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If Elephants Could Talk book cover

If Elephants Could Talk

Novel in verseMiddle grade · 10+Hachette India

A heartwarming and uplifting story of friendship, hope and healing — told in spare, luminous verse.

The story

A girl drowning in grief. An elephant trapped in traditions.

Twelve-year-old Meenakshi hasn't spoken a word since her Amma passed away about six months ago.

Teased and troubled at school, she finds her safe place in dance, where she can escape from her reality for a few hours. One day, she meets the temple elephant, Ganeshan, and an unusual friendship forms between them. But when the gentle Ganeshan is ill-treated, Meenakshi decides to speak up to save other elephants from a similar fate.

If elephants could talk,
they would narrate tales of
pain,
suffering,
bondage.
But they can't,
so I must.

Will Meenakshi find her voice again to help the elephants?

Find out in this heartwarming and uplifting story of friendship, hope and healing.

What readers say
"Poignant and lyrical… I hope the book will help readers look at animals with a kinder, more loving gaze."

Dia Mirza Actor, producer & Ambassador, Wildlife Trust of India

"Heartfelt and at times heartbreaking… a girl who finds the strength to speak out against one cruel tradition by drawing strength from the most vital teaching of her tradition: non-violence."

The Telegraph 28 May 2025 · Read review

"A powerful exploration of grief, and a lovely story about healing love."

Meg Eden Kuyatt Author of Good Different

"It speaks gently but firmly, asking us to listen more closely — to the silences of grief, to the quiet strength of children."

Storizen Book review · Read review

"Heartfelt… heartbreaking… this tender story will surely be loved for years to come."

Padma Venkatraman Author of The Bridge Home

"A story that draws you into a world where we must question our activism and our silence."

Varsha Seshan Author of Uncontrollable & Red Eyes

"Some books don't roar. They whisper. As tender as it is powerful, as lyrical as it is thought-provoking."

Kohl Eyed Tales Read the review

"A story of empathy and kindness, of hope and strength — Meenakshi and her friendship with a temple elephant, Ganeshan."

diverseVerse Read interview

Up next

I Am Archa — out 16 July 2026

Meet Archa