An Elephant in the Garden

With Lizzie’s father fighting in World War II, her mother takes on the job of a zookeeper to provide for her family. Lizzie, her mother, and her eight-year-old brother Karli have become especially attached to an orphaned elephant named Marlene.

The bombing of Dresden is imminent and, as a precautionary measure, the zoo director explains that all the animals must be destroyed so that they will not run wild through the city. Lizzie’s mother persuades the director to allow Marlene to stay in the family’s garden.

As predicted, Dresden is bombed, and the family, including Marlene, is forced from the city. Lizzie and her family aren’t alone; thousands of Dresden residents are fleeing to find somewhere safe. Lizzie’s mother has to find a different route out of the city to keep the elephant and the children safe from harm. Once they reach the abandoned home of their relatives, they come across Peter, a Canadian navigator who, by putting himself at risk of capture to save the family, gains their trust.

This unlikely grouping of family, elephant, and enemy-turned-ally comes together beautifully to illustrate the importance of love, resolve, and hope.