Where those kings are headed is a mystery, but no travelers ever had such a jolly time. Here is a royal romp through a tongue-twisting paradise. 32 full-color illustrations.
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Book Description
Frequently Bought Together
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Mahy's jocund verse, first published 15 years ago, has been dressed in colorful new clothes. MacCarthy's vivid batik paintings on silk gleam like the eyes of the "white toothed crocodiles" or the sleek stripes of the magnificent tigers. The story is simple: 17 kings sing and dance their way through the jungle on the backs of 42 elephants until the "deep dark jungle" swallows them. Their mysterious destination is not as important as their obvious joy in the journey; the characters are not asimportant as the rollicking language. Like Vachel Lindsay, Mahy has penned a foot-stomping poem; it sways like the backs of the elephants past peacocks, pelicans, hippopotomums and other "watchers in the jungle, moist and mistalline" that "bibble-bubble-babble to the bad break herebing-bang-bong!" Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 2 In words both sensible and nonsensical, Mahy's entourage of kings and elephants makes its way through the jungle. Readers don't know where they came from or where they're going, but the journey is a joyous one. Before the procession disappears into the night, assorted jungle creatures respond to the songs and music of the travelers: ``Forty-two elephantsoh, what a lot of 'ums, /Big feet beating in the wet wood shade, /Proud and ponderous hippopotomums /Danced to the music that the marchers made.'' Painted on silk, the batik illustrations glow with the lush, clear colors of the fabric. Their visual patterns reflect the verbal patterns and the fun of the text. The hippopotomums are palpably ponderous, the flamingos gorgeously pink. Not since Preston and Parker's Pop Corn and Ma Goodness (Viking, 1969; o.p.) has there been such a marriage of happy, rhythmic language and illustrations. Go for it. Your small patrons will love it. Janet D. French, Centennial School Dist . Libs . , Warminster, Pa.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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More About the Author
Margaret Mahy lives in New Zealand and is internationally acknowledged as one of the most outstanding children's writers today. She is the author of more than two hundred books for children of all ages, two of which have received England's Carnegie Medal and others of which have garnered numerous citations from the American Library Association. She is also the recipient of An Order of New Zealand, the highest honor a citizen can receive. In 2006 she received the Hans Christian Andersen award for her contributions to international children's literature.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
30 of 36 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
This book is musical in its use of language. The verse seems to mimic the marching of the elephants. Reading and listening to the book are equally delightful. The pictures are lush and beautiful. I'm on my second child, and this remains a favorite of my 3 and 6 year old sons.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
My husband made up a song to go with the words - this is one of our family's favorites! A very sing-songy read with made up words and a short but sweet narrative. Get this book and try to make up a tune to go with the poetry. This is not a counting book. If you like imagination and poetry, you'll love this.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This book is a fast favorite at our house. The verse itself is very similar to Dr. Seuss -- lots of license with words and a bouncy rhyme. The pictures are lovely.
With regard to an earlier reviewer's comments, this is NOT a counting book. Instead, it's a tale of kings and elephants (natch!) riding through the jungle who spread their happy song to various animals along the way. Toddlers appreciate the rhyme, while older kids (4-6) will enjoy the creative language.
With regard to an earlier reviewer's comments, this is NOT a counting book. Instead, it's a tale of kings and elephants (natch!) riding through the jungle who spread their happy song to various animals along the way. Toddlers appreciate the rhyme, while older kids (4-6) will enjoy the creative language.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
It fit my needs.
The book came in very good condition. It was exactly what I expected and was what I needed for my activity. It was odd that the book had a $. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Pamela Larson
5.0 out of 5 stars
17 Kings and 42 Elephants
Magnificent (like colorful batik fabric) pictures, captivating rhyme, so cleverly written. Kids really love it. This book will stay on your shelves for a long time!
Published 4 months ago by Martha Vlahos
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing words. The best Margaret Mahy book!
This is an amazing book full of great words that will make your toungue twist. The illustrations support the text with vibrant artistic flare. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Sharon Croft
5.0 out of 5 stars
So Fun!
This book is so much fun to read aloud! It has wonderful rhythm and rhyme and is full of imagination and gorgeous pictures! Definitely a favorite in our family!
Published 5 months ago by BestBets
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant!
17 Kings and 42 Elephants is a rollicking romp through brilliantly illustrated pages. The rhythm of the rhyme, the alliteration and the made up words all combine delightfully in... Read more
Published 19 months ago by PurpleSquirrel
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful Pictures and Verse
I have been reading this book to my 3-month-old. He loves the rhythm and sound of the unique words. He also loves all the color and outlines in the batik pictures. Read more
Published on March 12, 2011 by KBR128
4.0 out of 5 stars
I still love this poem/book 15 years later
My third grade teacher had the whole class memorize the entire book, and we said it in this rhythmic way and felt very cool. Read more
Published on December 16, 2006 by Elizabeth
1.0 out of 5 stars
Quite boring.
This book is neither interesting for my kids or for me. I thought it would make counting fun. But it doesn't. This book is quite dull.
Published on October 6, 2003
5.0 out of 5 stars
A poem in words and pictures
This narrative was perhaps the first poem my children learned--and both they and I love it.
"Seventeen kings and fourty-two elephants
Going on a journey on a... Read more
"Seventeen kings and fourty-two elephants
Going on a journey on a... Read more
Published on August 13, 2001 by Alyssa A. Lappen
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