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You’re looking for a way to engage your little ones with stories that will not only captivate their imagination but also teach them valuable lessons. You’re in luck! Educators have curated a list of 13 timeless elephant books that cater to kids of all ages and reading levels. From colorful board books to more complex stories, these books cover a range of topics, from empathy and inclusivity to STEM concepts. But what makes these books truly stand out, and how can you choose the perfect one for your child?
National Geographic Readers: Elephants
If you’re looking for an engaging and educational read for your little one, National Geographic Readers: Elephants is an excellent choice for kids aged 2-5 who are enthusiastic to learn about these majestic creatures. This book is part of National Geographic’s “You Read, I Read” series, designed for parent/child reading with highlighted challenging words and interactive activities. Brief chapters feature engaging, age-appropriate text and phenomenal color photographs that’ll keep your child’s attention. You’ll cover elephant body parts, families, needs, and habitat, as well as the declining elephant population and efforts to help. The book also teaches about Asian and African elephants and herd hierarchy, making it an informative and fun read.
Best For: Children aged 2-5 who are interested in learning about elephants and the natural world.
Pros:
- Engaging and informative content that teaches about elephant body parts, families, needs, and habitat.
- Beautiful and phenomenal color photographs that keep children’s attention.
- Designed for parent/child reading with highlighted challenging words and interactive activities.
Cons:
- May be challenging for some 3-year-olds to read independently.
- Vocabulary on the child’s side of the page may be too advanced for some young readers.
- Some readers may find the book too simple for their child’s reading level.
Strictly No Elephants
When it comes to teaching your kids the importance of inclusion and empathy, “Strictly No Elephants” is an excellent choice. This book helps you teach your child the value of including others and not excluding anyone, making it a great story for both the “excluder” and “includer” types. The beautifully illustrated and charming storyline tells a heartwarming tale of accepting diversity and change. Suitable for children aged 2-8, the short and simple text makes it perfect for bedtime reading, sparking conversations about the hurt of being excluded. As a parent, you’ll appreciate the book’s ability to initiate debates and work on values, making it a great addition to your home library or classroom.
Best For: Children aged 2-8, parents, and teachers looking to teach valuable lessons about inclusion, empathy, and kindness.
Pros:
- Teaches important lessons about inclusion, empathy, and kindness
- Beautifully illustrated and charming storyline that sparks conversations about the hurt of being excluded
- Suitable for children aged 2-8, making it a great addition to home libraries and classrooms
Cons:
- None mentioned in the provided text
Be the Best Me: An Elephant Tale
“Be the Best Me: An Elephant Tale” is a standout among elephant books for kids, offering a beautifully illustrated and uplifting story that’s perfect for kids of all ages. You’ll love the bright, lively, yet calming illustrations that are a highlight of the book. The sweet story conveys a great message about embracing and loving yourself just the way you are, written in a way that’s cute and fun for kids to understand. This book is suitable for two-year-olds and older kids, making it a great gift for any birthday or baby shower. You’ll find yourself engaged on every page, and the adorable illustrations will capture your heart.
Best For: Perfect for kids of all ages, especially two-year-olds and older, as a great gift for birthdays or baby showers.
Pros:
- Beautifully illustrated book with bright, lively, yet calming illustrations
- Conveys a great message about embracing and loving yourself just the way you are
- Suitable for kids of all ages, making it a great gift for any occasion
Cons:
– None mentioned in the review.
A Parade of Elephants Board Book
With its simple, heartwarming text and masterful, colorful illustrations, “A Parade of Elephants Board Book” is an excellent choice for building number sense in 2-5 year olds. You’ll love reading this beautifully crafted book with your little ones, watching them point and count along with the adorable elephants. The thick, colorful pages will capture their attention, and Kevin Henkes’ amazing illustrations will make this a bedtime favorite. As you read, your child will learn new words like “yawning” and “march,” and you’ll appreciate how the story encourages them to notice changes and count together. This charming book is a great gift idea for young children who love elephants, and it’s a wonderful addition to any child’s book collection.
Best For: Children aged 2-5 who love elephants and need to develop their number sense.
Pros:
- Builds number sense in young children through a fun and engaging storyline
- Features thick, colorful pages and masterful illustrations that capture children’s attention
- Encourages children to point, count, and notice changes, making it an interactive reading experience
Cons:
- Some reviewers were disappointed with the book despite good reviews
- Damaged copies with markings and pin holes on the cover have been reported
Have You Seen Elephant?
If you’re searching for a delightful and engaging book for your little ones, “Have You Seen Elephant?” is an excellent choice for 2- to 4-year-olds who love interactive games and beautiful illustrations. This book has captured the hearts of many children, who can’t get enough of spotting the hiding elephant on each page. The high-quality matte paper and artwork make the illustrations truly stand out, and the simple language makes it easy for you to read aloud or for early readers to practice their skills. You’ll appreciate how the book introduces your child to the game of hide and seek and number literacy, all while keeping them entertained. Plus, the ending is sure to bring a smile to your face!
Best For: Children aged 2-4 who love interactive games and beautiful illustrations.
Pros:
- Engaging and interactive storyline that encourages children to spot the hiding elephant
- High-quality matte paper and beautiful artwork that makes the illustrations stand out
- Simple language that makes it easy to read aloud or for early readers to practice their skills
Cons:
– None mentioned in the provided reviews.
If Animals Kissed Good Night
When it comes to choosing a bedtime story that will captivate your little ones, “If Animals Kissed Good Night” stands out as a top pick for its soothing pace and sweet rhymes. You’ll love the simple, calming illustrations that beautifully bring the story to life. As you read, you’ll appreciate the one-line-per-page format, perfect for holding your child’s attention. Your kids will adore making sounds from the book and connecting with the story from the very first read. They’ll ask to hear it again and again, making it a great addition to your bedtime routine. It’s no wonder this book is a favorite among kids and a highly recommended gift for friends and family with babies.
Best For: Parents and caregivers looking for a soothing and engaging bedtime story for their little ones.
Pros:
- Soothing pace and sweet rhymes make it an ideal bedtime story
- Simple and calming illustrations that beautifully bring the story to life
- One-line-per-page format is perfect for holding a child’s attention
Cons:
* (No cons mentioned in the provided text)
National Geographic Readers: Great Migrations Elephants
National Geographic Readers: Great Migrations Elephants is an ideal choice for kids who are fascinated by these gentle giants and want to dive deeper into their world. You’ll love how this book is filled with stunning pictures and packed with fascinating facts about elephants from start to finish. Your child will be engaged from the very first page, and you’ll be impressed by how much they’ll learn. The reading experience is enjoyable, and the text features make it perfect for educational lessons. Suitable for kids through grade school, this book is a must-have for early readers and even adults who want to learn more about these amazing creatures.
Best For: Early readers, kids through grade school, and adults who want to learn more about elephants.
Pros:
- Filled with stunning pictures and packed with fascinating facts about elephants
- Engaging reading experience that encourages kids to learn more about these amazing creatures
- Suitable for kids through grade school and even adults who want to learn more about elephants
Cons:
- None mentioned by reviewers
All Things Elephants For Kids
You’re looking for the perfect book to spark your child’s curiosity about elephants, and you’ve come to the right place! “All Things Elephants For Kids” is a fantastic choice, filled with plenty of facts, photos, and fun ways to learn about these amazing creatures. With a great mix of facts and jokes, this book presents accurate information in a way that’ll keep your kid’s attention. The beautiful photos and ideas on ways to help elephants will surely appeal to 8-year-old elephant and animal lovers. As a parent, you’ll appreciate the educational value, and your kid will have a blast learning. It’s a great birthday gift, and you’ll both learn a lot together!
Best For: Best For: 8-year-old kids and elephant and animal lovers who want to learn about elephants in a fun and educational way.
Pros:
- Filled with plenty of facts, photos, and fun ways to learn about elephants
- Presents accurate information in a way that keeps kids’ attention
- Beautiful photos and ideas on ways to help elephants
Cons:
- None mentioned in the reviews
Richard Scarrys Polite Elephant (Little Golden Book)
If you’re looking for an Elephant Book for Kids that will instill good manners and polite behavior, Richard Scarry’s Polite Elephant (Little Golden Book) is an excellent choice for toddlers aged 21 months and up. You’ll appreciate the delightful illustrations by Richard Scarry, which teach important concepts of good manners in a gentle and respectful tone. Your child will love the polite elephant’s kind and respectful behavior, making it a great tool for teaching them to be gentlemen. The simple and cute pictures will help your little one understand these valuable lessons.
Best For: Toddlers aged 21 months and up who need to learn good manners and polite behavior.
Pros:
- Delightful illustrations by Richard Scarry that teach important concepts of good manners in a gentle and respectful tone
- Teaches children to be kind and respectful through the polite elephant’s behavior
- Simple and cute pictures that help little ones understand valuable lessons
Cons:
- Some manners in the book may be a little outdated
- Does not emphasize apologies, asking permission, tidying up, and other important aspects of good manners
- Only suitable for very young children
Elmer
Discover a timeless tale of self-acceptance with “Elmer”, an elephant book for kids that stands out for its vibrant colors and uplifting message. You’ll love how this book celebrates individuality and promotes confidence in being yourself. As an educator, you’ll appreciate the beautiful story that reminds kids not to compare themselves to others and to live in harmony. The bright and colorful illustrations will captivate your young readers, and the sturdy cover guarantees the book will withstand repeated readings. With its universal message, “Elmer” makes a wonderful gift for toddlers, and its board book version is perfect for little hands.
Best For: Toddlers, educators, and parents looking for a colorful and uplifting story to promote self-acceptance and individuality.
Pros:
- Vibrant and colorful illustrations that captivate young readers
- Uplifting message that celebrates individuality and promotes confidence in being oneself
- Sturdy cover and board book version perfect for little hands and repeated readings
Cons:
– None mentioned in the reviews
Mindfulness Moments for Kids: Listen Like an Elephant
The “Mindfulness Moments for Kids: Listen Like an Elephant” book stands out as an ideal choice for parents and caregivers seeking to instill mindfulness skills in toddlers. You’ll appreciate how this book teaches your child to appreciate their surroundings and develop mindfulness through simple, direct concepts and vibrant artwork. As part of a regular bedtime routine, this book calms both you and your child, segueing smoothly from reading to resting. By encouraging your child to stop and listen to their surroundings, you’ll find that this book has a calming effect, making it an effective addition to your daily wind-down routine.
Best For: Parents and caregivers seeking to instill mindfulness skills in toddlers.
Pros:
- Teaches mindfulness and listening skills to toddlers through simple and direct concepts and vibrant artwork.
- Has a calming effect on children before bedtime, making it an ideal addition to a daily wind-down routine.
- Encourages children to stop and listen to their surroundings, promoting appreciation and mindfulness.
Cons:
- Some readers found the storyline to be lacking.
- Took time to appreciate the book’s concept and execution for a few readers.
- No other notable criticisms mentioned.
Stand Back, Said the Elephant, Im Going to Sneeze!
You’ll want to get your hands on “Stand Back, Said the Elephant, Im Going to Sneeze!” – a timeless and hilarious book that has been delighting kids and parents alike for generations. This book has a special place in many educators’ hearts, with some even calling it their favorite from childhood. You’ll love reading it aloud with inflection, using different voices to bring the story to life. Your little ones will be captivated by the animal sounds and interactive pages, which will help them develop their reading skills. Plus, it makes a great gift for new babies, paired with a cuddly stuffed elephant. Totally recommend this book – it’s a classic that will hold kids’ attention and leave them giggling!
Best For: Children and parents looking for a timeless, hilarious, and interactive reading experience that promotes reading skills and bonding.
Pros:
- Timeless and hilarious story that delights kids and parents alike
- Interactive pages and animal sounds that captivate young readers and help develop their reading skills
- Makes a great gift for new babies, paired with a cuddly stuffed elephant
Cons:
– None mentioned in the reviews
An Elephant in the Garden: Inspired by a True Story
During wartime, when the world is torn apart, an unforgettable story of an elephant in a garden brings hope and resilience to the forefront. You’ll be drawn into a powerful dual timeline novel that explores the difficulty of war time, educating and entertaining you along the way. Based on a true story, the book tells the tale of a zookeeper who saves an elephant from a Belfast Zoo, and a sweet elderly woman named Lizzy who shares stories of an elephant in her garden. As you read, you’ll discover themes of a mother’s all-encompassing love, the importance of helping others, and working together. With its authentic feel and engaging writing style, this book is perfect for tweens and adults alike, and is highly recommended for early middle grade students.
Best For: Early middle grade students, tweens, and adults alike who want to learn about the war and its humanizing stories.
Pros:
- A well-written and engaging tale that explores the difficulty of war time
- Introduces a horrific event of the Second World War in a way that is accessible to middle-grade students
- Offers a powerful dual timeline novel that will educate and entertain
Cons:
- May be too intense or disturbing for younger or more sensitive readers
- Deals with mature themes such as war, sacrifice, and loss
- May not be suitable for readers who prefer lighter or more fantastical stories
Factors to Consider When Choosing Elephant Books for Kids
When choosing elephant books for kids, you’ll want to ponder a few key factors to guarantee you pick the perfect fit. You’ll need to think about the age range of your child, as well as the reading level and storyline that will captivate them. Additionally, you’ll want to ponder the educational value and illustrations that will bring the story to life.
Age Range Considerations
Choosing the right elephant book for kids depends on their age and individual reading level. For younger children, aged 2-5, simple, colorful books with minimal text, like board books or picture books, are perfect for introducing them to elephants and their features. As they grow, children aged 4-8 can enjoy engaging storylines, relatable characters, and educational content that develops their reading skills and understanding of the natural world.
Early readers, aged 5-7, benefit from simple language, repetitive text, and entertaining illustrations that build confidence in their reading abilities. Children aged 8-12 can appreciate more complex books with historical or scientific content that challenge their reading skills and knowledge. Teenagers, aged 13+, can engage with books that explore deeper themes, such as conservation, social issues, or emotional intelligence, stimulating critical thinking and empathy. Consider your child’s individual reading level and maturity when selecting an elephant book, as some stories may tackle heavier subjects. By choosing the right book, you’ll spark a lifelong love for reading and learning about these incredible creatures.
Book Illustrations Matter
Vibrant, high-quality illustrations are a crucial element in elephant books for kids, transforming reading into an engrossing and enjoyable experience. You’ll want to choose books with illustrations that capture your child’s attention and engage them in the story. The quality of illustrations can affect how well your child understands and retains the story, so look for well-designed illustrations that convey complex ideas and emotions. The style and tone of illustrations can also influence how your child perceives and responds to the story, so consider gentle and soothing illustrations for a sense of calm and comfort. Additionally, illustrations can help your child understand and process difficult emotions or experiences, such as fear, loss, or change. By choosing books with diverse and representative illustrations, you can promote inclusivity and acceptance, helping your child see themselves and their experiences reflected in the story.
Reading Level Importance
As you select elephant books for kids, it’s vital to ponder the reading level, which plays a pivotal role in determining the suitability of the content for your child’s age, reading ability, and comprehension level. A book’s reading level substantially influences your child’s engagement and understanding of the story. For younger readers (ages 2-5), look for books with simple sentences, basic vocabulary, and engaging illustrations that facilitate early literacy skills. For mid-level readers (ages 6-9), opt for books with more complex sentences, varied vocabulary, and storylines that promote critical thinking and emotional intelligence. Advanced readers (ages 10-14) require more sophisticated themes, nuanced characters, and challenging vocabulary. Choosing an elephant book with an appropriate reading level fosters a lifelong love of reading, improves literacy skills, and enhances overall academic performance. By weighing the reading level, you guarantee the language and content are comprehensible and engaging for your child, making it an essential factor to weigh when selecting an elephant book.
Storyline and Themes
When selecting elephant books for kids, you’ll want to explore into the storyline and themes that resonate with your child’s unique perspective and learning style. Elephant books often feature storylines that promote empathy, understanding, and inclusivity, teaching children about the importance of including others and not excluding anyone. Some tackle complex themes like declining elephant populations and conservation efforts, sparking important discussions about environmental issues. Elephant characters can convey important life lessons, such as self-acceptance, kindness, and respect, helping children develop essential social skills. Consider a storyline that explores complex themes like war, sacrifice, and helping others, or one that highlights the importance of working together and a mother’s love. Look for books that tackle difficult subjects in an accessible and relatable way, with authentic and well-portrayed themes and messages. By choosing a book with a storyline and themes that resonate with your child, you’ll create a more engaging and meaningful reading experience.
Educational Value
You’ll want to ponder the educational value of an elephant book when choosing one for your kid. Consider ones that teach about elephant biology, habitats, and behaviors to promote a deeper understanding of these magnificent creatures. Books that incorporate STEM concepts, such as counting, measurement, and patterns, can support learning in multiple subjects. Stories that focus on conservation efforts, endangered species, and environmental awareness can inspire kids to take action and make a positive impact. Look for books that offer historical context and accuracy, such as stories set during WWII, to provide educational value and promote critical thinking. Opt for books that explore complex themes, like the costs of war and the meaning of sacrifice, to encourage deeper understanding and empathy in young readers. Select books that highlight the importance of helping others and working together, promoting valuable social skills and community values. By choosing books with strong educational value, you’ll be giving your kid a valuable learning experience that will last a lifetime.
Erzsebet Frey (Eli Frey) is an ecologist and online entrepreneur with a Master of Science in Ecology from the University of Belgrade. Originally from Serbia, she has lived in Sri Lanka since 2017. Eli has worked internationally in countries like Oman, Brazil, Germany, and Sri Lanka. In 2018, she expanded into SEO and blogging, completing courses from UC Davis and Edinburgh. Eli has founded multiple websites focused on biology, ecology, environmental science, sustainable and simple living, and outdoor activities. She enjoys creating nature and simple living videos on YouTube and participates in speleology, diving, and hiking.