Hannah's Dream -- A Charming New Novel I Have to Give Away -- Plus Peanuts!

Diane Hammond loves animals and over the years, she has worked with many large animals, most notably Keiko, the killer whale from the movie Free Willy. But it was a story she saw on the news about an elephant who had been tended by the same caretaker for 20 years that was her inspiration for her chaming new novel, Hannah's Dream. In the novel, Hammond tells the story of an aging elephant caretaker who is facing retirement, but who refuses to leave the zoo until he can ensure that his beloved charge Hannah will be well taken care of. The result is an "irresisitibly touching, delectably uplifting" (Booklist) novel.

You can see Diane talking about the novel here and watch an adorable video of a zookeeper reading the book to her own elephant below. Browse inside the book, find out more at Diane's website and check out the reading group guide.

The first ten commenters on the video will receive a copy of the book plus a bag of peanuts to enjoy while reading it! And look for Diane at next month's Book Group Expo.

Comments

[Carmen T]

Haha. I loved the video. It was so cute and creative how they were advertising it. Honestly, I'm a little afraid of animals. Have been ever since I was chased by a big scary dog when I was 3 years old. But I'm hoping to overcome that fear and even own a little puppy one day. haha. Anyways, I would love the chance to read the book. Thanks. =)

[Pam Fierro]

Very cute video! There's something so charming and fascinating about elephants - they have such personality. Can't wait to read this book.

[Michelle Boswell]

Cute ad. Reminds me of the elephant in Water for Elephants which my book club (and I) loved. Please enter me in the contest.

But, I wonder if my dog would like it if I read it out loud to him? I'll have to try and see!

[melanie]

Yes, I have had an animal I wouldn't trust to anyone else!

This sounds like a wonderful book - I'd love to have a chance to win it.

[Heather Johnson]

The video was adorable! I'd love to compare this book to the elephant/trainer relationships (good and bad) in Water for Elephants, and the general human/animal relationships in The Zookeeper's Wife. I'm also getting ready to read My Seven Years in Captivity: Tails and Misadventures in the San Diego Zoo. This book should go well with all those!

[Jenn]

Almost makes me think of that story about the lion!! I think his name was Christian! There were two men that bought him, raised him, released him into the wild, and then reconnected with him!! It was all over the internet last year!

[dawn hall]

cute video. i love elephants too and the book water for elephants!

[Laura]

wow. this book looks truly touching, and I love elephants. I'd looooove to read it =)

[Heidi]

It is a clever video promo. I thought perhaps she would be reading to Hannah from the book. ;)

[Lauren]

I love books about elephants. We read Water for Elephants in my Book Group, and the video reminded me of Rosie in that book!

[Stephanie]

Oh shoot! I'm one comment too late! :(

[Lori Barnes]

I hope I was able to make it in. What a adorable video One of my favorite's at the circus was the elephants untill i heard how the animals were kept and alot abused I no longer will go to the circus because of this. I would love to read the book I know it's wonderful!
photoquest(at)bellsouth(dot)net

[Darby Lohrding]

Jen,
Perhaps you ended up with 13 book books to give away instead of the usually 10....if so, count me in!!!
I have a love, that I would not dare leave to another!
Thank you for the opportunity!!
Darby

[Carol D.]

If I read Marley & Me curled up with my labrador retriever, why shouldn't an elephant keeper read Hannah's Dream with her elephant? I'd love to have a copy of this book. Maybe, maybe you have 14 copies???

[Carol D.]

If I read Marley & Me curled up with my labrador retriever, why shouldn't an elephant keeper read Hannah's Dream with her elephant? I'd love to have a copy of this book. Maybe, maybe you have 14 copies???

[Julie E.]

Well, I was too late for this one, I guess, but the book does sound great. I'll add it to my list.

[Serena (Savvy Verse & Wit)]

Even though I am too late for the giveaway, I wanted to say that I have always adored how elephants move their ears. I've never seen anyone this devoted to an animal...reading to an elephant. THat is just priceless.

I love my dog to pieces, but I haven't read to him, though I have danced with him.

[Charity]

Hey d,

I love the page. Thank you for sharing it with me!

Love to all,
Charity

[Sandra]

I'm too late I think but I collect books about elephants! I will have to read this one way or the other. Best book trailer I've ever seen too. What a generous giveaway.