Cox, Lynne.
ELIZABETH, QUEEN OF THE SEAS
New York : Schwartz & Wade Books, 2014
IL K-3, RL 4.2
ISBN  0375858881

(4 booktalks)

Booktalk #1

This is the story of Elizabeth, a two ton elephant seal who lived in Christchurch, New Zealand.  The people of the city loved seeing Elizabeth in the river or along the banks enjoying the sunshine.  They knew not to go near her since she was a wild animal.  Everything was great until Elizabeth discovered the road.  She loved lying on the asphalt that was all warm from the sun.  But cars also used the road and it was decided that the time had come for Elizabeth to join other elephant seals in the ocean.  A boat towed her out and left her with a colony of seals.  But Elizabeth was not happy.

Booktalk #2

Elephant seals belong in the ocean, but Elizabeth is different.  No one knows what draws her to settle in a busy intersection in the middle of Christchurch, New Zealand, but she makes it clear that is where she wants to be.  This true story of love and determination will warm your heart! (Booktalk by Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice Award Committee)

Booktalk #3

Michael lives in Christchurch, New Zealand and is fascinated by an elephant seal named Elizabeth.  When Elizabeth begins to sun herself on a busy road, residents volunteer to move her to an elephant seal colony.  After she makes her way back, they try to relocate her two more times.  The people loved Elizabeth, and so they put up a bright yellow sign that said:  Slow elephant seal crossing.  There is a fact page about elephant seals, and an actual photograph of the real Elizabeth.(Oklahoma Sequoyah Award, 2017)

Booktalk #4

When a 1,000 pound elephant seal takes up residence in a coastal New Zealand city, will citizens welcome the enormous oceanic animal, or will they send her back to sea?
(Connecticut Nutmeg Book Award nominee, 2018)