Tarra & Bella

Tarra & Bella is a true story about an unlikely friendship between an elephant and a dog at The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee. The book follows their interactions and relationship through photographs and straightforward narration. The text chronicles how Tarra, a former circus elephant, and Bella, a stray dog who wandered onto the sanctuary grounds, formed their connection. Their story captures daily moments of companionship as they eat, play, and spend time together in the sanctuary. The book documents the pair's devotion to each other through various seasons and situations at the sanctuary. Through simple text and images, readers witness the depth of understanding between two very different species. This illustrated work speaks to themes of friendship transcending boundaries and the capacity of animals to form meaningful bonds. The story demonstrates how authentic connections can develop naturally, without human intervention.

Readers emphasize the emotional impact of this true animal friendship story. Parents note their children request repeated readings and connect with the message about unlikely friendships. Readers highlight: - Clear, engaging photographs that capture the animals' personalities - Simple text accessible for young children - Educational value in teaching empathy and acceptance - Appeal for both children and adults Main criticisms: - Some wanted more detail about the sanctuary - A few found the text too basic for older kids - Price point considered high for length Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (493 ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (165 ratings) Sample review quotes: "My 4-year-old asks for this every night. The photos tell the story beautifully." - Goodreads user "Perfect for teaching children about friendship without boundaries." - Amazon reviewer "Would have liked more background about the elephant sanctuary." - School Library Journal reader

Owen & Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff A true story of friendship between an orphaned hippopotamus and a 130-year-old tortoise at a wildlife sanctuary in Kenya.

Winter's Tale by Kim Berkshire The story of the dolphin Winter, who lost her tail in a crab trap and formed a bond with her caregivers at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

An Elephant in the Garden by Michael Morpurgo Based on real events, this tale follows a zoo keeper's family who save an elephant during the bombing of Dresden in World War II.

A Lion Called Christian by Anthony Bourke, John Rendall The chronicle of two friends who bought a lion cub from Harrods department store and later released him to the African wild.

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate The story of a captive gorilla who lives at a mall and develops relationships with other animals while discovering the power of friendship and art.

🐘 Tarra was the first elephant resident at The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee, arriving in 1995 after spending two decades as a performing elephant 🐕 Bella was a stray dog who wandered onto the sanctuary grounds and formed an immediate bond with Tarra - they remained inseparable companions for years 📚 Author Carol Buckley is the co-founder of The Elephant Sanctuary and spent over 35 years working with elephants in captivity and advocating for their welfare 🌳 The Elephant Sanctuary spans 2,700 acres and is the largest natural-habitat refuge for Asian and African elephants in North America 💕 After Bella was injured and unable to walk, Tarra would stand vigil outside the sanctuary office where Bella was recuperating, demonstrating the depth of their unlikely friendship