Book Description

Join Dumbo and his circus friends under the big top in this fun and interactive board book! Every spread has a sliding mechanism that allows a little finger to take charge of the action. Children will love to make a monkey clang cymbals together, a tiger roar, and so much more! ... Read more

Amazon.com

British duo Bruce Robinson and Sophie Windham (writer-husband andillustrator-wife, respectively) team up here to poke and prod at anout-of-nowhere elephant, a poor old pachyderm who doesn't even know what heis.

But then again, neither does anyone else in the town: "One day the people awoketo find an Elephant sitting bewildered in the main square, mopping his brow witha red spotted handkerchief and wondering how he got there." But a boy namedEric, "who was seven and three-quarters and known for telling TallStories"--does know what this creature is, but no one seems to belistening. Everyone in town ends up guessing at the identity and function ofthis strange beast--the Train Driver connects him to a train, the Fireman useshim to fight a fire, the Garbage Collector sends him out to vacuum garbage untilthe Elephant nearly bursts. But in the end Eric prevails, with the help of thescatterbrained Professor. ("'But what does it do?' they asked. 'It doesnothing!' cried Eric. 'It simply is an elephant.' 'Yes, of the long-nosedvariety,' added the Professor.")

Kids will find Robinson's building, repetitive structure fun to follow, but it'sthe details from Windham (Unicorns! Unicorns!) that carrythe day in this silly story. From the Professor's chalk scribblings to adozen-odd throwaway animal cameos (like three cute bears climbing over the moonand a fire-watching pelican), every illustration deserves a long linger. (Ages 4to 8) --Paul Hughes ... Read more

Reviews (1)

About a town that never seen or heard of an elephant
Splendidly written by Bruce Robionson and enhanced with the softly impressive artwork of Sophie Windham, The Obvious Elephant is a whimsical children's picturebook about a town that never seen or heard of an elephant, until one day an elephant happens to arrive! Everyone has different guesses about what the elephant is, but only one young boy knows for certain in this picturebook featuring earthy, shaded color illustrations. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Englebert Saves Face
This simple story is truly elevated by Wilson's rich, lively drawings. My children thoroughly enjoyed this book and were thrilled for visiting Englebert the elephant when he rose to the occasion and wowed the crowd after being stunned and bewildered by a unexpected circus spotlight. The jovial verse makes it especially appealing. An uplifting book, good for reading right before you turn out the light. ... Read more

Book Description

It’s a brightly illustrated interactive book that really gets boys and girls moving! A picture showing elephants appears with text that asks: “Can you do what an elephant does? Deep in the jungle, the elephants go—slow, slow, to and fro, swinging their trunks from side to side.” Kids are challenged to move like an elephant . . .then like a slithery snake, and then like a swinging monkey. The colorful pictures that follow show a peacock, a snail, a big yellow butterfly, a springing tiger, a running deer, a herd of frightened animals, and a flock of flamingos. Finally, kids are asked if they can cuddle up and go to sleep like a small rabbit in its burrow. Here’s an imaginatively illustrated volume that also makes a perfect bedtime story. Endpapers contrast Manya Stojic’s vivid art with color photos of kids imitating the animals. (Ages 2–6) ... Read more

Book Description

Elephants... Yes, they are Great!

This endearing, lovable bedtime story con-veys a delightful message to all children. By using the personality traits of Elephants, the author cleverly teaches the importance of appreciating and cooperating with friends, as well as helping others in their neighborhood.The use of easy-to-understand artwork on each page serves to enhance that message.

The inspiration for this charming story comes from her own three children . . . the names of the elephants and the ideas presented. This story has a moral that will touch the hearts of children everywhere, and will make them smile.

Perhaps there little children in your household that could learn from suchgreat elephants! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

MUST HAVE FOR CHILDREN WHO LOVE ANIMALS!!!
THIS BOOK IS REALLY GREAT FOR CHILDREN WHO ENJOY ANIMALS, ESPECIALLY ELEPHANT'S!!! VERY COLORFUL COVER! ... Read more

Book Description

Dumbo and Timothy Mouse get curious when the circus gets quiet—just where do all of their friends sleep? Children will love discovering the special sleeping spots of the clowns, giraffes, horses, and other animals as Dumbo and his friend tiptoe through the circus late one night. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Laura Charlotte
Laura Charlotte is an amazing children's story about the love of a family throughout generations. Laura's mother tells her about her favorite childhood memory and the history of her stuffed elephant, Charlotte. This book has been a favorite in my family and gives a sense of love to the reader.

Still a Family Favorite
On January 28, 1999 I wrote the review of Laura Charlotte, and more than a year later it is still a favorite bedtime story of my, now almost 7 year old, daughter. It is one that my husband and I never tire of reading to her, and as any parent of a small child knows, THAT is a great recommendation in itself!

Still a Family Fovorite
On January 28, 2000 I wrote the review of Laura Charlotte, which I signed "Albuquerque Reader". More than a year later it is still a favorite bedtime story of my, now almost 7 year old, daughter. It is one that my husband and I never tire of reading to her, and as any parent of a small child knows, THAT is a great recommendation in itself!

Do Inanimate Objects Serve as Security Blankets?
Amber Campsen Clemson University Student

In Laura Charlotte, Laura is having trouble going to sleep and asks her mother to tell her the story of Laura Charlotte. Even though she has heard it a million times, she enjoys learning where her name comes from. To her surprise, this same elephant was her mother's and had received the name "Charlotte" because of the beauty of the name. This stuffed elephant, Charlotte, grows to be Laura's security object, which can sometimes, states Maria Nikolajeva, have a deeper context and meaning. Many of the words and illustrations also affect the way that the reader sees the main character as an innocent child who grows to need the elephant. She is a child who needs the elephant to help calm her fears and to be a friend, rather than a child who used the elephant as a play toy. Floyd Cooper, the illustrator of Laura Charlotte, makes it easy to understand the drawings in the story. Cooper draws with pastels and soft colors to represent pictures of children innocently. When seeing these illustrations, readers can understand the story from a child's standpoint. Cooper also places many of the shadows and dark colors away from Laura so that the reader can focus on her feelings. One point in the story, Laura loses Charlotte, and the reader can see the darkness outside the window. Laura looks out into the trees and says that she wants to find Charlotte because she knows that Charlotte is afraid. Laura tells this story in first person point of view, which makes a more personable story, than if the narrator had told it. Notably, the dialogue is written in small black print. This font does detract from the illustrations but still sustains the importance of the plot, due to its size. Maria Nikolajeva's 1998 article, "Exit Children's Literature?" states that the presence of one object can easily be seen as the representation of something else. "If we regard these figures as metaphorical representations of the weak and the oppressed or as the child's projections of his or her own desires, we should not be misled by the outer form" (222). According to Nikolajeva, children often use inanimate objects to help cover fears and hidden secrets. Like many children, Laura uses a stuffed animal as a security object. Laura uses Charlotte as an excuse for herself, when she speaks of the elephant as being afraid of the dark. She makes sure that she has the elephant with her at all times. Just as Nikolajeva says, Laura may be afraid of the night, and attributing the fear to Charlotte helps Laura over come her fear, since they are there for each other. The reader can see that Laura is using the elephant as an excuse. Seeing the attachment that Laura feels, through the text and illustrations, toward Charlotte, the reader can see how much she understands the importance of the elephant. Laura's grandmother wanted to name the elephant Charlotte because of the beauty of the name. It meant a lot when Laura knew she had been named "Laura Charlotte" because her grandmother had said it was the most beautiful name she had ever heard. Looking from the perspective of the reader makes it easier to understand this remarkable children's story in its entirety, coming from Laura Charlotte's standpoint as a child. Bibliography Gailbraith, Kathryn. Laura Charlotte. New York: Penguin Putnam Books, 1990. Nikolajeva, Maria. "Exit Children's Literature?". The Lion and the Unicorn 22.2(1998): 221-236.

Laura Charlotte
I bought this book for my daughter because her name is Charlotte and at the time, her best friend was Laura. How often is it that you find a beautiful story whose heroine is a red-headed, brown-eyed little girl named Charlotte! (just like mine!) This book is sweet, it makes you feel all warm and cozy inside, as it talks about the importance of a multi-generational family and the important family heirloom that stems from a birthday gift, a gift that was made with love from a Grandma to her granddaughter. ... Read more

Book Description

The peddler wakes up bright and early, ready to begin his day and sell some caps. But everyone in town is missing. Where could they be? Then he realizes they must be at the county fair, and he rushes off to sell his caps to the crowd. Instead of selling, though, he finds himself caught in the middle of a circus on parade. And before he knows it, he and his caps are one of the star acts!

Esphyr Slobodkina's classic artwork and timeless story are as endearing as ever in this new, refreshed edition. Come to the circus, one and all -- but don't forget those caps are for sale!

Reviews (4)

Great--When Is the Musical Version Coming Out Like Caps for
My nieces and nephews love the Caps for Sale and Circus Caps for Sale books. I gave them the music and narration cassette version of the original Caps for Sale (with Ann Marie Mulhearn) to help them learn to read and they wanted more. So then I gave them Circus Caps for Sale. They love the illustrations and think the story is "neat." I've tried to find the music version of this as well--I understand it should be available soon but I haven't been able to find it. I hope Slobodkina's publisher(s) will re-release more of her children's books--they are a treasure.

a great sequel
Our 28month old son loves this book and it became the first book he asked to keep in his crib at night while he slept. The original ("Caps for Sale") was also a favorite but our little music lover likes this one better because of the band and instruments. Great book to read soon after a child experiences a fair, carnival or circus because they can relate their experience to the book's pictures and story. The text is very good (but not as good as the first book, simply because I think the first book has truly outstanding text.) The book is very slightly, but not objectionably dated, with regard to race and gender depictions but the values depicted in the story are good and developmentally appropriate for toddlers on up. Definitely worth reading.

Great Sharing Time Book For Pre-K And Parent
Our 3 1/2 year old thoroughly enjoyed this book - first he loved the caps and then he loved all the circus going-ons. The sharing time served as a great introduction to a peddler and then had us empathize with his feelings and experiences as the caps were taken from him and then his unique personage recognized by the circus people. We highly recommend this book!

Those caps are for sale again!
This book is very similar to her first one, Caps for Sale, though this one has a stronger storyline. The peddler is back selling his caps-carrying them all on his head, as usual. But no one is buying-they're all at the county fair. At this fair there is a circus, which has an elephant who likes to take caps. He snatches all of the peddler's hats off his head and spreads them throughout the circus! The peddler has to find a new trick to get all his caps back. This book would be great for a circus storytime, as there a parade and a show feature prominently in the story. ... Read more

Book Description

Animals hiding behind the trees, deep in the jungle, just waiting for you to pick them out! The text consists of just one sentence--Is that an elephant over there?--but there are five different answers! Pull the flap away and each time another creature appears, along with its name. First, a nice striped zebra stands there, and then comes a smiling tiger with a wagging tail. A big, round hippo shows up next (it's blue!), followed by the King of the Jungle--a majestic lion. And then last, but not least: YES, it's an elephant, carrying a flower in its trunk! Thick cardboard tear-resistant flaps, the brief text, and charming labeled pictures of friendly animals will give children a great reading experience!10 pages (all in color), 7 x 7 1/4 Laminated Board.
... Read more

Reviews (2)

Terrific early flap book
This is a simple book, but sturdy and interesting to really small children. The animals are cartoonish but they are rendered somewhat realistically with respect to color. They do appear warm and friendly. The book is very sturdy and will last a while. After a few reads, kids will know the story and have fun with the q & a format. This is a good value and an entertaining, if short, book.

Great reading for those adventurous toddlers.
This book is great for those adventurous toddlers. It's just the right length and not too wordy. They travel through the jungle as the book asks the question, "Is that an elephant over there?". The kids love to lift the flaps to find a zebra, tiger, and hippo before finding the elusive elephant. Fun for everyone! ... Read more

Book Description

Ellie the elephant hates her nose--it always seems to get in the way and cause problems. Luckily Ellie's friends show her how special her nose really is and how helpful it can be. ... Read more

Book Description

Little Monkey has a sleepover planned, and Little Elephant can't wait! Unfortunately, all the animals can make their beds in the trees except Little Elephant. He's too big to climb trees! How can the friends have a fun sleepover together? ... Read more

Book Description

Kate is the youngest member of her family, but that doesn't stop her from doing things!She can make a snowman and she can even help take care of her baby cousin.Usually Kate is having fun, but like all young children, sometimes she gets sad. When she does, Mama and Papa know just what to say to make her feel better.

"A first-choice addition to easy-reader collections." (School Library Journal) ... Read more

Amazon.com

A house truly becomes a home when there's someone to share it with. Olaf the elephant and his best buddy Venus the mouse fill a house with happiness, as they eat cheese, splash in the tub, and snuggle up to sleep.

The beauty of Pierre Pratt's series for babies and preschoolers is its simplicity. Young readers can make up the story as they go along or just enjoy the lovely illustrations and one-word pages. In Home, Olaf seems lonely in his armchair ("chair") until he picks up the phone ("telephone") to call his friend Venus, who quickly shows up ("door"). Younger readers will love the bright, grainy colors and the unlikely friendship between an elephant and a mouse. Slightly older kids will practice their early reading skills and can elaborate on the story they see in the pictures. The Very Busy Life of Olaf and Venus series includes Park, Shopping, and Car. (Baby to Preschool)--Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (2)

a charming book
Olaf and Venus point out common items and things in the home and have lots of fun doing so; the colorful artwork is simple but with enough charming details to keep a little one amused. The basic concept of this book works well: a word on one side is illustrated and then shown again in a full-color scene with Olaf and Venus interacting with it. I like the art very much--Olaf and Venus are winning in their simplicity.

All four books in this series are wonderful mini-excursions to a commonly visited place and should keep a young one busy for a while. Highly recommended.

Venus Visits Olaf
Another in the Very Busy Life of Olaf and Venus series and no less adorable than the others. Venus visits Olaf at home and we get to read about what they do together - including taking a bath and eating cheese. The story is told in pictured words on one page and a scene containing the word on the opposite. Great book for toddlers to practice early reading skills of picture matching and picture-word matching. The vibrantly coloured drawings seem to give life and personality to Olaf and Venus and they are also interesting enough to hold the attention of our 1-year old daughter. ... Read more

Amazon.com

What a day! Olaf the elephant and his good friend Venus the mouse take a picnic to the park. There they find plenty of ways to amuse themselves: there's a dog for Venus to ride, a squirrel to greet, a statue to picnic under, and, most importantly, grass to nap on.

Pierre Pratt's lovely The Very Busy Life of Olaf and Venus series for babies and preschoolers, which also includes Home, Shopping, and Car, is the epitome of simplicity. A single word graces the left page, with a picture to reinforce the meaning ("squirrel," "pond," "statue"). On the right, Olaf and Venus can be seen strolling, waving to the squirrel, splashing in the pond, and munching sandwiches beneath the statue. The youngest tots will adore the bright, grainy colors and the idea of an elephant and a mouse being buddies. Slightly older kids will practice their early reading skills and elaborate on the story they see in the pictures. (Baby to Preschool) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Superbly Simple
Simple and vibrantly colourful drawings with simple words of an endearing duo consisting of an elephant named Olaf and a mouse called Venus. We get to read about the sights that these buddies see - among them a pond, a statue, and a boy named Sam - on their outing in the park one sunny day. With a word and picture on one page and a scene containing the pictured word on the opposite, the simplicity of this book makes it easy for a toddler to practice some of the basics of reading - picture matching and picture-word matching - with your help. My daughter loves to have me read the book to her over and over again. ... Read more

Book Description

Elephant Small isn't anxious to quit playing and go to bed. But Mom tells him a story, tucks him under the blankets, and soon he's fast asleep.

About "little barron's toddler books" Written and illustrated for preschool children, this series is designed so that very young boys and girls will perceive books and reading as a delightful experience. The pages are constructed of sturdy card stock that resists the inevitable wear and tear from preschoolers' hands. Eye-catching illustrations on every page employ a range of vivid colors that have special appeal to younger children, and each book's text is focused to help develop toddlers' listening and concentration skills. Here are delightful books that will give kids a head start in a lifetime of productive and enjoyable reading. ... Read more