An Elephant in the Garden (Unabridged) Audiobook, by Michael Morpurgo Play Audiobook Sample

An Elephant in the Garden Audiobook (Unabridged)

An Elephant in the Garden (Unabridged) Audiobook, by Michael Morpurgo Play Audiobook Sample
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Read By: Fiona Clarke Publisher: HarperCollins Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 2.83 hours at 1.5x Speed 2.13 hours at 2.0x Speed Release Date: May 2010 Format: Unabridged Audiobook ISBN:

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Publisher Description

It's 1944. Elizabeth's father is fighting with the German army on the eastern front. Her mother works at Dresden zoo, where her favourite animal is a young elephant named Marlene. When the zoo director tells her the dangerous animals must be shot to prevent them running amok when the town is bombed, Elizabeth's mother moves Marlene into the back garden to save her....and then the bombs start to fall.

Their home destroyed, Elizabeth and her family must flee the bombed-out city and through the wintery landscape, all the while avoiding the Russian troops who are drawing ever closer. It would be hard enough, without an elephant in tow....

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"I was left feeling that this book ended too abruptly. It could have definitely been drawn out a bit more. Detailed a bit more. I was expecting the older Lizzie to die after reading the story and for possibly the child and the mom to go out looking for the elephant. But it seemed there was only a quick explanation of what happened after they were captured with totally underwhelmed me. I was looking for so much more. Good concept for a book but ultimately not enough meat."

— Akaemi (4 out of 5 stars)

An Elephant in the Garden (Unabridged) Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 4.29166666666667 out of 54.29166666666667 out of 54.29166666666667 out of 54.29166666666667 out of 54.29166666666667 out of 5 (4.29)
5 Stars: 10
4 Stars: 11
3 Stars: 3
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Narration: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Story: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
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1 Stars: 0
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  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I absolutely LOVED this MG novel about a German family during WW2 and the elephant that their zookeeper mother brings into the family. This book is well done, with great characters, plot and setting. A wonderfully uplifting story that is very accessible to its target audience. It is informative and educational while also being entertaining. Delightful and highly recommended! "

    — Mari, 2/17/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " A great book for kids to read (and adults!) "

    — Stacey, 2/11/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Inspired by a true story. My favorite phrase. Truth guides story but fiction allowed all sorts of liberties. I shy away from WWII stories - but an Elephant in Dresden called to me. How could it all tie in? It did. Perfectly for young and adult readers. "

    — Kari, 2/7/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I enjoyed this story but didn't like it as much as the other Morpurgo stories I have read. Some parts were repetitive while others were slow and needed more detail. I like the fact that some of it was based on facts. "

    — Jane, 2/3/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Great kids story, very readable for adults too. Quite charming. "

    — Caroline, 1/28/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " A sweet simple fun story. A quick enjoyable read. "

    — Devan, 1/25/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Nice piece of historical fiction - gives YA students a chance to see WWII from a non-American/Ally perspective. Really fast read. "

    — Bob, 1/23/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " its okay but boring at times "

    — James, 1/19/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This story is about the bombing of Dresden and an elephant who is brought to safety. "

    — Megen, 1/15/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This book is one of the best books i have read. It is full of adventure. The author of this book, Michael Morpurgo will aways keep you full of excitment and will never let you put this book down. I loved this book and it is one of my favorites. I hope you enjoy it. "

    — Madison, 1/13/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This was a fabulous middle-grade-level story, about a family who flees the bombing of Dresden accompanied by the local zoo's youngest elephant. Mr. Morpurgo is a great storyteller, and this one's inspired by an actual event. I loved it! "

    — Kristy, 12/19/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I thought it was a wonderful read. It was so suspenseful that it kept me on the edge of my seat until the last page. "

    — Clorite8, 12/15/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " What a great story! I could not put this down, except to do some research about the bombing of Dresden. From such a sad situation such a hopeful ending. "

    — Deb, 11/28/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Read my review at Let's Talk Books "

    — Terrie, 10/15/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Very enjoyable! Stories about elephants always touch my heart. "

    — Trudy, 9/24/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " The plot was predictable, which made this book not as thrilling as it could have been. "

    — Grace, 8/26/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Levi and I thought this was a really awesome book, it was cool. a story about Dresden being bombed, very sad. good story. "

    — Silas, 7/6/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " While I did not think this one was as impactful as Private Peaceful, or even War Horse probably, it is still a beautiful story. I love that it is based on several true stories interwoven together. The true stories in this world are simply incredible. "

    — Amy, 1/7/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I really like this author. "

    — Sue, 11/9/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " These books are fast becoming favorites. They are so easy to read and I love the messages of hope. "

    — Vicki, 7/24/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " At first I had no idea what this book would be about. But it soon grabbed my attention as it delved into a heart lifting story of survival and trust. This is a must read for anybody who just wants an interesting book that can be easily read. Of course Morpurgo's writing is excellent as always. "

    — Jordan, 5/7/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Set during WWII, Lizzie, her mother, little brother, and a rescued elephant flee from their home town upon its bombing. Along the way they encounter many obstacles but also many kind sold, including Peter, a downed, young, Canadian soldier. "

    — Heather, 4/21/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " it was ok. having not read any of his books, wasn't sure what to expect, but found myself drawn into the story. a quick read. this book is nominated for Lone Star. my 7 year old read it and said she would not recommend it for others her age as it is a sad story and it might give them nightmares. "

    — Marjorie, 5/23/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " loved it! Great story of life in Dresden, Germany during bombing raids in WW2 told through a lady in a rest home to a young boy. A family rescue an elephant from a zoo during bombing raids and it ends up being an invaluable companion as they travel long distances in search of safety. "

    — Nova, 4/14/2011

About Michael Morpurgo

Michael Morpurgo, former Children’s Laureate of Britain, is the author of War Horse, called “superb” by the New York Times Book Review and now a major motion picture. He was knighted in 2018 for services to literature and charity. His writing has won numerous award, including the Whitbread Children’s Book Award, the California Young Reader Medal, the Red House Children’s Book Award, and France’s Prix Sorcieres, among others and others. He lives in Devon, England, with his wife, Clare. Together they founded the charity Farms for City Children, which gives children from urban areas an opportunity to spend a week working on a farm in the countryside.