Under the Golden Rain Tree by Eileen Hobbs | Book Review

I received this book for free in exchange of an honest review. All opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links that we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Disclosure here.

A girl and a rare type of elephant build an unbreakable bond.

Lily, a ten-year-old girl, has always been treated differently due to her hand being sadly deformed. So, Lily doesn’t have many friends because of it. That all changes one day when Lily finds a friend in a baby white elephant whom she calls Rambu. Rambu is in danger of being taken because white elephants are supposed to belong to the Thai king. Will Lily successfully keep her friend from being taken?

Paige’s thoughts: This book takes place in modern-day Thailand. I loved the description of the background, and I also liked the glossary of Thai words in the beginning. I also enjoyed her mini notes at the end. 

Lily is a good person and friend. She truly cared about her friendship with Rambu and did her best to keep it. Rambu was a cute elephant. I was not too fond of Lily’s older sister, Jasmine.

I was the beta reader of this book! Do you know what a beta reader is? 

A beta reader reads a book before being published. They give feedback and some suggestions to the author.

I was happy to reread this book after it was published.

Laly’s thoughts: The book was a charming and playful story. I thought Rambu was a cute and beautiful character. I loved the bond between Rambu and Lily. 

Lily was an exciting character that sometimes reminded me of my sister, Paige. Because when Lily had to face a decision, her choice would probably be Paige’s exact choice. 

I did not like her older sister Jasmine because I thought she was snarky, mean, and she only sees the world through her perspective. 

I thought the ending was sad, but I couldn’t find a happy ending. When I look back at the story and think of all the different ends the author could have chosen. The author’s conclusion is one of the best endings I could find. If you want to understand what I’m discussing, read the book! 

Give this terrific book to children’s chapter readers whose friendship means a lot to them.
Beautiful illustrations by Carli Valentine.

My rating