Kids love elephants. And elephants have been a muse for many a storyteller. There is something about the long trunk, the big ears, and the slow and heavy tread that appeals to the storyteller and the listener alike. Here are 10 books about elephants you will love reading with your child.
Thunder (Thunder: An Elephant’s Journey) by Erik Daniel Shein
Helped by a bunch of unlikely friends, Thunder takes on a brave journey to find his mother. This adventurous tale of a young pygmy forest elephant imparts valuable lessons to young minds on courage, determination and friendship.
But No Elephants by Jerry Smath
Grandma Tildy who lived alone would welcome any other pet but an elephant. What happens when she finally agrees to shelter an unwanted elephant? Find out in this book which is also illustrated by the author.
“Stand Back,” Said the Elephant, “I’m Going to Sneeze!” by Patricia Thomas
Illustrated by Wallace Tripp, this book is a hilarious account of the attempts made by all the elephants to prevent the elephants from sneezing for the fear of the havoc it would create.
Dumbo: A Little Golden Book (Disney Diecut Classics) by Walt Disney Company
This book with illustrations from the 1940s transports us to the old-world charm and magic of the Disney world. This is a heart-warming tale of one of the most favourite elephants, finding its way to the skies.
Elmer Series by David McKee
A wonderful tale of finding individuality, this book narrates the story of Elmer, an elephant with bright-coloured patches. The book also promises lot of fun and laughter all the way with an important lesson for the young and old alike.
Horton Hears a Who! by Dr. Seuss
The book recounts the tale of Horton, an elephant who vows to protect a tiny planet, Whoville. Threatened by the opposition of other animals, will Horton be successful in saving the little community of the Whos?
Barley the Elephant by Paul Bachmeier
A hilarious account of the possibility of crossing an elephant who wants to be ridden of his spots with a giraffe that is a little too tall for the book on elephants. It is wonderfully illustrated by Scott Chasty.
The Story of Babar by Jean de Brunhoff
Babar, the elephant who runs away from the killers of his mother, is befriended by an old lady in the city. He returns to the forest, educated and cultured, to be made the king of elephants. The delightful illustrations in the book make it worthy to be treasured.
Five Minutes’ Peace by Jill Murphy
A hilarious narrative of Mrs. Large a mother of energetic elephant calves, longing for peace. But, what happens when chaos and confusion chase her all the way and never seems to leave her?
The Elephant’s Child by Rudyard Kipling
An inquisitiveness to find out what the crocodiles like to have for dinner, ultimately leads to the elephant’s child and all other elephants to beget long trunks. The book illustrated by Arlette Lavie is a fun journey in the wild.