Ella the Elegant Elephant

by Carmela D'Amico and Steven D'Amico

Book Overview

Ella's counting the days until the first day of school ... but not because she's eager to start On the contrary, as the littlest elephant on Elephant Island, she's terribly nervous about the other kids she'll meet. Then she receives a beautiful red hat that belonged to her grandmother -- her new lucky charm. Big mean Belinda at school teases her for it, calling her "Ella the Elegant Elephant." But Ella's brave enough to hold on to her hat, and in...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0439627923
• ISBN13: 9780439627924
• Release Date: September 2004
• Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books
• Length: 56 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 8.0" x 10.0"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

DON'T READ THE EDITORIAL REVIEW

Hopefully it's not too late and you haven't read the review above as it gives away the sweet, tear-inducing ending to a beautifully illustrated tale described so well by the other "amateur" reviewers. I read this to my almost-2 year old and my 4 year old, and they both love the pictures and the story. There are quite a few lessons to be learned from this story - I appreciate the fact that even though she is made fun of for her hat, she continues to wear it to school because it means so much to her. I still tear-up a little at the end. It's really a hopeful story - it makes me hopeful that my own children see results/appreciation when they do their best to do the right thing. I have purchased 3 copies and will continue to do so as friends have babies.

My 5 year old reads "Ella" again and again

My kids love this book. The pictures are interesting and the story brings them back again and again. A great message about being an individual.

We LOVE it!

I love everything about this book! I love the vintage, sweet quality of the illustrations. I love the message of kindness in the story. I even love the font. As a former bookseller and elementary school teacher, I have read a LOT of books and this instantly became one of my favorites. My son just turned 2 and I originally thought a bit young for this story. I changed my mind after he insisted that we read it 6 times one afternoon, and multiple times a day since then. We are definitely buying copies for all our friends.

instant classic

not only is this a fun and well written story, but the illustrations are stunningly imaginative and beautiful. I am impressed with how well the illustrations capture the feel of the story, and how, together, the book conveys a beautiful, elegant message. I'm excited to see more from this wonderful author/illustrator team!

My granddaughter's new favorite book!

Everything about this book is appealing! I loved the "follow the golden rule" inference, and the utterly charming personality of the lead character, Ella. The colorful, eye-catching artwork made turning each page a treat. When the book was over, my granddaughter asked me to "please read it again!" And it was my pleasure to do so. We can all relate to Ella's predicament when she is confronted by the school bully, and it's heartening to see that her strength of character, (with a little magic thrown in for good measure!) pulls her through her dilemma. If you have children between three and nine,I strongly urge you to go out and buy this lovely book! I've recommended it to all my friends, and so will you! Get a first-edition copy soon, because this book will most certainly be a classic! J. Anderson