The Girl Who Stole an Elephant

Written by Nizrana Farook

Narrated by Aysha Kala

Own Voices author Nizrana Farook makes her middle grade debut in a daring
tale of friendship, risk, and reward, all set against the lush backdrop of Sri Lanka.
Chaya, a nobleman’s rebellious, outspoken, no-nonsense daughter, just can’t
resist the shiny temptations the king’s palace has to offer. But playing Robin Hood
for her impoverished community doesn’t come without risks, and when Chaya
steals the queen’s jewels from a bedside table—a messy getaway jeopardizes the
life of a close friend.
After an equally haphazard prison break, Chaya barely escapes on the king’s
prized elephant! With leeches and revolution lurking in the jungle, Chaya leads
her companions on a thrilling adventure. After leaving her village as a thief, can
she return as a hero? Or will Chaya’s sticky fingers be the beginning—or the end—
of everything for the intrepid gang?
Own Voices debut author Nizrana Farook spins a page-turning middle grade tale in
a lush, fictional Sri Lankan setting. Just right for adventure fans, the book explores
themes of friendship and loyalty, risk and reward, and heroism.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Feb 22, 2022
• ISBN: 9781705061923

Nizrana Farook

Nizrana Farook was born and raised in Sri Lanka, where the beautiful landscapes of the country have inspired her novels, The Girl Who Stole an Elephant and The Boy Who Met a Whale.

Reviews for The Girl Who Stole an Elephant

[Deanna Camacho · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It was the best book my mom and me loved it.

[currerbell-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Thoroughly unrealistic plotting throughout, leading to a thoroughly unrealistic "fairy tale" ending.

[spiralsheep · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

20/2021. This is a children's novel (about age 8-10) set in a pre-colonial Sri Lankan kingdom (I think it's a somewhat alternative history medieval Sri Lanka with an idealistic amount of multicultural harmony and a vague nod towards Liluvati). The protagonist is a young Buddhist girl who tries her hand at some redistribution of wealth by thieving from the rich to give to the poor. Unfortunately, having worked her way up to stealing from the royal family, she manages to accidentally get her best friend, a young boy, sentenced to death. A prison break, elephant theft, and the invaluable assistance of their new acquaintance, a young Muslim girl, ensue. The ending is unlikely but sweet. 3*QuotesHow did Sri Lankans measure time before wristwatches, I wonder: "Let's give her five minutes." "Fine, Just five. And counting."What sports did Sri Lankans play before cricket (not baseball, I suspect): "The Princess is right to cover all bases."Hmm: "Our task is to meet your people and get them onside."Too many businespeak idioms imo: "All you need to do is help get your people on board."Rolling in her grave? No: "Your poor late mother must be squirming in her ashes."