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Of a fantasy children’s book I had back in the 60’s when, yes, I was a child. The artwork absolutely captivated me.
I can’t remember much of it but I seem to recall there were three travelers and they all had special powers. One of the travelers I remember most clearly could turn himself into an elephant. Another could turn himself into fire, and I can’t remember anything about the third companion.
I recall that they journeyed a long way and came to a king who set himself to make them prove their powers so he set before them three impossible tasks; the only one I recall clearly is the man transforming himself into an elephant to drink the huge vat of wine the king put before him. I can’t recall what the others did about their tasks.
Does any of this sound familiar? I’ve searched keywords like “man changes into elephant children’s story” and gotten nowhere. I’m guessing maybe it’s an adaptation of some old Persian or East Indian legend but I haven’t found anything there either. Deeply appreciative in advance!