Customer Reviews

Ella The Elegant Elephant

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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

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

I read Ella to my 3.5 year-old pre-schooler. We were instantly enamored with the charming elephants who live in the village nestled atop the peaks of a mysterious island. The first thing that struck me was the lustrous artwork. Rendered in rich, creamy colors, the illustrations conjure the warm emotional buzz of the books I adored while cuddled in in my own mother's lap. Each picture offers stunning perspectives, charming details and fresh simplicity. And, Ella is the most adorable elephant I've ever seen! The text and art are seamlessly symbiotic. Ella. who is just starting at a new school, quells some of her fears by donning her grandmother's (rather large and bright) "good luck hat". It is this adornment that offers her comfort, but it is also that which causes her to stand out. Ella's is a universal story about feeling different. It touches on timely issues such as bullying and peer pressure, but the telling is utterly unique and buoyant. Ella learns to trust her instincts. With a little bit of magic and an elegance the title fortells, Ella turns a difficult situation into something fabulous!

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!

This review first appeared in the "Ephrata (PA) Review":

"Somewhere in the great, wide Indian Ocean lie the Elephant Islands, hidden by a fog so thick that no human being has ever found them." So begins this magical storybook that for some reason reminds me of "Madeline." (Perhaps because all the elephant-students wear uniforms? Or due to the exotic urban setting?)

In any case, little Ella is new to town. When she wears the special hat her grandma gave her, the class bully taunts her. But the hat ends up playing a fantastical role in Ella's heroic "saving of the day" and her consequent acceptance by her classmates.

With an engaging protagonist and kind, whimsical illustrations, I predict "Ella the Elegant Elephant" is just the first of this Seattle couple's contribution to children's literature.

Ella the Elegant Elephant eloquently delivers lessons in living for young readers and serves as a reminder for older elephants (lest we forget!).

Beginning with the soft-edged charcoal illustrations by Steven D'Amico, which are beautifully rendered in playful, primary colors, Ella and her environment provide opportunities for extended interaction by learning colors and counting, depth, perspective and recognition.

In my humble opinion, the enchanting story written by Carmela D'Amico, aside from being the beginning of a heartfelt, bonding relationship between the reader and the character through experiences, provides parents a perfect opportunity to address and explore a multitude of challenges awaiting youngsters in social settings, such as...

Parental encouragement, trust and guidence, without ordering the child 'what to do and how to do it', (as it is so important to allow a child to feel empowered and confident in knowing the difference between right and wrong behaviour and action); Being the 'new person' in an already established setting, such as a classroom; Children teasing and name calling; The importance of being aware of, and following rules, and most of all... Trusting their instincts and to 'act from the heart with pure intent'.

I, myself, and the children that I am fortunate to have in my life, have truly enjoyed this book and are eagerly awaiting the next chapter in Ella's new life on Elephant Island!

This character and her trials, tribulations and triumphs are destined to become a favorite- such as Curious George and other timeless classics!

WE LOVE THIS BOOK!!!

I have a five and a seven year old and they love everything ELLA. The best part is, so do I. This story, as well as ELLA TAKES THE CAKE is a gem. The message really resonates with both my children and me...I get teary at the end. So many children's books are just silly or entertaining. This one is both but also very literary. I love the allusion to the golden rule and the lesson about staying true to yourself. The illustrations are gorgeous, too! I highly reccommend this book.

Originally, my daughter borrowed this book from the library. She likes elephants and thought Ella was cute. We fell in love with Ella and her story, so we purchased our own copy...well Santa Claus did. My girls are 4 & 6, they both love the story.