In the last stage of World War II, Tokyo zoo staff decided to allow large zoo animals to die to prevent the chance of additional danger to people if the city were bombed. This melancholy account of an actual tragic happening has seen 70 printings in Japan since 1951. It is broadcast annually every August on Japanese radio and TV. (Age 12-adult)

The captivating and gorgeously illustrated true story of three elephants at Tokyo's Ueno Zoo during World War II.

Famous elephants John, Tonky, and Wanly were beloved by the residents of Tokyo both young and old for their lively performances. But when the air raids came during the Second World War, fear ran rampant through the city and the zoo was in danger of destruction, leaving the zookeepers with a devasting decision. Beautifully illustrated with watercolor paintings by Ted Lewin, this poignant and unforgettable story offers a sobering lesson about the horrors of war.