Families who loved Bandoola: The Great Elephant Rescue by William Grill often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the idea of courage or needs to see how empathy and trust can bridge gaps between different worlds. This stunningly illustrated true story follows the bond between James Howard Williams and a remarkable elephant named Bandoola during World War II. It explores themes of interspecies friendship, the ethics of how we treat animals, and the quiet bravery required to lead others to safety through impossible terrain. Parents will appreciate the way it balances historical reality with a deep, sensitive respect for nature. It is ideal for children aged 7 to 12 who are transitioning to more complex historical narratives but still benefit from visual storytelling to process heavy themes like war and displacement.
