Elephant in the Dark: Based on a Poem by Rumi

A bold, humorous rendition of "The Three Blind Men and the Elephant" illustrated by an award-winning artist!

A mysterious creature has been moved into the merchant's barn-and the villagers are dying of curiosity. What does it look like? What could it be? The impatient villagers can't wait until morning to find out.

One by one, each takes turns stealing into the dark barn.

And each is only able to feel one small part of the beast.

"It's like a hose!" says one.

"It's like a fan," says another.

"No, it's like a tree trunk!" says a third.

It's not until the elephant walks into daylight that the truth is revealed.

This well-loved story is based on a poem by the popular 13th century Persian poet, Rumi. The author, Mina Javaherbin, also from Iran, has translated and retold this resonant life-long favorite universal tale for contemporary readers of all ages. Eugene Yelchin, Newbery Honor book author/artist ofBreaking Stalin's Nose, has based his brilliant illustrations on Persian miniatures.

Eugene Yelchin loves to create books that explore the boundaries of universal truth. He is the author and illustrator of the Newbery Honor book Breaking Stalin's Nose, as well as many award-winning picture books. He lives in Topanga, California with his wife and their two children. Visit Eugene at www.eugeneyelchinbooks.com.