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36th out of 49 books
—
33 voters
Little Elephants
by
Graeme Base
One little boy living on a farm in rural Texas gets a big surprise when he discovers tiny flying elephants under his bed. But his mom doesn’t like critters in the house, so he tries to keep them a secret. Until one day they escape from his bedroom and cause havoc in the house. But when locusts invade the farm and start to destroy crops, the elephants come to the rescue!
Bes...more
Bes...more
Hardcover, 40 pages
Published
September 1st 2012
by Harry N. Abrams
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Children’s books have come a long way since I was growing up. The illustrations are an absolute work of art and I am getting to the point that I spend more time looking at the drawing than focusing on the words that accompany them.
Poor Jim, he loves his pet mouse Pipsqueak, but when there is plague to worry about and his mother is convinced that where there is one mouse to be found, others will be attracted, the mouse has to go. Times are tough and if they lose this year’s wheat harvest the farm...more
Poor Jim, he loves his pet mouse Pipsqueak, but when there is plague to worry about and his mother is convinced that where there is one mouse to be found, others will be attracted, the mouse has to go. Times are tough and if they lose this year’s wheat harvest the farm...more
I love this author's stuff. I'd happily put every single one in my library. However, this book was subpar compared to his others. I love love loved the story. In particular for rural folks, (as it's set in a farm), there is a significant appeal.
So what's the problem? The printing.
The art is similar to The Polar Express, it's expressive, vivid, and realistic. Although a departure from his earlier books, it works. So what is the problem? I'm not sure how these were rendered, and then transferred d...more
So what's the problem? The printing.
The art is similar to The Polar Express, it's expressive, vivid, and realistic. Although a departure from his earlier books, it works. So what is the problem? I'm not sure how these were rendered, and then transferred d...more
Hmmm, well I am a huge fan, but unfortunately didn't quite 'get' this book
In comparison to other GB books I have and love I feel this one is missing some central theme and plot/mystery adventure which is (I feel) his signature style
The artwork is amazing, but following the plot (if you could call it that) is difficult and random, missing the clues, drama and characterization which is so present in works like Unos Garden, Enigma or The Eleventh Hour
Oh well, don't want to put anyone off this book,...more
In comparison to other GB books I have and love I feel this one is missing some central theme and plot/mystery adventure which is (I feel) his signature style
The artwork is amazing, but following the plot (if you could call it that) is difficult and random, missing the clues, drama and characterization which is so present in works like Unos Garden, Enigma or The Eleventh Hour
Oh well, don't want to put anyone off this book,...more
The 2012 picture book Little Elephants is a heart warming story of how kindness leads to good things. On a wheat farm, Jim and his mother face a long string of bad luck. Between loosing a harvest machine and a giant swarm of locust coming problems continue to mount. A visit from a stranger requires Jim to show kindness and in returns gets a few helpful trunks to help on the farm. This story would be great for children in elementary grades so teach acts of kindness and how they can benefit you in...more
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This intriguing story is about a boy who lives on a struggling farm. He is made to get rid of his pet mouse so as not to attract more rodents which could ruin their crop, but what is he to do when he looks under his bed and finds an incredible herd of little, flying elephants? Will his mother send them away, too? The artwork in this book is truly beautiful. Sometimes I wondered if I was looking at a photograph it was so sharp. I've been a Graeme Base fan since The Watering Hole so I was definit...more
Jim loves his pet mouse but has to send him out in the world because his mom is worried he will attract other mice. She is also worried about their wheat harvest. The harvester is broken and a swarm of locusts is on its way. One night Jim discovers his mouse is back and he has brought friends, a whole herd of little elephants. The elephants scare off the locusts and help with the harvest.
I really enjoy Graeme Base's books. I think they are lovely stories and truly amazingly illustrated. This one...more
I really enjoy Graeme Base's books. I think they are lovely stories and truly amazingly illustrated. This one...more
A different and and wonderful fantasy, with Graeme Base's gorgeous, realistic paintings. The story seems to be set in the pre-television 20th century, on a wheat farm. Where this wheat farm is located is not specified in the book. Base lives in Australia, but the map on the wall of the boy's bedroom is of Texas. Both locations grow wheat, so it could be set either place. Anyway, the family's wheat farm is saved by a cadre of miniature elephants.
It’s a troubling time for Jim’s family farm. With the threat of plague looming Jim’s Mother tells him his pet mouse “will have to go.” When the harvester breaks and things are looking bleak Jim sees a funny looking man in the field. Strange things start to happen when news of a locust swarm comes. How will the farm survive? This book is beautiful and inspirational. Graeme Base’s distinct style resonates through this captivating tale. – Hannah
Beautiful, surreal illustrations manage to carry a completely nonsensical story. I would be happy just looking at the artwork without the text.
Veg*n parents note: While the "little elephants" are fantastical and anthropomorphic in nature, the young boy in the story does have circus posters of performing elephants hanging in his room, and the mysterious old man who brings the elephants is obviously based upon a circus ringmaster, although he is not identified as such.
Veg*n parents note: While the "little elephants" are fantastical and anthropomorphic in nature, the young boy in the story does have circus posters of performing elephants hanging in his room, and the mysterious old man who brings the elephants is obviously based upon a circus ringmaster, although he is not identified as such.
Sep 22, 2012
Marcie
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommended to Marcie by:
Woodbury new books
Shelves:
children-s-fantasy
Perhaps this will do better as a read aloud with kids who live in the country. As always the illustrations are beautiful, but the story seemed awfully fantastic. Perhaps in Australia there is more basis for it in folk literature. I guess I liked the two ears at a time pun, but not enough to find a good use for it.
A beuatiful miraculous tale.
The blub places this story as Rural Texas, I read this from an Australian perspective; I suppose that is the magic of the book. Look in the background illustrations for links to previous Graeme Base stories.
The blub places this story as Rural Texas, I read this from an Australian perspective; I suppose that is the magic of the book. Look in the background illustrations for links to previous Graeme Base stories.
As always, impressive illustrations with a good story. Definitely adding to my collection. Its story is simple: kindness goes a long way; you will be surprised how you could be rewarded for being kind to people, even a stranger.
Graeme Bases attention to detail in his illustrations always makes for such a dramatic beautiful read! This one has a tall tale, around the campfire store feel that is brought to life with the gorgeous colorful art.
Beautifully illustrated story of Little Elephants helping to bring in the wheat harvest "two ears at a time". If you are familiar with his other books you can find a few hidden treasures in the background.
Age: Preschool - 1st grade
A nice break away from realistic picture books and talking dogs and cats, Base presents a fantastical, mysterious man that helps solve Jim's crisis on the farm.
A nice break away from realistic picture books and talking dogs and cats, Base presents a fantastical, mysterious man that helps solve Jim's crisis on the farm.
When a family's wheat crop is threatened by locusts, tiny flying elephants come to the rescue.
* Australian fiction
Tone is offbeat and magical.
Note - Use for next blog.
* Australian fiction
Tone is offbeat and magical.
Note - Use for next blog.
This book literally filled me with wonder. So odd, yet entirely delightful. I couldn't help smiling as I read, and it made me smile for a while after I finished.
REALLY remarkable pictures! This would make a really wonderful book to pair with The Little Red Hen. Can't wait to read a few more by Graeme Base.
Lovely illustrations accompany this fascinating story! I was surprised, though, that the mom wasn't more surprised about the little flying elephants.
Tiny little winged elephants save the family farm! I only wish these little critters actually existed. Base's artwork is as glorious as ever.
Shamelessly, entirely fantastic, fabulously illustrated. Very freeing to read something
that cares nothing for reality.
that cares nothing for reality.
The art is dark, what I could see looked really, really cool. The story was a flat liner to say the least!
There are little elephants! Does it even matter what else happens in this book?
Graeme Base - always so imaginative and the illustrations want to just jump off the page.
A little weird, but very creative. The pictures are stunning.
The joy is in the remarkable pictures, less so the text.
Beautiful, fanciful and fun, pure Graeme Base!
Not a fan. That's all.
Gorgeous!
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Graeme Rowland Base is a successful Australian author and artist of picture books that have been sold internationally. He is perhaps best known for his second book, Animalia published in 1986, and third book The Eleventh Hour which was released in 1989.
He was born in England but moved to Australia with his family at the age of eight and has lived there ever since. He attended Box Hill High School...more
More about Graeme Base...
He was born in England but moved to Australia with his family at the age of eight and has lived there ever since. He attended Box Hill High School...more
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Jan 09, 2013 11:53am