A little while ago I wrote a post about the incredible book The Elephant Whisperer, which I thought was one of the best reads we have ever read. Based on how much I loved that book I got myself the “follow up” book, the one written after Lawrence died which is called – An Elephant in My Kitchen.

Some quick context – The Elephant Whisperer was written by Lawrence Anthony and was all about how he founded Thula Thula, rescued a herd of elephants (who were about to be killed) and formed an incredible bond with these elephants (the reason why I wanted to read The Elephant Whisperer was because I had heard about a herd of elephants who, every year, go and mourn the death of the man who rescued them and I wanted to know the story behind it). This book – An Elephant in my Kitchen was written by his wife, Francoise after Lawrence passed away and deals with her trying to take over Thula Thula, keep their conservation work going and her attempt at opening an animal orphanage. And yes the elephant herd that they rescued still plays an important role in this book.

Okay so the book itself is written in a slightly different style because it is Francoise telling her stories, so it does read a bit differently but the stories are as heart warming and sometimes sad as they were in the Elephant Whisperer. In the beginning of the book she does deal quite a bit with trying to cope with running Thula Thula by herself (which is quite something considering she grew up in Paris). I enjoyed the entire book. I loved that the herd kept being their amazing self, that she mentions them coming to mourn Lawrence, that they still came to visit her and seemed to give her strength when she needed it. These elephants are just incredible.

But the highlights for me were definitely around the animal orphanage. I loved reading about how these little creature were rescued and how the staff cared and tried so hard to keep them alive, how the bonds between scared animal and human were formed and even how they used a dog to help one of the animals. But as much as their successes filled me with hope I must admit the saddest part for me (and most shocking) was when the orphanage was attacked. Even as someone who was born and raised in South Africa and has heard countless stories along these lines I still struggled with the fact that people were so desperate for rhino horns that they attacked baby animals, killed 2, chopping one horn off a young rhino was was still alive and then also assaulted that people caring for these animals. It was sad to read but I also think it was important to read as it showed just how desperate these poachers are and how vital the conservation work of these incredibly brave people is.

For those of you wondering about the title of the book – this amazing lady has had 2 different baba elephants cause chaos in her kitchen (yip – sounds strange until you read the book and realize how these people will do anything for these creatures).

The book is filled with amazing stories of animals overcoming shocking acts, people doing amazing acts to help these creatures, stories of the herd acting in ways which seem unimaginable and makes you question how these animals communicate and just know things. It is for me a book of hope and a book which reminds us that we share this earth with creatures who are still able to teach us a lot.

I really do highly recommend this book. I read it cover to cover and really enjoyed all the stories, I cheered for them and I was close to tears in places. It was well written and it is a story that needs to be told and needs to be read by our young people so they are aware of what is going on with these amazing animals.

If your older kiddo enjoys animal conservation that this is a must read for them. My fourteen year old son has just started reading this one (both my kids read and loved The Elephant Whisperer) so I am sure he will also enjoy this read.

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