Elympics: Poems (Olympics) [Hardcover]

X. J. Kennedy (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up | Grade Level: P and up

Get ready for figure skating, diving, slalom racing, and more--elephant style! X. J. Kennedy's cast of spirited pachyderms compete for gold medals in the Elympics. This collection of fast-paced poetry will have you laughing and cheering as each new character strives in a different event. Some are as graceful as a bird. Other are as clumsy as a toad. Some crash land, but win by a nose. You never know what will happen when good-natured elephants throw their weight around and go for the gold medal.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3 A fine collection of 13 short poems on various major events in both the Summer and Winter Olympics, illustrated with a wonderful team of elephant athletes. Basic facts about the games are included in a note at the back. The emphasis in the poems is on good sportsmanship, the value of practice and teamwork, trying your best and persevering, etc. Each selection merits a double-page watercolor-and-pencil illustration, that shows the competitors engaging in athletic endeavors with elephantine grace there are even elephant clouds looking down on the superstars. Sprinters, skiers, skaters, and gymnasts all have their moments of glory. The cover art shows the Olympic torch being lit in Greece, and the two sections (Summer and Winter) each begin with a picture of a runner taking the flame up the path to the stadium. A perfect introduction to the Games for the very young. Judith Constantinides, East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Poet Kennedy imagines the Olympic games in a world of elephants. His fanciful verses focus on such tremendous competitors as Elijah the diver, Trinket the sprinter, and Tram the slalom champ. Readers who remember the sometimes biting wit of the Brats books will find Kennedy's humor gentler here, befitting the younger audience for this large-format, bountifully illustrated book. Each rhyming poem appears on its own double-page spread, illustrated with a large-scale picture featuring a single elephantine athlete. Deeply colored and beautifully shaded, the artwork appears to be done with heavily applied pastel crayons. The illustrations are notable for their simple, effective composition and child appeal. Librarians hard put to fill requests for preschool and primary-grade books on the Olympics will welcome this pleasant book of sports verse for young children. Carolyn Phelan

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Philomel (September 13, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399232494
• ISBN-13: 978-0399232497
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #338,597 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent for this upcoming Summer Olympics, June 23, 2000

By 

Smitten Girl "babepower1" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Elympics: Poems (Olympics) (Hardcover)

Elympics is a wonderful book that any child would enjoy. I am a first grade teacher and this book has been very useful in explaining to my students about the 2000 Olympics. The Elephant goes through all the different events that will take place this year by using poetry to express himself. This book is fun as well as educational.