Richard Scarry's Polite Elephant

by Richard Scarry

Book Overview

A beloved Richard Scarry title from 1963 is now available as a Little Golden Book

When it comes to visiting a neighbor, enjoying a meal, or hosting a playdate, no one does it with better manners than the polite elephant. Richard Scarry's witty, colorful artwork of the elephant and his friends at play will delight young readers. They'll want to follow the elephant's gracious example as he waits in line for the bus, helps out, and passes...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 110193090X
• ISBN13: 9781101930908
• Release Date: July 2016
• Publisher: Golden Books
• Length: 24 Pages
• Weight: 0.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.5" x 7.7"
• Age Range: 2 to 5 years

Customer Reviews

Polite Elephant (A First Little Golden Book)

ISBN 0307101568 - I admit that I'm prejudiced in favor of Little Golden Books. This may lead me to rate them better than they deserve, but it's a reality beyond my control! Little Golden Books, and the trademark gold foil spine always catch my eyes and always remind me of my childhood, and my son's! The polite elephant is, of course, polite. He greets his friends when they meet, offers his seat on the bus to a lady and remembers to introduce his friends to his mother when they come to his house. Richard Scarry, both the author and the illustrator of this book, is always a favorite and has been for decades. The text is hardly worthy of being called a story; it's more a list of the things that the polite elephant does. That's not a bad thing - there are hundreds of books out there about counting and colors and shapes, surely a book that teaches "polite" has a place in the world of kids' books! The illustrations are standard Scarry, although slightly less vibrant and colorful than more current ones. This is a First Little Golden Book. These books measure 5 1/2" x 5 3/4", a bit smaller than the usual Golden Books and a nice size for tucking into the diaper bag when you hit the road. - AnnaLovesBooks

Excellent first introduction to good manners for toddlers

Scarry has it right from the start of this endearing book: "Everyone likes the polite elephant." What makes this book a must-have for toddlers: classic illustrations that children have been falling in love with for decades, a lovable, memorable main character, and polite social behavior taught through everyday situations that will be meaningful to toddlers. Parents who grew up with Richard Scarry's books will like seeing familiar Busytown characters. As always, the illustrations are cheerful and charming, and there are only a few words on each page (which stretches the age range from just-old-enough-to-look-without-eating through the pre-reading years). The book uses situations that are familiar to toddlers to introduce polite behavior, including greetings, waiting in line, being a good guest, saying "please" and "thank you," washing up before meals, sharing toys, and more. An excellent addition to your own board book collection, or a great gift for a new parent or parent of a toddler.

Elephants, Hello, Please, Thank You:18 month old's favorite

I think my 18 month old started out loving this book so much because it has elephants in it. We love to make the elephant sign and the noise "bfffuuuuttt". Some times I change the words I read. For example, instead of reading "he never pushes or shoves", I say out-loud "the elephant waits by standing still" to eliminate some of the gender and the sometimes "dont dont dont" wordings. Partly because at 18 months old "never push or shove" sounds a lot like "push and shove". :) Older children will probably be able to understand words like dont and never.But my 18 month old doesn't care about those things. And we love signing "hello friends", "please", and "thank you".I agree that it is never too early to teach social manners!Just dont feel like you have to read it word for word; change a couple here and there!We also love spying the bears, rabits, mice, fox, lady bugs and hats!

A big hit in our household !

Our 18-month-old can not hear this being read enough. We must read it 5 times a day or more, maybe much more, with him asking/signing 'more' again. The illustrations, as can be expected, are excellent. Best of all, from a parents point of view, is that it teaches the importance of manners. Given the lack of manners that I often see on playgrounds (by parents!) I think that it is imperative that good manners be drilled (there is the 'd' word) into children when quite young. Good social graces are usually a surer factor of success in life than extra points on an IQ test. There is a plethora of books out about raising bright kids, but markedly fewer about raising polite kids.I picked this title up in a supermarket on a whim, and found it a favorite with our little guy, who already likes to say "please and "thank you" as well as "How do you do?". Buy it.

cute and fun to read, and also teaches good manners

Cute Richard Scarry pictures are always fun for children, and this book combines the fun of Scarry's cartoon animals and vehicles with many tips on good manners in several different situations. Needed by many of today's children.