But No Elephants

I read this to my kids when they were little. Recently became a grandmother, so wanted a copy for my little one.

I have to agree with all of the other reviews I've read - this is a fantastic book. I loved it when I was a kid and just recently found it at a garage sale. My 19 month old boy loves it and will listen to it over and over again.

This book is awesome. I got our copy at a used book store for $.25 and wish it was not out of print. It's simple enough for a 2-year-old to understand, yet silly enough for a roomful of 6-year-olds to enjoy. Any child or group of children that you read this aloud to will enjoy chanting (or shouting!), "But no elephants!" along with Grandma Tildy, over and over.

Grandma Tildy is a sweet lady who loves everyone and everything except elephants. Well one day a salesman came along and tried to sell he some animals, she bought them all except the elephant. This story is about the elephant that Grandma Tildy didn't buy. It ended up that the salesman left the elephant at her house over the winter until she went soft and brought him in. The elephant got hungry one night and ate all of Grandma Tildy's food. Grandma Tildy got very angry but in the end the elephant takes Grandma Tidly and all her pets to a warm and sunny place. And now Grandma Tildy loves her pet elephant.

I can't believe the publishers let this book go out of print! We discovered this book at a yard sale when our oldest daughter was three, and it immediately became one of her (and my) favorite books. Other reviewers have explained some of the book's charm; what I want to add is that it beautifully shows the value of kindness and the unexpected ways that different individuals can help one another, without being heavy-handed or preachy. In addition, Jerry Smath's illustrations are priceless--richly, subtly humorous, nicely complementing the simple, easy-to-read text.

This book is a "grandchildren" favorite. It is the story of Grandma Tildy and the joy she experienced through her sharing and caring. A happily ever after story. Great lessons for the reader/listener.