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An Elephant in the Garden: Inspired by a True Story

An Elephant in the Garden: Inspired by a True Story book cover
AE
Young Adult

by Michael Morpurgo

starstarstarstarstar_half
4.70 (4.1K ratings)
calendar_today 2010
description 212 pages

An Elephant in the Garden: Inspired by a True Story by Michael Morpurgo holds a exceptional rating of 4.70 out of 5, based on 4.1K reader ratings. First published in 2010. The book spans 212 pages.

About An Elephant in the Garden: Inspired by a True Story

Lizzie and Karl's mother is a zoo keeper; the family has become attached to an orphaned elephant named Marlene, who will be destroyed as a precautionary measure so she and the other animals don't run wild should the zoo be hit by bombs. The family persuades the zoo director to let Marlene stay in their garden instead. When the city is bombed, the family flees with thousands of others, but how can they walk the same route when they have an elephant in tow, and keep themselves safe? Along the way, they meet Peter, a Canadian navigator who risks his own capture to save the family.

As Michael Morpurgo writes in an author's note, An Elephant in the Garden is inspired by historical truths, and by his admiration for elephants, "the noblest and wisest and most sensitive of all creatures." Here is a story that brings together an unlikely group of survivors whose faith in kindness and love proves the best weapon of all.

Detail Value
Author Michael Morpurgo
Published 2010
Pages 212
Kindle Price $8.99
Genres Young Adult
Average Rating 4.70 / 5.00
Total Ratings 4,123

Reader Ratings & Analysis

Rating Overview

4.7
starstarstarstarstar_half
4.1K ratings
With a rating of 4.70, An Elephant in the Garden: Inspired by a True Story is rated above the global average of 4.17. Compared to its genre average of 4.54, it performs above expectations.

How It Compares

4.70
This Book
4.54
Young Adult Average
4.17
Global Average

Frequently Asked Questions

What genre is An Elephant in the Garden: Inspired by a True Story?

An Elephant in the Garden: Inspired by a True Story is categorized as Young Adult. Its primary genre classification is Young Adult.

Is An Elephant in the Garden: Inspired by a True Story worth reading?

Based on 4.1K reader ratings, An Elephant in the Garden: Inspired by a True Story has an average score of 4.70 out of 5.00, which is considered "Exceptional."

How many pages is An Elephant in the Garden: Inspired by a True Story?

An Elephant in the Garden: Inspired by a True Story has 212 pages.

Who wrote An Elephant in the Garden: Inspired by a True Story?

An Elephant in the Garden: Inspired by a True Story was written by Michael Morpurgo. It was first published in 2010.

What is the ISBN for An Elephant in the Garden: Inspired by a True Story?

The ISBN-13 for An Elephant in the Garden: Inspired by a True Story is 9781846489228.

How much does An Elephant in the Garden: Inspired by a True Story cost on Kindle?

An Elephant in the Garden: Inspired by a True Story is available on Kindle for $8.99. Pricing may vary by region and promotional offers.

Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026