When Nick finds Chhouk, a baby elephant, Chhouk has a terrible foot injury and can barely walk. It takes a few tries to create an artificial foot that works for Chhouk, but each try gets closer to success, and soon Chhouk can walk again!
The Elephant’s New Shoe
Discuss the Book
The Injured Baby Elephant
Pages 1–13
- Important Moment: After Nick works to gain Chhouk’s trust by staying in the forest with him and offering him bananas, Chhouk lets Nick touch him and snuffles Nick’s arm.
- Ask and Share: How does Nick gain Chhouk’s trust? How does Chhouk show that he trusts Nick? How do you show someone you trust them? What do you do when you want someone to trust you?
Journey to the Rescue Center
Pages 14–21
- Important Moment: Chhouk has to go to the rescue center to get medical care, but the bumpy ride could injure him. Nick and Dr. Thy build a special cage padded with leaves, and Nick rides in the cage with Chhouk.
- Ask and Share: Why is it risky for Chhouk to travel to the rescue center? What do Nick and Dr. Thy do for Chhouk? Have you ever helped a friend through something scary? What did you do? Did it help?
So Many Shoes!
Pages 22–32
- Important Moment: The team tries many different shoes on Chhouk, but the shoes are either not strong enough to last or not comfortable enough to wear.
- Ask and Share: Uh-oh, what’s wrong with the shoes that the team makes for Chhouk? How do you think the team felt when their shoes didn’t work for Chhouk? How would you have felt?
The Perfect Prosthetic
Pages 33–40
- Important Moment: The team makes the perfect shoe for Chhouk. It has stiff but flexible plastic, belts to help it stay on, and foam to make it comfortable.
- Ask and Share: Let’s think back. What are the three things that make the last shoe work for Chhouk? Why do you think the team kept trying, even when their designs didn’t work? Would you have kept going? Explain your answer.