MWSA Review

If I Had a Baby Elephant by Nancy Panko is a children’s picture book written in rhyme. Children will enjoy the cadence and rhyming as well as the imaginative ideas about what you could do with a baby elephant as a pet. The book is geared toward young children and portrays activities that are familiar to them like singing, swinging, having tea, playing hide-and-seek, and puddle jumping. The pictures are fun-loving and consistent, with facial expressions that will appeal to children. The unusual font is whimsical and I thought it might be hard for young readers to recognize the words, so I visited a neighbor with a first grader. She had no problem reading the text and laughed out loud on at least every other page. She loved the book!

The back of the book includes three pages of facts about elephants in general, with characteristics of baby elephants listed separately. This is a great addition and adds to a child’s knowledge base and vocabulary without interrupting the reading of the book. A recipe is included at the end of the book as a project for young children to make with an adult. It is simple enough that I might whip up a batch of “Elephant Ears” myself.

Review by Randy Beard (January 2024)

 

Author's Synopsis

Who hasn't daydreamed about having an exotic pet? For a child, baby animals have a unique appeal. "If I Had a Baby Elephant..." personifies the dreams of a little girl playing with her pet, a baby elephant. Catchy rhymes and colorful illustrations are bound to enchant any reader, young or old.

This whimsical story is followed by fun facts about baby elephants and their life within the herd.

You're not done until you've tried the yummy recipe on the last page. Elephant Ears are a delicious pastry that any child can help a grown-up make in the kitchen.

Format(s) for review: Paper Only

Review Genre: Children & Young Adult—Picture Book

Number of Pages: 38

Word Count: 900