I've Got an Elephant

Our 18 month old daughter received "I've Got an Elephant" as a gift last year. It has become a favorite! In our house that says a lot; every room is spilling with children's books. She loves this one and often asks for it to be reread several times. As parents and readers, we don't get tired of this book either. I'm so glad when she points to it on her shelf as her choice. I love that it's a counting book that doesn't feel like a boring counting book, it's fun and imaginative with gorgeous illustrations. We love it so much we bought 3 copies for friends this year. We're looking forward to Ms. Ginkel's next work.

A child loves his comforting elephant which seems to him better than the teddy bears the other kids own - until the elephant gets lonely and invites a friend over. Then there are two elephants - until loneliness again sets in . A fun blend of friendship story and easy counting rhyme examines what to do when too many elephants are involved.

Be prepared to share this book again and again with your children! They will love the rhyming, counting, and the pictures. Would make a great baby gift along with a cute stuffed elephant!

This is a perfect book to read over and over with your child. Anne Ginkel's rhyming text is humorous and sensitive at the same time. And Janie Bynum's illustrations are a perfect accompaniment. Children will connect with the little girl's daily activities and with the loneliness of the mischievous elephants who are left behind. They can count the elephants and observe how their costumes change with each new activity. I've bought this book for two young children in my family and they both want to read it over and over. One has already memorized the verse. It's simple enough for a two year old and has enough detail to keep an older child interested in repeated readings. It's a fun and very well crafted book and I recommend it highly.