An author’s note at the beginning of this fascinating informational picture book states that the number of elephant species has gone from more than three hundred at one time to only two surviving today. This startling fact will likely stick with readers as they follow a brown-skinned boy wearing a red crown cracking open a picture book about elephants. The boy—and readers—learn about the differences between the two elephant species; behaviors; physical descriptions; elephant senses, such as hearing and touch; baby elephant-rearing; appetite and diet; and the importance of elephants to other animals and plants. Although the boy occasionally feels intrusive to the narrative, he is handily integrated into the beautiful illustrations to demonstrate tusk size and the way that elephants walk on their toes. The highly readable text imparts a sense of respect, awe, and admiration of an animal population in need of protection. (Ages 6–10)