One Hundred and One Elephant Jokes

by Robert Blake (Editor)

Book by

Genres: Humor, Childrens

Paperback

First published January 1, 1964

Reviews

[Mayda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is actually the second time I have read this book, the first being decades ago. I thought it was pretty funny then, and the passing years haven’t changed my opinion any. Though it comes with a disclaimer saying parents won’t find these riddles funny, I bet the ones who grew up spouting them will. And I bet they’ll even remember some of the answers! These riddles are clever, and the illustrations add to the enjoyment of the book.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this! I have always been interested in folklore and jokes, and I remember being a young child and learning about different societies and their approaches to humor, including the elephant jokes that swept the nation in the 1960s. I have always enjoyed the particular brand of humor associated with elephant jokes, but I hadn't ever seen so many together in a single collection until I read this book. It's amazing!—if that sort of humor appeals to you. I loved every minute of this read, but I can see how some people may not care for it. The book comes with a disclaimer that many parents may not find them funny, which is itself pretty entertaining. I was also impressed that these jokes were compiled by a 14-year-old boy. Talk about getting the inside scoop! I heartily recommend this adorable collection of jokes. Fun elephant illustrations on most pages make a nice bonus.

[Sarah Scherer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the finest pieces of American Comedy ever written. I'm pretty sure I gave A Connecticut Yankee In King Arthur's Court four stars and this got five from me. No doubt, a classic.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

My 7-year-old son and I need to write a review to defend this book. We can't believe people say the jokes make no sense. He wanted me to give it FIVE STARS but he agreed to three. His favorite jokes are 1) How do you kill a blue elephant? Shoot it with a blue shotgun! 2) How do you kill a pink elephant? Twist the trunk until it turns blue and shoot it with a blue shotgun! Perhaps the person who claims the book makes no sense only read the FIRST joke (???) Or maybe the second. Anyway, this book is from when I was a kid. I'm happy my son likes it, and that he didn't find the other one, "101 Polack Jokes," which seems to have mercifully disappeared.

[HeavyReader · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh dear Lord, yes, I read this book just so I could add it to my shelves. Don't worry, I paid the price for that. Let me tell you, reading this ridiculous book was a high price to pay simply to be able to claim another book.

(At the time this book was published-1964- Robert Blake, at 14 years old, was the youngest Scholastic Book Services author.)

[Liz Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much in the 70s when I was a kid. The jokes just get sillier and sillier and it was very clear the writer(s) had to stretch hard to get to 101 jokes. And that just made it more funny. Doubling down on nonsense and un-funny "jokes" that don't hurt anyone -- seriously genius! Points for style on the cover as well! Was an elephant joke craze really "sweeping the nation" as this book claimed? Or... was the craze inspired by this very book?!

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a family favorite. Since I was a little boy my dad told these jokes. Like a chicken and egg, there's no point in asking which came first... just simply that this book is the "How to" manual for our family's humor that spans generations.

Mr. Blake weaves a cycle of humor that balances expectation with surprise, the obvious with the obscure.

[Kaydee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hate this book. I hate elephant jokes. A very good friend of mine loves elephant jokes. that's why it has 5 stars from me.
FYI: of course the jokes don't make sense there elephant jokes. The stupidity of them apparently is part of their charm. I do have a favorite, "how does an elephant climb a tree. Sit on an acorn and wait."

[Hollyann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book on a book shelf at my grandmothers, it use to be my uncles. It is the most ridiculous thing I have ever read in my life. The jokes don't even make sense and are just goofy and some are slightly messed up.

[Cheryl A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Omg.
When I was young, maybe about 9, there was a certain thrift store my mother took us to every few months. I don't know why. I don't know what my brothers did while waiting. But what I did was rummage in the big bargain bin, unearth this, and read it. Every time.
And now I've found it on openlibrary.org and I'm laughing out loud. It's great because many of the jokes are in little sequential chains... they don't make sense unless you've read the previous ones in each chain. Well, as much sense as they can ever make, of course....

[Ryan Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as a gift when I broke my leg as a child. As a captive audience, I repeatedly devoured it, giggling all the while. As an adult, I still giggle when I read many of the jokes. (What’s the difference between an elephant and a plum? Plums are purple.) I credit (blame?) it for helping shape my sense of humor and my love for absurdity.

[Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars mostly for nostalgia... and the fact that while re-reading it 40+ years later, I literally laughed out loud at some these (admittedly, inane) jokes.

[Leslie Carnahan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very VERY silly and dated. Great thrift store find ✌️

[JSK · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ouch this hurt. I don't know if 'elephant jokes' were a thing in the 1960s, when this book was published, but I'm sure glad they're gone now. This book contains, as the title suggests, many jokes concerning elephants. H0wever, the 'jokes'...and I use that term loosely here....rarely make sense. And I understand that was the point. But they just don't work me. I struggle to identify the target audience for this humor, and yet, there must have been one, if this book made it to press. I will give a few examples of the jokes in the book. "Question: What's the similarity between a plum and an elephant? Answer: They're both purple, except for the elephant!" Yes, that's a joke. Or supposed to be a joke. Here's another. "One way to catch elephants: Hide in the grass and make a noise like a peanut!" I winced through reading most of these. Just, so bad. The only way I can imagine this book might get you to laugh would be if the reader was stoned or drunk. Then, the jokes might seem a little funny. And that's really the only recommendation I can give. If you read this sober you might be disappointed!

[Judy Hall]

I remember laughing myself sick at these silly jokes.