Elmer and the Kangaroo [Hardcover]

David Mckee (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up

Elmer Solves the Problem!

Elmer is faced with a very unusual problem, especially for an elephant: how to teach a kangaroo to jump! All over the world, children eagerly await each new adventure of their favorite patchwork elephant, and this is his silliest yet.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 1-The patchwork elephant is back in another adventure. This picture book offers lessons in making new friends and believing in oneself. An unhappy kangaroo is creating a disturbance in the jungle and Elmer has volunteered to see what all the fuss is about. Kangaroo is upset because he can bounce but not jump, and feels like a failure. Elmer and his friends assure him that there is no difference between jumping and bouncing. Filled with a newfound confidence and self-worth, Kangaroo wins the local jumping contest. The text and plot seem forced at times but the kaleidoscopic illustrations, rich with color and detail, carry the story along. Elmer's patchwork frame is set against an array of fantastical colors and vegetation. Fans will welcome this new addition.
Hennie Vaandrager, Byron Township Library, Byron Center, MI
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

There's a new animal in the patchwork elephant's forest, and he's a little strange. He spends his time jumping, falling over, and being generally unhappy. When Tiger and Lion bring this to Elmer's attention, Elmer happily sets out to see what the problem is. It turns out the animal is a kangaroo who thinks he'll be a miserable failure at the jumping contest. The ever-sensible Elmer finds a way to help Kangaroo over his fears, and Kangaroo stops being a stranger and becomes a friend. The gentle lesson is appealing, but it is the illustrations that children will remember. Elmer's patchwork hide isn't the only colorful feature: the entire forest vibrates with purples, greens, blues, and reds. Lion's 1970s haircut and sly facial expressions are particularly amusing. Marta Segal
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (May 17, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0688179517
• ISBN-13: 978-0688179519
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 8.2 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,138,383 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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