Ella Sets Sail [Hardcover]

Carmela & Steve D'amico (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2008 | Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up | Series: Ella

It's anchors away for Ella the elephant, as her magic red hat takes her on an ocean adventure that shows her what it truly means to be lucky.

Ella loves the annual Elephant Island Carnival for its rides, its cotton candy and the fun she always has with her friends. But this year isn't looking promising: Belinda's being a pest, Ella's allowance is all gone, and it looks like a storm's coming. Has Ella's luck finally run out?

Then a great gust of wind blows Ella's special hat out to sea, and she hops into a paddle boat to save it. A storm races in, and the wild ocean strands poor Ella on an island she's never seen before. Is Ella in for a miserable time, or is she going to learn what REAL luck is all about?

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2—At the annual Elephant Islands Carnival, Ella reluctantly lends her treasured red hat to her friend Belinda, who loses it on the Ferris wheel. As the hat floats into the sea, Ella borrows Mr. Pelican's rowboat and sets off despite the rainy weather. Caught in a storm, she is washed ashore on an unfamiliar island. Luckily, Ella is welcomed by a friendly family who invite her in for lunch. Their fisherman father coincidentally has found Ella's lucky hat. When the storm passes, Ella safely returns home. After enduring a gentle scolding from Mr. Pelican and her mother, she promises never to take a boat out in stormy weather again. The next day, she sets off in Mr. Pelican's boat to bring a freshly baked pineapple pie to the family who came to her aid. Whimsical, fanciful, and refreshingly old-fashioned art is the hallmark of this series. While this adorable and independent little elephant's latest adventure is a bit far-fetched, fans of Ella the Elegant Elephant (2004), Ella Takes the Cake (2005), and Ella Sets the Stage (2006, all Scholastic) will enjoy setting sail with her.—Rachel Kamin, Des Plaines Public Library, IL
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

Ella is a lucky little elephant, which she attributes to her big, red hat. When one of her friends borrows the hat, it blows away. Attempts to retrieve it lead to a dangerous adventure at sea, and suddenly, Ella doesn’t feel so lucky. With the help of new friends, things come to a happy conclusion. As in previous Ella books, the charm comes from both the spunky heroine and the glorious Mediterranean background that is her playground. Although it’s unlikely little ones will slip off in a boat alone, warnings against such shenganigans are rendered. Preschool-Grade 1. --Ilene Cooper

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books (June 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0439831555
• ISBN-13: 978-0439831550
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #38,988 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #40 in Books > Children's Books > Animals > Elephants

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another Winning Story for my Ella Collection, July 24, 2008

By 

Kaydee "Nana" (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ella Sets Sail (Hardcover)

Once again a very entertaining "Ella" story that will captivate children and provide adults with numerous scenarios to discuss with their little ones. The heightened sense of suspense, rarely found in tales for this age group, intensifies the power to impart important lessons, while maintaining a positive, loveable character in the persona of the adorable Ella. All of the children in my family love the "Ella" books and are sure to be "gifted" these, as well. I welcome the opportunity to discuss "do and don't do" situations with them that are provided in the story line.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A thoughtful story and captivating images, July 24, 2008

By 

Judy Anderson (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Ella Sets Sail (Hardcover)

The Ella series continues to satisfy! My granddaughters are both huge fans of the Ella books and love her adventurous spirit. Ms. D'Amico opens doors of excitement and challenges for them to peer through, and opportunities for the adults in their lives to discuss choices and feelings which may otherwise have been left unexplored. I also love that the books are always so perfectly age-appropriate and can be read over and over again. My youngest granddaughter loves these books so much she has them pretty much memorized, and though, being four, she cannot yet read them herself, she likes to prop the books on her lap and pretend she's reading them to Daddy. As always, we look forward to the next one!

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars We love it!!!, July 22, 2008

By 

G. DePaola - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ella Sets Sail (Hardcover)

My daughter and son have all of these books and "absolutely" love them. They pick them out by the color and yellow is first pick right now. My daughter is hoping for a purple one to complete this rainbow of books. We keep our eyes out for any new releases to add to this delightful collection. We have the Ella plush dolls and look forward to finding more Ella items. My daughter is starting kindergarten and has me on the hunt for an Ella lunchbox.......Does this even exist? I'll keep looking!!