I was first introduced to Little Elliot, the little elephant who lives in the big city, last year and immediately fell in love. I was initially drawn to the art work, which is beautiful, but after reading the story I was in love.
In the first Little Elliot book , author Mike Curato gracefully draws children in and makes it easy for children to see themselves in the story. Sometimes Elliot feels like he doesn’t belong. Other times he struggles to do things that others do effortlessly. And that’s why I love Little Elliot so much! We’ve all been Little Elliot before. We’ve all felt out of place or been too small to do something. And we’ve all, at one point or another, also realized that other people feel out of place, or too small, or too tall, or too different as well. But in this first book, Little Elliot discovers that when he helps others, he doesn’t feel quite so small anymore.
In the newest Little Elliot book – titled Little Elliot, Big City – we find out that although Little Elliot is still living in the big city with his new friend, he still finds himself lonely sometimes. When his little friend goes away to visit family, Little Elliot begins to think of all the things he’s missing because he doesn’t have a family of his own. Once again, Curato uses few words to make a big statement: you are not alone. We’ve all wished for something we didn’t – or couldn’t – have. We’ve all had friends who have gone away. And we’ve all been lonely before.
And, well…I don’t want to spoil the ending for you, but sweet Little Elliot certainly does find a big family! One that welcomes him warmly and makes him feel at home.
I highly recommend both of these books to families with young children, and right now you can enter to win a copy of the second book. Enter below!
One SIMPLE reader will win a copy of Little Elliot, Big Family and a magnetic photo frame.
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Staci A
November 27, 2015 at 8:55 pmWhen my nephew comes over, I make sure to have his favorite snacks, so he feels more comfortable.
Jennifer Rogers
November 21, 2015 at 7:29 amSupport the local Angel trees!
nannypanpan
November 20, 2015 at 7:52 pmwe’ve invited those without family to our house for the holidays
Laura
November 19, 2015 at 4:07 pmBe welcoming and smile!
D Schmidt
November 19, 2015 at 12:44 pmI have opened our home to those in need many times before.
Samantha C.
November 19, 2015 at 11:10 amWe try to welcome someone by just being super caring and attentive!
Sean
November 19, 2015 at 11:09 amTo make someone feel like their home, I’d play familiar music, movie or food items that would put them at ease.
charlene
November 19, 2015 at 9:35 amI am not sure what it is but my daughters friends love to come hang out here. Apparently I am the cool mom and the first question after I say they can stay over is ” What is your mom making for dinner?”
Donna
November 19, 2015 at 9:14 amI have a little Eliot! He would be comforted by a picture and being able to tell stories.
Kimberly
November 19, 2015 at 9:09 amInvite someone to thanksgiving dinner! Now I need a friend in this town to invite 🙂
Alina
November 19, 2015 at 8:20 amTry to make them a dish for dinner that reminds them of mom’s cooking.