Uncle Elephant (I Can Read Level 2)

One of our favorite authors. I bought this book while knowing nothing about it besides who wrote it. I started reading with my 4 year old and sort of panicked in the beginning of the first story because I thought it was covering a serious life topic/theme that we hadn't touched upon before. But thankfully, it wasn't, and by the last story my confusion was sorted out. This is a very sweet book, with a touch of wistfulness. We don't read this one as often now, a year later, but in our day to day life, sometimes we mention "uncle elephant".

Adults say this is a book that deals with loss. I'm sure that when my daughter is older, she will see it that way. She does not now. That is one of the beautiful things about this entertaining, wonderful book - that the aspects of loss in this book are presented in a way that they can be completely ignored by children who aren't ready, acknowledged by children who are just discovering these ideas, and can be discussed with older children. I think it is inaccurate to say this is a book "about loss." This book is written from the child's perspective, and it is primarily a book about his visit to his uncle. As an adult, we catch what is going on - the child's parents are lost at sea - presumed dead - and his uncle (although I think it is the parent's uncle) comes to take a nephew he has never seen to live with him. But that's not what the book is about, and that's not what your child takes away from it. It is just a delight watching the two elephants interact. I don't want to spoil the ending. Darn - I want to talk about it.

Uncle Elephant was by far my daughter, Nikki's favorite book of childhood. It is a timeless tale of love, devotion, and the true meaning of family. When she was in first grade, Nikki wrote to Arnold Lobel. He wrote back to Nikki and even hand drew a picture of Uncle Elephant for her. It is a treasure. The message of the book is a simple one - the love we have and show each other can sustain us even in our darkest hours, giving us hope and strength to face - and even find joy in- the day.

this funny, sad, and thoughtful story of a little elephant who loses his parents in ship wreck is a great book to talk with your young children about loss and family. Little Elephant must go to stay with his Uncle. Many adventures ensue, as well as lil elephants understanding of older folks. A surprise awaits lil elephant and the end and you'll find yourself shedding a tear for good old Uncle Elephant. Good for boys or girls-up to about 8 years. 5 stars!

I discovered "Uncle Elephant" from a video that I rented for my toddler son, "Frog and Toad Together". There was a song "Count to Ten" that featured the "Uncle Elephant" character and it was so delightful that I went and got the book from the library. It is easy reading and is heartwarming. His wrinkles and cane remind you of a long-missed grandparent.The book consists of several small stories, so it does not demand much of an attention span so you can read this book to a child who is too young to read and it's simple sentences are a good book for a new reader. It's very charming!