No Elephants Allowed: 10/15/09

Elephants seem to inspire oddball children's picture books. My most recent library find is No Elephants Allowed by Deborah Robinson. It's drawn a similar style to The Elephant Who Liked to Smash Small Cars by Judith Merrill and that's what got my attention.

Once again the elephant is the antagonist. This time he is invading the bedroom of a young boy at bed time. He likes to smash up the bedroom as the boy tries to sleep.

The boy's family jumps to rescue trying a number of different things. They try a new toy for him to cuddle. They build him a new bed. They put a night light in. None of this works. In fact each new thing just invites in more animals!
Ultimately the boy has to come up with the solution. His solution is cute and practical.

My children like the absurdity of an entire zoo trying to fit into a tiny bedroom. It's the same charm as Goodnight Gorilla.

Comments (2)

Comment #1: Thursday, October, 15, 2009 at 14:37:01

Jeane

Have you seen What do You Do with a Kangaroo? by Mercer Mayer? It's also about a bunch of zoo animals that barge into a little girl's life, until they're all crowded into her bedroom. Very cute and funny. Made me think of it.

Comment #2: Thursday, October 15, 2009 at 18:27:21

Pussreboots

I've read a bunch of Mercer Mayer books but not the one you've recommended. I will keep an eye out for it at my library. Thanks!