A Little Lost Elephant – By Stephen Alter (Published by Rupa Publications India)

Follow the gentle, giant steps of a curious baby giant on a heartwarming journey through the depths of the Indian wilderness. Published by Rupa Publications India, A Little Lost Elephant by acclaimed naturalist and master storyteller Stephen Alter is a tender, gripping, and beautifully descriptive adventure that captures the essence of family, resilience, and the fascinating biodiversity of the jungle.

The story begins with a familiar childhood trait—unbridled curiosity. Intrigued by a sharp, rhythmic shriek echoing through the trees, a playful little elephant calf wanders away from the protective circle of his herd to track down the strange creature making the sound: ktchee ktchee ktchee. While he successfully discovers the source of the mysterious noise, he looks back to find that the thick jungle foliage has swallowed up his path. Alone in the vast, intimidating wilderness, the little elephant must find his way back to his mother's comforting embrace.

As he traverses the dense terrain through unpredictable rain and bright sunshine, the young calf encounters a colorful, motley crew of woodland creatures. Some are eager to help, while others present hidden dangers. He watches in wonder as a family of nocturnal civets sprays their pungent scent into the evening air to mark their territory, tries his best to outsmart a hungry python lurking silently in the tangled undergrowth, and finds an unlikely, talkative companion in a cheeky mynah bird who tags along for the ride. To survive the journey, the little elephant must summon his inner courage, learn to read the signs of the forest, and discover the true meaning of friendship and togetherness.

Written by one of India’s most respected voices on wildlife and conservation, Stephen Alter fills this narrative with authentic ecological insights. Moving beyond generic cartoon depictions of animals, the book introduces children to the real, sensory behaviors of Indian forest dwellers—such as the scent-marking of civets and the alerting behaviors of birds—making it a perfect educational bridge for young minds.

Perfect for young readers, animal lovers, and families looking for a meaningful story to read aloud together, this delightful volume features: