Elegy for an Elephant

Judges' comments

A father ends his own life, leaving his family behind. It is a harrowing start to a picture book, but the story doesn’t end there. As the children mourn their father, they allow themselves the time to grieve, before they work their way through to a hopeful future. At first, the animals feel like a juxtaposition, but as the story progresses and the healing begins, it becomes apparent that these giants are the perfect metaphorical association with parental figures. The book bravely attempts to address the loved ones left behind after a suicide, and Ryan Abramowitz handles the heavy subject matter deftly, letting his illustrations display these complex feelings, as well as allowing readers to express themselves through the characters. Lyrical language sensitively navigates an emotional topic. The watercolours seep like tears, beautifully evoking the depths of sadness explored.

Abramowitz is respectful, not shying away from the hurt, or offering any easy answers. It is a hard story to tell. It carries the soothing message that you are not alone in all of this, and that there is a community that can offer support. It demonstrates the power of books and stories in allowing us to better understand how others feel, as well as giving a voice to those who are hurting. A touching, heartfelt book, Elegy for an Elephant is a poignant, impressive debut.