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Summary
Summary
All the animals want to play hide-and-seek, but- "oh, no!" -Elephant isn't very good at that. He's too easy to find. What about leap-frog? He's not good at that, either. What about hopscotch, or skipping, or tag? No, no and no. Poor Elephant isn't very good at many games, and the animals are starting to get frustrated with him. Luckily there is one game Elephant loves to play, and the animals oblige him, though they may have to say "oh, no!" themselves when he wants to play it again. This rollicking, silly, repetitive text will have young readers laughing out loud and asking to read it again.
Author Notes
A. H. Benjamin has written more than 30 books for children, which have been translated into 20 languages, and several have been adapted for radio, television and theater. His works include Baa, Moo! What Will We Do? , It Could Have Been Worse , and The Little Mouse and the Big Red Apple .
Alireza Goldouzian is an internationally recognized artist who has published numerous books in his native Iran, as well as exhibiting his prize-winning children's book art around the world. This is his first book for minedition.
Reviews (4)
Publisher's Weekly Review
Poor Elephant. His friends want to play hide-and-seek, leapfrog, and other games, but his bulk and slowness seem destined to keep him out of the winner's circle. "Oh, no," says Elephant in response to each suggested game. "I'm not good at that." Dressed in a natty bow tie and pants, Elephant makes the most of each situation, and Iranian artist Goldouzian does the same, in wildly inventive paintings that celebrate the animals' chaotic play. Teacups and chairs go flying when Elephant hides under a table during hide-and-seek; "I can see you!" shouts Monkey, soaring in through a window. Later, Zebra attempts to pole vault over the "too tall" Elephant during hopscotch. Some readers may be surprised at how mean Elephant's friends are ("You're foolish!" cries Leopard, tangled up with Elephant in a jump rope), but Benjamin (The Big Splash) subtly emphasizes the value of participation-and that it's possible to have fun even when an activity isn't one's strong suit. Eventually, the tables turn when Elephant suggests playing tug-of-war: Elephant may be big, clumsy, and slow, but he's also strong, in more ways than one. Ages 3-5. (June) c Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Horn Book Review
Because of his size, Elephant keeps failing at the games his animal friends suggest: hide-and-seek (Monkey: "I can see you!"), hopscotch (Leopard: "Wrong square!"), and so on. But it's a whole new ballgame when Elephant proposes tug-of-war ("I win!"). This cheeky tale of finding one's strength (in both senses) contains richly illustrated spreads that make the gentle giant's outsize proportions abundantly clear. (c) Copyright 2017. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
Poor Elephant. Every time that Leopard, Monkey, and Zebra want to play a new game, Elephant says "Oh, no, I'm not good at that." But he tries anyway.For hide-and-seek, he's too big. For leap-frog, he's too tall. For jumping rope, he's too clumsy. For hopscotch, he's too heavy. For tag, he's too slow. Each time the good-hearted, amiable Elephant tries his best, but he just can't do it. Finally, it's his turn to choose a game, and tug of war is just his specialtybecause he's too strong! Now it's the animals' turn to say, "Oh, no." By itself, the story would work just fine, with its easy repetition and patterning, but it's the large trim size, saturated colors, and comical details that enliven it and make it pop. Leopard and Zebra are clothed, and Elephant sports a plaid bow tie and pants. The facial expressions tell the whole story of what happens with each effort. The use of page space smartly plays up the differences in the sizes of the animals.Kids will giggle over Elephant's attempts to play and cheer when he finally triumphs. The underlying message reassures without being apparent. (Picture book. 3-7) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
Different animals have different talents and abilities, but with the right attitude, everyone can have fun together. Elephant is playing with his friends Monkey, Zebra, and Leopard. The animals have several ideas for games, but Elephant is getting discouraged. Hide-and-seek (he's too big), leapfrog (he's too tall), jump rope (he's too clumsy), hopscotch (he's too heavy), and tag (he's too slow) all prove problematic. Elephant maintains a positive attitude and tries his best, but the others are not very kind about his failures. When Elephant suggests a round of tug-of-war, the other animals complain, We're not good at that. They are friends, though, and they decide it is only fair that they all take turns with the different activities. Finally something Elephant can win! Energetic illustrations in thick brushstrokes and saturated colors depict the animals in constant motion. On a graph-paper background, the characters each have a column to track their responses as Yes or Oh No. Readers will be drawn in immediately to try to figure out how the scores will relate to the story.--Whitehurst, Lucinda Copyright 2016 Booklist
