Wednesday, July 22, 2015

If an Elephant Went to School by Ellen Fischer, Laura Wood [Review & Giveaway hosted on Goodreads.com]

About the book: Would an elephant learn the ABCs if she went to school? No way! She would learn to use her trunk as a nose, a straw, a hand, and a hose!

Through a series of questions and answers, readers learn about animals and their unique behaviors. And in the end, you might find yourself asking just what would you learn.

My thoughts: I previously reviewed Ellen Fischer’s If An Armadillo Went to a Restaurant and found it to be fun to look at just what various animals and critters would eat at restaurants. Ms. Fischer has just released a second in this series and it is just in time for those little ones going to school – either for the first time or returning – If An Elephant Went to School. Frankly, I enjoyed this one even more than the Armadillo story. This is just plain fun.

Laura Woods is again illustrating this book just as she did the Armadillo book. These animals are full of life, expression, and just down right cute. I like that she uses different tones of color in her illustrations than we normally find in kiddie books. She deviates a bit from basic primary colors and incorporates teals, russets, and variations of browns, greens and oranges. The colors literally pop.

There are lessons to be learned for these critters going to school. Each learns what is best for that type of critter. Would the bee learn to read? No, the bee would learn to make honey.
The story is great as a read-aloud book for group settings such as library groups, classrooms, etc. as well as reading it individually to a child. It can also be  read by early readers, though the vocabulary right be beyond really early readers.

At the end, the question is raised, “If I went to school what would I learn?” Then the comparison of learning what critters learn and what a child learns is brought about ending on a happy note where the child is brought into the story himself.
GIVEAWAY
Giveaway dates: May 21 - Aug 11, 2015
3 copies available
Countries available: US
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy by the Mighty Media Publishing to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

6 comments:

  1. This is such a cute kids story. It would be perfect for our library! Thanks for sharing such a great review!

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  2. I love the illustrations you've shown, and the book sounds like so much fun! Thanks for linking up at Booknificent Thursday this week!
    Tina

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  3. Sounds like a fun classroom read for the beginning of the school year.

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  4. So fun! Thank you for sharing this one!

    I'm stopping over from Booknificent Thursdays, and wanted to invite you to join my weekly link up, we share posts on what has been on our minds, hearts and bookshelves, and I think you would be a great addition to our community. Stop by any time this weekend if you want.

    Marissa

    Cozy Reading Spot on Reading List

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  5. I like the illustrations. My daughter is starting full-day school this Sept, 1st grade this would be a great read. I entered the GR giveaway thanks for letting us know.

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  6. This looks so cute! My oldest is starting kindergarten this year, so she would love it!

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