Customer Reviews

Ellison the Elephant (with Audio CD)

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

We checked this book out from the library and nobody wants to return it! We have definitely added this to our Christmas wish list.

The book and CD appealed to my four-year-old daughter, six-year-old son, 36-year-old husband and 35-year-old me! We have listened to the CD over and over. The story itself is wonderful and encouraging, opening the door to discussions about individual gifts. The CD pushes this book "over the top!" My children were dancing to the Jazz riffs at 6:30 this morning, when they are usually begging to watch TV before school. It was wonderful to see!

If you have kids 3-5 years old you can't be without this book. My girls can't get enough of it. The story is one of encouragement, persistence, and self confidence. Eric Drachman is amazing at what he does. The character voices on the CD seal the deal. His other books are a must have as well: Leo the Lighting Bug, It's Me, and A Frog Thing (for slightly older 5yrs and up). They are our favorite gifts to give with excellent reviews for the receipents as well.

IF you are seeking an uplifting story within a beautifully illustrated book accompanied by an engaging and well-produced CD... look no further than Ellison the Elephant. I bought this book for my two nephews and it immediately became their #1 requested story (displacing their previous #1 favorite, Leo The Lightning Bug, also written by Eric Drachman. Hmmm...)

The best thing about Mr. Drachman's books and CDs is that they are not created simply to delight children, they are created and crafted to delight The Reader and The Listener -- whomever and however old they may be.

We bought 3 of Drachman's books with CD for our 4 1/2 year old daughter who is crazy about audio books in the car. The story is simple but endearing and the art is very lovely. I like how the readers on the CD sound like real people and the sound effects are fun too. My daughter enjoys reading it without the CD as well. My only concern is that she is now mimicking the way the child/Ellison speaks. Either the reader naturally has a speech impediment or it was put on for the story. While I can see value in having this in books so kids with similar problems can realize others are like them too, it's not so good for kids who love to mimic. Now, my daughter mispronounces all the L words. So I will have to put away the books until she gets over this phase. Edna and Leo is not as pronounced so we still enjoy those. If your kid does not mimic, then you will probably love this book.

From the other reviews I was expecting something fantastic. Instead, the whole thing is so-so. The story is not very interesting or creatively told. Yes, it holds a good message but that is not the only point of reading a book- I like to hear pleasing or clever language too. Also, the artwork is all dull colors and the animals are not cute-just kinda blah. I expect a lot better artwork in a children's book. Finally, the weird accent of the kid who does Ellison on the cd and the annoying voice of Weasel make the cd something I don't want to play as an adult. My daughter likes it but doesn't ask to hear it on her own.

This is the first Eric Drachmann book we've read [planning to check out Leo the Lightning Bug next] and it' been a fun and interesting read. "Ellison the Elephant" is a book with an accompanying audio CD with three tracks: 1.Hey Edna [this is a sort of introduction to the story and sets the listener up for the actual story that follows] 2. Ellison the Elephant [the narrator reads the text of the story with others playing the roles of Ellison, his mom, and Ellison's imaginary friend, the weasel] 3. Bye, You little elephant

Both my preschooler and I enjoyed this book and CD experience - the narration is not flat but filled with vivacity and jazzy music. The story of how little Ellison the elephant discovers his call is indeed cute and one that young children can relate to. Highly recommended.

One of my grandchildren was given this book, and he can't get enough of it. He loves the book, and especially the CD. The response of adults to this touching and beautiful story is just as impressive. Ellison is a wonderful elephant, who has the self-doubts that many children have. His ability to overcome it resonates with the kids. I have given copies to more than a dozen families with young children, and they all rave about it. I can't say enough about this very special book.

"Ellison the Elephant" is just down right sweet. When was the last time anyone, let alone an elephant, closed their eyes and looked inside to find their voice? Ellison introduces kids to confidence and the possibility of being true to themself. It's a great book to add to your collection. Highly recommended!

This has to be one of the most poorly written books we own. The narration is awkward at best and the story does not flow. On the first reading, I double checked because I was sure that I must have skipped a page due to a jump in the plot. Nope, it's just not written very well.

We tried to listen to the CD, but after 5 minutes, put it back in the slot and never took it out again.

The one thing this poorly written book has going for it is that it gives me hope that publishing a children's book is a piece of cake. Clearly they'll take any dribble. If I someone actually has a copy of this book that introduces the weasel as an imaginary friend (why would your imaginary friend be "pesky"?), please let me know. Never reading this one again!