I want to go first!

by Richard Byrne

The littlest always goes last―that’s the elephant rule. But Elphie, the littlest elephant, is determined to go first. And where there’s a will, there’s a way! With a little help from you , reader.

From the author-illustrator of This book just ate my dog! comes a new hilarious interactive picture book.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Storytime

32 pages, Hardcover

Published September 26, 2017

About the author

"Born in a hospital. Brought up in Brighton. Learnt to colour-in in Eastbourne. Worked in graphic design. Worked in Brighton, London, Manchester and Yorkshire Hills. Worked for myself. Met Philippa somewhere along the way. Had two children. Had the mid life crisis. Bought my first guitar. Got the urge to create a children’s book. Got an agent. Got a book deal. Got another book deal. Got to Chichester."

Reviews

[Kirjapallo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ihan hauska, kuulijoita osallistava kirja. :)

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is going to be really fun in storytimes - my kids love audience participation books, like Tap the Magic Tree and Count the Monkeys. Trouble is, often I have to do everything myself or ask for a volunteer for some of the taps and page turns.
Luckily, aaaalmost everything here is vocal - so perfect for a crowd, and yet individual readers will have fun, too!

The story itself is cute, and I love the illustrations.

[Nicola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss 3 and I like to explore different books and authors at the library, sometimes around particular topics or themes. We try to get different ones out every week or so; it's fun for both of us to have the variety and to look at a mix of new & favourite authors.

This was one that I chose for us to read. Miss 3 really enjoyed it. It's an interactive book where Elphie speaks directly to the readers to ask for help in tricking his family so that he can try to move up to the front of their walking line.

[Bmack · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is really cute! The same author as the books, "This Book Ate My Dog", " We're in the Wrong Book", and "This Book is Out of Control". This book also talks to the audience. The elephants were on their way to the watering hole and the youngest and littlest elephant was tired of being last all the time so he has the reader make different noises which scares the elephant in front of him moving him closer to the front of the line. However, a BIG surprise awaits them at the watering hole! A fun interactive story.

[Theediscerning · Rating 5 out of 5]

I tried to review a similar book this recently, without realising this came first. It's a really fun, meta story, where the character breaks out of the book to talk to the reader and gets us to do things ourselves - make noises, treat the book in a particular way, etc. That gimmick would not work without a good story, mind - luckily this has one. A lovely way to grow familiarity with books and how to engage with them.

[Emily Jones · Rating 2 out of 5]

Elphie is the littlest elephant and the littlest elephants always go last. He's not a fan of that rule. He brings in the readers to help him bump his way up to the front of the line as he and the other elephants make their way to the watering hole.

Pros: Reader interaction. Children will LOVE hissing like snakes, squeaking like mice, and shaking the book.

Cons: Elphie is devious and I'm not a fan of encouraging sneaky behavior.

[Clarissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Richard Byrne's books are always great! The plight of Elphie the littlest elephant in I want to go First will resonate with children who have older siblings. Poor Elphie has to travel at the back of the line of elephants because they go in size order. But Elphie is clever and with the help of the readers she may make it to the front of the line!

[RJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been looking for more interactive picture books that work for a group (most include a lot of, "press here!" "tilt the book on its side"; I just want prompts for talking, moving in your seat, and making noise) and this one's pretty good. And I liked that one of the siblings see through the ruse, so it's not just a book about using tricks to cut people in line.

[MaryLibrarianOH · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interactive. Kids help the small elephant.

From advanced reader copy.

[Jillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Breaks the fourth wall with the character talking to the reader and asking for help - interactive story.

[Casandria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great participatory storytime book!

[Niki · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun interactive book!

[Michele Knott · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very fun, interactive book. I love the look of surprise and giggles as readers interact with the book to get the characters to do things.

[Carolina Edvinsson · Rating 3 out of 5]

My review in swedish --> Romeoandjuliet

[Sandra (sagosandra) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bra bilderbok för sagostunder med några barn. Pipa, väsa, skaka bok på kommando ger rolig läsupplevelse som hjälper till att hålla uppmärksamheten.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a funny book that engages readers! And Richard Byrne is great at it and bonus--his illustrations are awesome.

[Pollo · Rating 1 out of 5]

bien pura mierda el libro ijueputa

[Teacher Librarian Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interactive book that gets the reader involved. Great fun for preschoolers and kindergarteners.

[GS Dachslove · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun interactive story for story time

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this book a lot! Great sound words.

[Chasity R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute, playful and interactive. Enjoyable read that made me chuckle. My nephew will enjoy because of its cleverness and prompts.

[Chantal HK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amusant, interactif et comique!
Aidez le petit éléphant à distraire un à un les membres de sa troupe d'éléphants afin qu'il puisse "subtilement" se retrouver devant la file...
Lecture participative, les enfants doivent faire ou dire des choses pour faire progresser le plan du petit éléphant.
Belle petite lecture à faire en groupe!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kid loved to participate as audience while reading this book. Definitely gonna other books by Richard Byrne.