The Littlest Elephant by Kate Read

The Littlest Elephant by Kate Read. Peachtree, 2022. 9781682634943 

Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 5

Format: Hardcover picture book

What did you like about the book? Ellie, the littlest elephant, is very excited to swim in the pool now that she has learned how. In her rush to get there,  she disrupts and endangers many other creatures with her oblivious enthusiasm. After waking a tiger by stepping on his tail and nearly trampling a mouse, Ellie finally stops to see the disturbance she has caused and learns to slow down and look where she is going. She apologizes and invites them all to the pool with her. The captivating illustrations  (digitally created with a mixture of collage and monoprint) help keep the life lessons Ellie learns along the way fun for littles.

Anything you didn’t like about it? Nothing at all

To whom would you recommend this book? Children ages 2-8, especially those who have trouble thinking of others.

Who should buy this book? Elementary schools and daycares as well as children’s libraries

Where would you shelve it? jfiction picture books

Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? Yes

Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State: Vicky Tandy, Athol Public Library, Athol, MA

Date of review: December 14, 2022