Book Review: Little Elliot, Big Fun

LITTLE ELLIOT, BIG FUN is the third book in this popular picture book series featuring a polka-dot elephant.

Mouse assures Little Elliot that they will have a wonderful time at the amusement park. However, Little Elliot complains that the rides are too wet, fast, dizzy, or scary. Finally, Mouse finds a ride that Little Elliot enjoys.

Young children will enjoy the predictable elements and the story’s happy ending.

Librarians will find that this adorable elephant and his friend appeals to a cross section of young children. Consider a display that includes lots of books about friends going on adventures together.

To learn more about the publisher, go to http://www.mikecurato.com/.

Published by Henry Holt, an imprint of Macmillan on August 30, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: What Elephants Know

WHAT ELEPHANTS KNOW by Eric Dinerstein tells the compelling story of a boy living in the Nepalese Borderlands.

Abandoned as a toddler, Nandu grows up in the King’s elephant stable. When the government threatens to shut down their operation, twelve-year-old Nandu must convince his adopted father to turn the stable into an elephant breeding center. Along the way, Nandu faces issues of political corruption, cultural identity, environmental ethics, and social justice.

Dinerstein’s beautiful prose brings a fascinating array of supporting characters to life including a nurturing mentor and caring elephant. Readers will be engrossed with the heartwarming tale from beginning to end.

Written for a middle grade audience, librarians will find this book has a number of audiences including animal lovers, history fans, and those who enjoy stories set in other cultures.

This “out of the ordinary” story of human connections with the environment in a far-off land is a refreshing break from mainstream children’s literature.

Published by Disney-Hyperion on May 17, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Thank You and Good Night

THANK YOU AND GOOD NIGHT by Patrick McDonnell is an adorable bedtime story featuring an elephant, a bear, and a bunny.

Three friends come together for a pajama party filled with play, food, and fun. After a bedtime story, they share thanks and a goodnight kiss.

This sweet story of friendship and gratitude combines beautiful illustrations with simple text likely to appeal to young children.

Perfect for a read-aloud experience, this charming picture book is likely to become a classic. Librarians will find young children checking this book out over and over again.

Look for it on “Best of 2015” lists.

Published by Little-Brown, an imprint of Hachette on October 6, 2015. Review copy courtesy of publisher.