What This Book Is About
Nandu was abandoned in the Borderlands of Nepal as a two-year-old and found under the protection of a pack of wild dogs. He is taken in and raised in the King's elephant stable, by the head of the stable, Subba-sahib, and by the elephant Devi Kali.
At twelve, Nandu has to save the stable itself. The government plans to close it, which would break up the only community he has, and to prove the stable is worth keeping he sets out to capture a great tusker. Eric Dinerstein is a conservation biologist, and the jungle in this novel is written from that knowledge.
Available at Popular bookstores, Kinokuniya, and the Singapore National Library.
Why UWC Chose This Book
What Elephants Know is a perfect embodiment of UWC's commitment to environmental stewardship and service to others. The novel immerses students in the realities of wildlife conservation and of living alongside wild animals, while telling a deeply human story about belonging and identity. For students in Singapore, a nation that takes biodiversity seriously despite its small size, the book opens a window into how conservation works on the ground in a very different part of Asia.
The story also celebrates indigenous knowledge and cross-cultural understanding. Nandu learns from the people of the elephant stable and from the elephants themselves, demonstrating that wisdom comes from many sources—a core UWC value. The book's South Asian setting provides welcome cultural representation and gives students a rich, immersive experience of a world far from their own, building the international-mindedness that is central to a UWC education.
Reading Level Guide
Too challenging at A1. The nature vocabulary and cultural context will be difficult. Start with animal-themed chapter books like The One and Only Ivan.
Sweet spot. The vivid descriptions and adventure plot keep you engaged, while the nature vocabulary expands your English naturally.
A comfortable, immersive read at B2. Great for building environmental vocabulary. Try Born Behind Bars for another South Asian story with more challenge.
Other UWC Recommended Books for This Grade
Not sure if this book is right for your child? Take our free English assessment to find their CEFR level, then choose books that match.