Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev

In our area, we have a little bookstore called Seagull Book. They mainly sell religious books, but they always have a selection of children's literature that is sold at a discount.

I found Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev and illustrated by Taeeun Yoo last week when I stopped in. Published in 2015, this book is about being a friend and accepting others. The little boy in this story has a tiny, dog-sized pet elephant, but in his city. other people don't allow his pet elephant to be included.

He tells about going for walks with his pet elephant. "He doesn't like the cracks in the sidewalk much. I always go back and help him over. That's what friends do: Lift each other over the cracks." When they get to the pet clubhouse meeting a sign on the door says "Strictly No Elephants."

When the little boy finds out that other unusual pets are being excluded, he and the other kids decide to all be friends together. '"Come along,' I say, making certain that my tiny elephant follows me. Because that' what friends do: never leave anyone behind."

He paint a sign on the door of the new meeting place that says, "All are welcome."

I like this book because it allows a parent to talk to a child about inclusion, being a good friend, and seeing if anyone has made them feel that they don't belong.

The pictures and animals are cute and this book will bring up good discussion points about including others and being a good friend.

Read to a child today to help them navigate problems they may encounter. 

Link to our NICU book registry if you'd like to donate books to babies in the newborn intensive care unit.

This week even more books have arrived for the NICU book project. 

Kaytie sent this book by Erick Carl. Thank you, Kaytie.

Caitie, my daughter, brought these to honor the brothers she never got to meet. She found some fun ones. If you'd like to donate books in honor of someone you love, let me know, and I'm happy to mention your loved one. Thank you, Caitie. 

Michelle brought these books over last night. I love Stellaluna. Thank you, Michelle. 

That is 18 more books for the babies. Thank you to all who have contributed to our project.