And here it is Perfect Picture Book Friday again! Where does the time go? I think there's a time thief around here somewhere. I'm going to have someone look into that at once. I can't afford to be having entire weeks stolen right out from under me! :)
But for right now, I have the cutest, sweetest book to share with you. I dare you not to fall in love with this baby elephant :) His name is Raju... in case you were wondering :)
Written By: Timothy Knapman
Illustrated By: Patrick Benson
Candlewick Press, February 2015, Fiction
Suitable For Ages: 2-5
Themes/Topics: patience, family relationship (mother/son), adventure, bedtime
Opening: "Very early one morning, Raju and his mother set out on a great adventure. It was cold and dark. They walked for a long time. "When can we go home again?" asked Raju. "Soon," said his mother."
Brief Synopsis: A little elephant and his mother go on an adventure which the little elephant is not sure about. "When can we go home?" he keeps asking. But when the adventure is complete, all he wants to know is, "When can we go again?"
Links To Resources: discuss what you think the qualities of an adventure are, and what you would like to do for an adventure; talk about ways that your mom and/or dad makes you feel safe; go on an adventure walk; make up your own adventure story.
Why I Like This Book: First and foremost, oh! I love the art! Soft pastel colors, the cutest baby elephant you ever saw, and such expression in the elephants' faces and body language. The story is sweet and tender, the mother leading her baby on a special outing, keeping him safe from every danger along the way (crocodiles, snakes, tigers) and in so doing teaching him how to keep himself safe. In the same vein as The Camel Who Took A Walk (1967) (reviewed HERE for PPBF), there's not a lot of rootin' tootin' action, but the story is just lovely, and perfect for bedtime.
For the complete list of books with resources, please visit Perfect Picture Books.
PPBF bloggers please be sure to leave your post-specific link in the list below so we can all come visit you and see what wonderful books you've chosen this week!
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!
