logo

51 pages 1 hour read

The Magician's Elephant

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2009

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Kate DiCamillo

The Magician's Elephant

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2009
Book Details
Pages

208

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Baltese • 19th century

Publication Year

2009

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

A fortuneteller tells 10-year-old Peter that an elephant will lead him to his lost sister, which starts Peter on a journey of self-discovery and wonder in Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo’s The Magician’s Elephant (2009). When a magician miraculously conjures an elephant, its appearance affects everyone in town. In his efforts to find his sister Adele and rescue the homesick elephant, Peter must overcome obstacles and unite a diverse group of characters that includes a policeman, an injured noblewoman, a stone carver, and the magician himself. Meanwhile, Adele dreams that an elephant will bring her home.

Mysterious

Fantastical

Heartwarming

Hopeful

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.2

28,639 ratings

68%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Kate DiCamillo's The Magician's Elephant is celebrated for its lyrical prose and enchanting storytelling, evoking a fairy tale ambiance. Critics praise its themes of hope and connection, though some note the pacing as slow and the plot as predictable. Overall, the book is deemed heartwarming and suitable for younger readers.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Magician's Elephant?

A middle-grade reader who appreciates whimsical, heartwarming tales would enjoy The Magician's Elephant by Kate DiCamillo. Fans of The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, also by DiCamillo, or The Tale of Despereaux, will be captivated by its themes of hope, magic, and unexpected friendships.

4.2

28,639 ratings

68%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Character List

Peter Augustus Duchene

A ten-year-old orphan who lives with Vilna Lutz and dreams of becoming a soldier like his father. Peter is on a quest to find his sister, aided by his interactions with other characters in his search for answers.

A one-footed old soldier and Peter's guardian, living with him in an attic room. He has a strong desire to make Peter into a soldier, reflecting his military background and friendship with Peter's father.

A small policeman with a large mustache who lives with his wife Gloria in the apartment below Vilna Lutz. He is characterized by his curiosity and belief in possibility, often seen pondering life's big questions.

Leo Matienne's wife who initially views the world as unchangeable. She comes to accept Peter and Adele as part of her family, showcasing her capacity for love.

Peter's six-year-old sister, who was taken to an orphanage as a baby. She is characterized by her gentle nature and her hope and belief in connecting with the elephant.

A kindly nun who resides at the orphanage, known for her patience and faith in dreams. She plays a supportive role in Adele's early life.

A wealthy and entitled woman who is unimpressed by the magical arrival of the elephant and sees it as a distraction from her social standing. She keeps the elephant in her ballroom.

An older man with a tarnished reputation who unexpectedly conjures the elephant in an attempt to create something extraordinary. He grapples with the consequences of his magic trick.

A noblewoman who is injured by a magical mishap involving the elephant and the magician. She struggles with her emotions but becomes involved in the quest to help the elephant.

Madam LaVaughn's manservant who recalls his own past and wonders at the miracle of the elephant's appearance. He emphasizes the importance of believing in the impossible.

A former stone carver turned employee of the Countess Quintet, known for his constant laughter despite adversity. He dreams of using his skills to create works involving the other characters.

A magical creature who appears unexpectedly due to the magician's spell and becomes central to Peter's quest. She connects the main characters of the story and dreams of returning to her home.

Book Details
Pages

208

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Baltese • 19th century

Publication Year

2009

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.