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Humperdink Our Elephant Friend
When Humperdink the baby elephant joins the children’s playgroup, he seems friendly enough, but it soon becomes clear that he’s not very good at the usual games the children play, like dressing up or hide-and-seek. When he breaks the children’s favorite slide, everyone feels sad. But with a little patience and understanding the children soon discover that Humperdink is good at some things–especially if they use their imaginations–leading to a riotously fun conclusion. A delightful picture book with endearing artwork and a humorous story to engage young readers and help them gain an understanding about those different from themselves. This title helps children learn the key skill of playing with and accepting new friends, whatever their size, shape... or species! Exploring themes of empathy and imaginative play, this title is a must-have for young readers seeking to understand the world around them.
- GenresPicture BooksChildrens
32 pages, Hardcover
Published May 14, 2019
About the author
Sean Taylor
76 books55 followersSean Taylor started writing poetry as a teenager. In 1993, he came across a newspaper article which reported that a goat slaughtered in Iran had been found to have teeth made of gold. He tried writing a story for children. It was called 'The Goat with the Golden Teeth' and it won second prize in a competition run by the British newspaper 'The Independent' and Scholastic Children's Books. Since then, Sean has focussed on writing for children and has published over forty books for young readers of different ages. As well as writing, he has many years’ experience visiting schools, where he works with poetry and storytelling to encourage young people to write themselves. He lives partly in England (where he was born) and partly in Brazil( where his wife is from.)
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 14, 2019
Run out and buy this today! I was just approved to read Humperdink Our Elephant Friend and it could not have been a better reading experience! The illustrations were adorable and fun, the story was cute and touching - everything was just great about it!
Humperdink joins a classroom of children having fun doing all sorts of activities and wants to play too. Unfortunately, due to his size and strength, everything the kids normally do with each other is hard to do with an elephant (ie play dress up). The kids feel bad because they know it's not Humperdink's fault, so they ask Humperdink to play doing things he likes to do. A total blast ensues and the reader is treated to joy from everyone.
I will absolutely be buying this for my daughter. She will love this addition to her library.
Thank you to Netgalley, Quarto Publishing Group - words & pictures and Sean Taylor for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review!
Review Date: 5/14/19
Publication Date: 5/14/19
Humperdink joins a classroom of children having fun doing all sorts of activities and wants to play too. Unfortunately, due to his size and strength, everything the kids normally do with each other is hard to do with an elephant (ie play dress up). The kids feel bad because they know it's not Humperdink's fault, so they ask Humperdink to play doing things he likes to do. A total blast ensues and the reader is treated to joy from everyone.
I will absolutely be buying this for my daughter. She will love this addition to her library.
Thank you to Netgalley, Quarto Publishing Group - words & pictures and Sean Taylor for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review!
Review Date: 5/14/19
Publication Date: 5/14/19
May 14, 2019
This is sort of a middle-of-the-road picture book for me. It's cute, but the story is a little too simple for my taste and there are a few technical issues with the writing.
I do kind of like the illustrations. They almost give the book a vintage sort of feel. But the diverse array of children depicted kind of give away the fact that this isn't a book from the 1960s. Humperdink the baby elephant is pretty cute himself, although one does need to suspend a bit of disbelief to imagine that a giant pachyderm was allowed into a playgroup with toddlers.
The story is fairly basic. When the elephant joins the playgroup, the kids try to teach him their favourite activities. But he can't fit into the dress-up clothes, he's terrible at hiding, and--oh, no!--he breaks the kids' favourite slide. With nothing to do, the kids ask Humperdink to show them what he enjoys... and he ends up taking them on an elephant-walk into the "jungle" outside. (I wasn't sure about this part at first. After reading it again, it seems to be an imaginary jungle, but since having an elephant in the playgroup is already pretty fantastical, I thought at first that the jungle might be real.)
This book could've used one more pass of an editor's red pen. I don't know why (maybe because someone thought it looked smarter), but words like "everyone" and "anymore" are separated into two words. Unfortunately, this changes the meaning and makes the sentences clunky and confusing. So I had to take off some points there. (This wouldn't be an issue if one was reading aloud to kids, though, so keep that in mind.)
Overall, I wasn't blown away by Humperdink Our Elephant Friend, but it's entertaining enough and will probably appeal to small children. Adults, however, will probably leave with at least one unanswered question: Did the grownups in charge ever fix the kids' slide?
Thank you to NetGalley and words & pictures for providing a digital ARC.
I do kind of like the illustrations. They almost give the book a vintage sort of feel. But the diverse array of children depicted kind of give away the fact that this isn't a book from the 1960s. Humperdink the baby elephant is pretty cute himself, although one does need to suspend a bit of disbelief to imagine that a giant pachyderm was allowed into a playgroup with toddlers.
The story is fairly basic. When the elephant joins the playgroup, the kids try to teach him their favourite activities. But he can't fit into the dress-up clothes, he's terrible at hiding, and--oh, no!--he breaks the kids' favourite slide. With nothing to do, the kids ask Humperdink to show them what he enjoys... and he ends up taking them on an elephant-walk into the "jungle" outside. (I wasn't sure about this part at first. After reading it again, it seems to be an imaginary jungle, but since having an elephant in the playgroup is already pretty fantastical, I thought at first that the jungle might be real.)
This book could've used one more pass of an editor's red pen. I don't know why (maybe because someone thought it looked smarter), but words like "everyone" and "anymore" are separated into two words. Unfortunately, this changes the meaning and makes the sentences clunky and confusing. So I had to take off some points there. (This wouldn't be an issue if one was reading aloud to kids, though, so keep that in mind.)
Overall, I wasn't blown away by Humperdink Our Elephant Friend, but it's entertaining enough and will probably appeal to small children. Adults, however, will probably leave with at least one unanswered question: Did the grownups in charge ever fix the kids' slide?
Thank you to NetGalley and words & pictures for providing a digital ARC.
May 31, 2019
I love everything about this wordless picture book! Firstly, the illustrations are beautiful. Secondly, it gently introduces children to how while differences in one another may necessitate a new way of playing, it can be fun. Inclusion can be a difficult subject to approach with the very young, and this book is a valuable addition to the toolbox.
This unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
This unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
May 17, 2021
Re-read 2022:Was reading a Dutch picture book yesterday and found it suspiciously alike another book... then I checked the original title on Goodreads and found out it was this book, haha. Surprise! I kept reading because so far I was so much fun! I really had fun re-reading this and the translation is well done! It was great to see our small elephant again and see how the kids reacted to him.
The illustrations were just so pretty!
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Read 2021: I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
I just couldn’t resist a book about an elephant! Plus, look at that cover, isn’t it adorable?
In this fun book we meet with several friends who are in a playgroup, they are having the greatest of times (I love that slide into pillows part, I want that too!), and then a new person, or well new friend arrives. Because Humperdink isn’t a human, he is an elephant! And he is more than eager to play… but you can already guess that elephants and tiny little human things just don’t go together. I just wanted to hug everyone when things didn’t go right. He just wants to be part of the friendship. He just wants to play!
But the kids quickly find a solution and so begins a wonderful adventure that had me smiling from ear to ear. It was such a fun and sweet thing and I loved seeing the whole group having a lot of fun. Sliding, stomping, climbing, swinging, and more!
The ending made me happy! I am so proud of Humperdink, and so proud of the kids for accepting him! They all seem to have a great time, and I would love to join.
The illustrations are just wonderful, so sweet and lovely and fit with the story so well!
All in all, Highly Recommended! This adorable book about friendship and acceptance is one that will be loved by many, I am sure!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
The illustrations were just so pretty!
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Read 2021: I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
I just couldn’t resist a book about an elephant! Plus, look at that cover, isn’t it adorable?
In this fun book we meet with several friends who are in a playgroup, they are having the greatest of times (I love that slide into pillows part, I want that too!), and then a new person, or well new friend arrives. Because Humperdink isn’t a human, he is an elephant! And he is more than eager to play… but you can already guess that elephants and tiny little human things just don’t go together. I just wanted to hug everyone when things didn’t go right. He just wants to be part of the friendship. He just wants to play!
But the kids quickly find a solution and so begins a wonderful adventure that had me smiling from ear to ear. It was such a fun and sweet thing and I loved seeing the whole group having a lot of fun. Sliding, stomping, climbing, swinging, and more!
The ending made me happy! I am so proud of Humperdink, and so proud of the kids for accepting him! They all seem to have a great time, and I would love to join.
The illustrations are just wonderful, so sweet and lovely and fit with the story so well!
All in all, Highly Recommended! This adorable book about friendship and acceptance is one that will be loved by many, I am sure!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
August 9, 2019
Humperdink the elephant is a new classmate and he joins in with the children having fun doing all sorts of activities. Unfortunately, due to his size and strength, everything he tries to do causes problems. The children feel bad because they know it's not Humperdink's fault, so they ask him what he likes to play. They start doing things he likes to do and have a great time with lots of laughter and joy.
This is an adorable book with a great message. It gently introduces children to inclusion, and that children's differences may require them to find a different way to play and do things, but that they will still have a lot of fun. What a great book for a family, classroom or school library. I liked the illustrations and thought Humperdink was adorable. I read this to my grandchildren and my grandson thought it was a fun story, but was worried about the torn dress up clothes and broken slide. He loved the idea of playing with an elephant though. I am not sure if he grasped the message of inclusion and differences, but he was able to identify some kids in his class who were like Humperdink and broke stuff in the classroom. He still wanted to be their friend though. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
This is an adorable book with a great message. It gently introduces children to inclusion, and that children's differences may require them to find a different way to play and do things, but that they will still have a lot of fun. What a great book for a family, classroom or school library. I liked the illustrations and thought Humperdink was adorable. I read this to my grandchildren and my grandson thought it was a fun story, but was worried about the torn dress up clothes and broken slide. He loved the idea of playing with an elephant though. I am not sure if he grasped the message of inclusion and differences, but he was able to identify some kids in his class who were like Humperdink and broke stuff in the classroom. He still wanted to be their friend though. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
May 15, 2019
A lovely picture book that I would read to my youngest niece about friendship and the importance of accepting differences and compromising. The illustrations are lovely too. Who wouldn't want to play with Humperdink?! ☺
September 11, 2019
A wonderful tale beautifully illustrated! I am SO in love with this little book! Go out and get it for your children! They will LOVE Humperdink, and so will you!
June 6, 2019
Review to follow!
May 28, 2019
The illustrations, clearly inspired by classic children's books of the 1960s, are a gem. The story, however, fell flat for me and felt a little disjointed.
May 17, 2019
Hmmm… I had to sit and think about this book and my thoughts concerning it – for almost longer than it took to read. I suppose, with the help of another review, I do see the elephant as metaphor for the new kid in class – that newbie at the school who doesn't at first seem to fit in, until he can show his imaginative powers. If that's not the case, then it is a bonkers story of a kindergarten which gains an elephant who's hopeless at joining in by dint of being, er, a pachyderm, but who takes the kids illicitly to a jungle where they all have fun together (TRIGGER POINT!!)). Now, many books can be too simplistic, but why pick this one when many others have the clarity both the junior and the adult audience deserve? This will be passable entertainment until the young reader works out that it makes little literal sense – beyond which the lovely illustrations will be well-thumbed, but no help.
Two and a half stars, as the artist deserves a lot of credit.
Two and a half stars, as the artist deserves a lot of credit.
May 11, 2021
A lovely way to introduce young children about inclusion and accepting others of all shapes, sizes and in this books case, ‘species”.
This is such an adorable book with its cute illustrations that show lots on fun on the pages! I especially enjoyed its message to our little ones about including others and accepting their differences with some problem solving in there too. It is done in a clever way that children will be able to understand and works well to support little ones with their Personal, Social and Emotional (PSED) development.
The story starts with Humperdink arriving at play school. The children kindly invite him to play but soon discover that he may not be suited for some of these play ideas, with the dressing up clothes being too small and Humperdink not being the best at hiding during hide’n’seek due to his size. What I loved is how they turn this around and the children ask to play what Humperdink enjoys playing and soon they are able to play and explore together and it ends with the understanding that although he may not be able to join in all activities, there are still many that he is able to do along with them.
What a fab story! I can’t wait to get a paper copy to share with the children I teach at my work setting!
** I received an advanced copy of this e-book to read and review. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publishers for allowing me this opportunity **
This is such an adorable book with its cute illustrations that show lots on fun on the pages! I especially enjoyed its message to our little ones about including others and accepting their differences with some problem solving in there too. It is done in a clever way that children will be able to understand and works well to support little ones with their Personal, Social and Emotional (PSED) development.
The story starts with Humperdink arriving at play school. The children kindly invite him to play but soon discover that he may not be suited for some of these play ideas, with the dressing up clothes being too small and Humperdink not being the best at hiding during hide’n’seek due to his size. What I loved is how they turn this around and the children ask to play what Humperdink enjoys playing and soon they are able to play and explore together and it ends with the understanding that although he may not be able to join in all activities, there are still many that he is able to do along with them.
What a fab story! I can’t wait to get a paper copy to share with the children I teach at my work setting!
** I received an advanced copy of this e-book to read and review. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publishers for allowing me this opportunity **
May 7, 2021
I absolutely loved this book! It is the story of a little elephant that joins a playgroup. He is very friendly so the other children try hard to include him but despite trying really hard some of the games they play (dressing up and going on a slide) are not possible for an enormous elephant!
The children go outside so that Humperdink can teach them some of his own games. They all join in 'elephant walking' and before long they are all on a fantastic jungle adventure (climbing and swinging through trees.)
This is such a lovely story that young children can easily relate to. It is perfect for helping children to understand that although everyone is different there is always a way to include everybody.
This story would be the perfect addition to Early Years settings helping children to learn to accept/be kind to others and let everybody join in.
Humperdink is such a cute little elephant and the fantastic illustrations really bring the story to life. My son will love this book and I will definitely be purchasing a copy when this comes out in June.
Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group and NetGalley for this eARC .
The children go outside so that Humperdink can teach them some of his own games. They all join in 'elephant walking' and before long they are all on a fantastic jungle adventure (climbing and swinging through trees.)
This is such a lovely story that young children can easily relate to. It is perfect for helping children to understand that although everyone is different there is always a way to include everybody.
This story would be the perfect addition to Early Years settings helping children to learn to accept/be kind to others and let everybody join in.
Humperdink is such a cute little elephant and the fantastic illustrations really bring the story to life. My son will love this book and I will definitely be purchasing a copy when this comes out in June.
Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group and NetGalley for this eARC .
May 19, 2021
This is a really lovely and sweet picture book. I really enjoyed the beginning where we are encouraged as readers to look at the pictures and explore the activities the children like to do at playgroup.
We are introduced to Humperdink who joins the children in their playgroup. Humperdink is a really cute elephant and we warmed to his character straight away. He wants to join in but finds it difficult due to his size. My daughter felt sad for Humperdink and said ‘Poor Humperdink’ every time the elephant had a mishap with a game, or just couldn’t join in properly.We were happy when the children were able to play pretend jungle and Humperdink was included in their games.
This is a beautifully illustrated book and a heartwarming story. It encourages empathy in children and is a great introduction to talking about inclusion in play. A really fantastic addition to a library collection.
We are introduced to Humperdink who joins the children in their playgroup. Humperdink is a really cute elephant and we warmed to his character straight away. He wants to join in but finds it difficult due to his size. My daughter felt sad for Humperdink and said ‘Poor Humperdink’ every time the elephant had a mishap with a game, or just couldn’t join in properly.We were happy when the children were able to play pretend jungle and Humperdink was included in their games.
This is a beautifully illustrated book and a heartwarming story. It encourages empathy in children and is a great introduction to talking about inclusion in play. A really fantastic addition to a library collection.
June 25, 2019
'Humperdink Our Elephant Friend' by Sean Taylor with illustrations by Claire Alexander is a picture book about a preschool class with a new and very large student.
When baby elephant Humperdink comes to playgroup and wants to play, the kids are happy to have him join in. Unfortunately, Humperdink is not very good at hide and seek, and he manages to break the kids favorite slide. The kids adapt and find new ways for Humperdink to play with them.
The story is a kind of teaching about finding ways to include those who are different, even if they don't look like an adorable baby elephant. The illustrations have a soft vintage look that I really liked.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Quarto Publishing Group - words & pictures, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
When baby elephant Humperdink comes to playgroup and wants to play, the kids are happy to have him join in. Unfortunately, Humperdink is not very good at hide and seek, and he manages to break the kids favorite slide. The kids adapt and find new ways for Humperdink to play with them.
The story is a kind of teaching about finding ways to include those who are different, even if they don't look like an adorable baby elephant. The illustrations have a soft vintage look that I really liked.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Quarto Publishing Group - words & pictures, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
June 4, 2019
I want to thank #netgalley for giving me a copy of #HumperdinkOurElephantFriend to review. This was a cute story about fitting in. Humperdink is an elephant so he doesn't quite fit in to what everyone else can do, but that doesn't mean he can't be your friend. The illustrations are cute and the story is perfect for lower elementary.
September 3, 2021
Genre: Modern Fantasy
Grade Level: K-1
This was such a simple, but fun read. It would be an easy read to explain to students the value of listening to your friends and taking time for their favorite activities, as well as your own. It also shows how to overcome obstacles and let everyone be included. I loved the moral of this story, as well as the simple writing and fun little drawings.
Grade Level: K-1
This was such a simple, but fun read. It would be an easy read to explain to students the value of listening to your friends and taking time for their favorite activities, as well as your own. It also shows how to overcome obstacles and let everyone be included. I loved the moral of this story, as well as the simple writing and fun little drawings.
June 10, 2019
A very sweet book about playing together and understanding that not everyone can play the same games. The illustrations are cute and compliment the story well.
April 14, 2020
A sweet book for your young children. My son loves elephants and this was a perfect book for our collection
November 4, 2020
I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this one. Great, unique illustrations. A fun story line. And an elephant!
I loved this one. Great, unique illustrations. A fun story line. And an elephant!
March 6, 2020
Genre: Low Fantasy
Grade: Pre-K-K
Humperdink is an okay story and it does teach children to treat everyone with respect. However, I didn't care for this book because of its poorly written sentences and its dull story line. I believe this book had a lot of potential but it is lacking an engaging plot.
Grade: Pre-K-K
Humperdink is an okay story and it does teach children to treat everyone with respect. However, I didn't care for this book because of its poorly written sentences and its dull story line. I believe this book had a lot of potential but it is lacking an engaging plot.
February 3, 2020
Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
April 16, 2019
See more on our blog at JennRenee Read
Do you like this book?
Yeah because I love elephants. I want to ride an elephant! OOH!
What's your favorite part of the book?
When they rode on his back and then they were in the jungle like with snakes and tigers!
What do you think of the cover?
It's soooo cute!
This book is absolutely adorable! Humperdink is an elephant friend who joins human kids at preschool. He's too big to join into any of their fun, and so they tell him that they will play what he wants to.
He takes them outside and they play and play like they're in the jungle. He even put the kids on his back.
After that they loved playing with Humperdink, their elephant friend.
The artwork is so cute and I think it's a great story about accepting friends and doing what they want too, because it makes them happy.
May 14, 2019
I'm really torn about my feelings on this book. While the illustrations are adorable, I almost feel like the elephant is representing an overweight child in the beginning. The end does have us with an elephant in the jungle, but the beginning seemed way too symbolic of a new kid at school who happens to be overweight.
May 15, 2019
Cute illustrations but story wasn’t quite as good as the illustrations sadly
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
May 17, 2019
Sean Taylor has written a cute, adorable children’s book. We enjoyed reading!
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of Humperdink in exchange for an honest opinion.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of Humperdink in exchange for an honest opinion.
May 22, 2019
This was very cute and the illustrations really bring a lot of emotion to the story. It was fun flipping through the pages and I think this would be a cute gift for a baby shower or something similar, especially if it were elephant themed.
Thanks to NetGalley & the publisher for allowing me to read a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley & the publisher for allowing me to read a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews