grandkids will love this extraordinary story—a powerful reminder of love, hope, responsibility, and courage in adversity.
