Half of an Elephant by Gusti is a strange picture book but not without its own unique charm.  It is the story of what happened when all of a sudden the world cracks in two.  Poor elephant is left without his back half and sets out to find it.  On the way, he meets many other half animals and even tries to unite with some of them, but it doesn’t work out.  When the world suddenly joins back together again, elephant finds his back end, but their relationship has changed.
Strange enough for you?  Well, add in the industrial feel of the illustrations, created from collages of corrugated cardboard, wood, found items, and tools, and you have a very unique book.  The illustrations are a draw for kids, who will enjoy looking at the strange creatures made from wrenches, screws and bolts. 
Give this special book a chance.  It has a unique perspective and a fantastic visual edge. 
Published in September 2006.