Just occasionally, as a reviewer, a book arrives that takes your breath away. Little Elliot – Big Family has become our family’s new favourite. It is entrancing. “A heart-warming tale of friendship and life in the big city featuring Elliot, the irresistible little polka-dot elephant.”
I’m liking
Occasionally you see an author trying to add an element of sophistication to their children’s writing that might appeal to certain kids, but will impress an adult reader too. Sometimes this comes off as creepy, often it comes off a bit dark, sometimes slightly inappropriate. Little Elliot – Big Family has struck the most amazing balance between sophistication and likable story.
The images are magical, beautiful portrayals of American city life. Story and illustrations are both by Mike Curato, you can see that he had a big vision for this series of books and he totally brings it to life on the pages.
The storyline itself is a just lovely. Little Elliot has a friend who is a mouse. Mouse has a huge family and is off to a reunion. Little Elliot is happy for him – but finds himself all alone in the big city, longing for a family and missing his friend mouse. Mouse leaves the reunion to find Little Elliot, bring him back to the party and make him one more member of the big, happy family. Love!
The conclusion
Seldomly do I wish I could add another star. But this book is seriously amazing and I would give it more than five if I could, it’s magical and I would definitely buy it. Suitable for the 3+ bracket but universally appealing.
Little Elliot – Big City by Mike Curato is published by The Five Mile Press and distributed through Books r us Limited. RRP US$19.99 (hardcover).
