Customer Reviews

The Ant and the Elephant

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In this remarkably readable book, Bill Peet captures such an important lesson of life through his straight-forward writing style and exceptional artwork. The story suggests that while one's physical size might not matter all that much, perhaps the size of one's heart does. And you can never be too small to help someone else. This is certainly a wonderful lesson for children of all ages- toddler or adult. This is the second book in what I hope to be a full shelf of Bill Peet books in my home one day. I encourage you to read it.

My mother read this book to us all the time....it is a wonderful story with a great moral. I am a substitute also and I read it all the time! Students from kindergarten through fourth grade sit entranced while I read. This book is my favorite story of all time!

The creatures in the jungle are having a bad day. One after another, they are facing problems that they can't get out of. Then the elephant comes along and helps them all. But who will help him when he needs it?

This is a really a take on Aesop's classic story of the lion and the mouse with a few more creatures thrown in to show unthankfulness. Still, this is a great book that kids will love. The storyline is simple enough for them to follow easily, and Bill Peet's illustrations are outstanding.

With good stories and wonderful pictures, Bill Peet created some excellent picture books. Don't let this great author pass you by.

This is the story of an elephant who travels the forest doing good deeds for the grumpiest, most ungrateful group of animals imagineable. Eventually the elephant needs help and it is the tiny ant (the only creature with integrity besides the elephant) and his ant friends who come to his aid. So the "little things and small creatures mean a lot" theme is nicely presented. Possibly the point of the other arrogant animals is to show that the elephant helps out regardless of the thanklessness of the jobs and maintains his own good attitude throughout (a very evolved elephant).

This book was published in 1972 which explains why the word "stupid" appears four times, as well as the phrase "Dad blame it" (which can sound like "god damn it" to little ears who have heard it said in anger already). Years ago, editors weren't always as careful as they are today. I admit I am a bit puritanical about this but I personally would rather not hear "stupid" out of a 5yr old's mouth; children's literature should model the richness and beauty of the language. While this book does contain many great vocabulary words, I would have liked a version with some creative substitutions [maybe there is an updated version; just be aware if you get this version what is here].

If I read this book in class or at home I will "edit" a bit as I go. I like the intended meanings, but I won't be uttering "stupid" in front of bunches of kids anytime soon.

I read this book when I was young. Recently, I bought it for my son. The moral holds true. The illustations are WONDERFUL!

I loved Bill Peet books as a child, and I still really like them today. I recently bought the whole set so that my children will have them, and realized that I remember every character and every plot from 20+ years ago when my parents read them to me. They really made an impact on me. The illustrations are cute and captivating, the characters are engaging, the stories and well told, and each book has a meaning. There are few authors who can create such a fine balance in childrens' books.

I won't rehash the stories below other than to say that all the
animals with attitude mirror many of the people you meet in
life -- the self-important, the vain, the shallow, the overly
proud, etc.

makes for great lesson on how there are people out there that
are not always so nice -- like you!

I bought this book many years ago. Liked it so much, and so did my 2 sons, that I bought 2 more. When I began substitute teaching, I would grab one of his books. It was always a good way to get acquainted with the kids -- and they loved being read to, plus the illustrations are wonderful. Such talent!!!

this was an amazing story my children both love and it has become our favourite bedtime story...