William Grill Press Reviews
Skilfully illustrated by a Greenaway medal winner, full of miniatures and landscapes, this is an elegant, astonishing story of elephants in Myanmar, their human allies and a heroic wartime journey. -- Nicolette Jones - The Sunday Times
Grill's art - from maps of the terrain to illustrated elephant commands - is distinctive and the story is stylishly told. -- Alex O'Connell - The Times
Retelling the emotional and stirring story of Asian elephants is no easy task, but Bandoola: The Great Elephant Rescue does it with simplicity, care and sensitivity. - Ayla Angelos, It's Nice That
Bandoola and war veteran James Howard Williams undertake a journey that tests their courage to the limit in the exceptionally beautiful new book from Kate Greenaway Medal-winner Grill. - Fiona Noble, The Bookseller
Bandoola is such a remarkable book, I love the way history, geography, culture, conservation and compassion are woven together so skilfully and with such heart throughout. It really is a remarkable - and quite exquisite - book! -- Jake Hope, CILIP
Not only does it tell a compelling story, full of tension and emotion, every page is a visual delight, inspiring children to experiment artistically. Poignant and powerful in both illustration and content! - North Somerset Teachers' Book Award
Fans of his debut will not be surprised to find within: a gripping historical narrative; beautifully presented information; and spreads that are just glorious works of art. William Grill's distinctive and deceptively simple crayon-style illustrations show the majesty of Myanmar's forests. -- Achuka
A beauty for the eyes, and a feast for the mind - a perfect non-fiction book for adults and children alike. - Paul Watson, The Great British Bookworm
What I have always loved about Will's work is the feeling that you can see every stroke of pencil. This feels as if Will has lived and breathed this story -- Matthew Tobin, Literature Academic and Klaus Flugge Prize Judge for 2021
It beautifully illustrates how amazing elephants are, what courageous creatures they are and how important. William Grill writes this story with passion, understanding and sensitivity. It is a truly moving reimagining of the story of Elephant Bill and Bandoola. - Jennie, Edspire
It is a majestic book about the most majestic of creatures and would make a wonderful gift for families to share. - The Little Literary Society on Instagram
The story of one special elephant from Myanmar and his role in a wartime escape is sensitively told in this beautiful book highlighting the importance of our relationship with animals. - Anne Thompson, A Library Lady
William Grill's stunning depiction of a deeply inspiring story of kindness and bravery might be his best book yet. - BookTrust
I've always been a fan of William Grill's non fiction books. He's managed to find a way to re-tell heroic, and sometimes tragic stories in a way that leaves you not just deeply moved, but a little changed too. - S.e_sussed on Instagram
A large, slim book, the perfect format for his simple, graceful illustrations. - The Spectator
Bandoola is visually and literarily compelling, powerful, and thought provoking; one not to miss for any age. - BooksforTopics
There is a real tenderness here, and a strong message that humans need to more to better support and respect the animal kingdom. - Stephen Connor, In The Twelve
I love the illustration style and each page is beautiful. - What_emmy_Read on Instagram
The book is factual, yet elicits discussion and empathy. - The Values Bookshelf
Grill's narrative is interspersed with panels depicting deeper context. Colored pencil illustrations in a limited palette render the sheer scope of this environment with acute clarity. - Booklist, Starred review
absolutely stunningly illustrated. - @kidsbookstolife on Instagram
This picture book will sweep you off your feet, bring you to tears and ignite a fire in your heart to do something about saving elephants! - inclusive_childrens_books on Instagram
Bandoola's story deserved an exceptional book: told with elegance, artistry and sensitivity. And this book does justice to that. - BookBairn on Instagram
Grill tells this story with empathy and respect. -- iBBY UK Prepare to fall in love with this story, these illustrations, and, more importantly, Bandoola himself. -- Imagining History Bandoola: The Great Elephant Rescue expertly blends narrative and expository text to give readers a more in depth understanding of Bandoola's story than they would get from just the story itself. - @kidsreadtheworld on Instagram
