Engelbert the Elephant [Paperback]

Tom Paxton (Author), Steven Kellogg (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 21, 1995 | Age Level: 4 and up

An elephant's dancing skills and good manners surprise everyone at the royal ball, including the queen.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In what has to be the social upset of the season, an unsuspecting elephant receives a surprise invitation to the royal ball (thanks to a pair of prankster mice). Engelbert's arrival startles the stuffy courtiers, who nearly cause a stampede in their panic. But the queen is charmed by the pachyderm's courteous bow, and quickly puts a halt to the mad exit. Wearing one sneaker and one rollerskate, Engelbert turns out to be a veritable Fred Astaire, and is even chosen to squire the queen for the final dance. In the end, the party adjourns to the jungle, where the revelers dance until dawn. Popular folksinger Paxton has pulled out all the stops in this rollicking ballad, with its gentle reminder not to judge a book by its cover. Kellogg's characteristically droll touches depict Engelbert as a hero of magnanimous proportions--and one worth cheering for as well. Aspiring musicians may be disappointed to note that the music isn't included, so they could learn the tune and sing along. All ages.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2-- Kellogg doesn't miss an opportunity to turn the verses of Paxton's ballad into sensitive buffoonery. Engelbert is invited to the Queen's Royal Ball. When he's presented, "the King and Queen were speechless/ (And I'm sure they're speechless now),/ Engelbert the Elephant/ Made a very lovely bow," with his large green-checkered backside predominating the page. The first half of the book is executed in muted pastel shades, largely in yellows and oranges with green and blue highlights. Readers will look for the multitude of carefully selected details in the jungle, the palace, and in the town. At dawn, the party follows Engelbert to the forest where Kellogg creates a mystical sunrise in pastel blues and greens with yellow highlights. "And the frolicking that followed/ Is still talked about today." Be sure to watch for the two mice who accompany Engelbert throughout his adventure. --Denise Krell, New York Public Library
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (September 21, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0688143954
• ISBN-13: 978-0688143954
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.3 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,394,730 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What fun!, January 13, 2004

By 

Wine Lover (Centreville, VA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Engelbert the Elephant (Hardcover)

I purchased this book 8 years ago when my son was a toddler - it was a favorite which we read over and over and over... The rhyme and fun deliver a wonderful message with colorful, action-packed illustrations. Now I am trying to purchase it for a friend having a baby, and sadly, I am unable to find a new copy. If you have a copy, HOLD ON TO IT!!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun, Fun, Fun!, December 11, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Engelbert the Elephant (Library Binding)

This is a rhyming book about an elephant who is invited to the royal ball and becomes the hit of the party. A good social message about how everyone has value. Fun to read for adults and kids.

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Pictures, Rhythm and Rhyme, December 15, 2010

By 

KristineGA "KristineGA" (Fort Stewart, GA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Engelbert the Elephant (Hardcover)

This story is so fun to read, I don't know how it never won any awards. I highly recommend it for any 3-10 year old. It is a great read aloud and the illustrations are imaginative and amazing. It has rhythm and rhyme to tell the whole story. You will not be disappointed with this book. I originally bought my copy at a yardsale. I just bought another copy for my niece for christmas.