Little Elliot, Big Family-great reading for 8 and under

When Mike Curato introduced young readers to Elliot in Little Elliot, Big City it felt good. It’s the kind of book that parents could read multiple times to children before bed time, has art with a timeless feel and a story that any age can relate to. The pink and blue polka dot elephant is back in Little Elliot, Big Family with an even more entertaining story and art that fills the pages with diverse, classic art.

Even though Elliot is an elephant, he’s a little elephant. If he were a child he’d be the size of a 6 year old. He’s also stylish beyond his years and species as he wears a very classy scarf throughout most of the book.

Elliot’s friend from the first book, mouse is back. They share an apartment together complete with everything an anthropomorphic (scientific name for elephant) needs. Mouse is leaving for the day to attend his family reunion. Being a mouse he has oodles of cousins, brothers and sisters who are meeting to celebrate bread crumbs, cave shaped holes in walls and the absence of cats in their apartment.

It’s here when Elliot travels around the city making observations about dads taking their daughters to the park, sisters talking in the store, children playing and people living life together. He does what I like to do when I need to get away, goes to the movies. In his case he goes to see Jungle Adventure. Other elephants are playing on the movie screen and he realizes that he misses his family.

When he exits the theater the city is covered in snow and he makes a life altering realization. We won’t give away the punch line, but suffice it to say that family is all relative. They all don’t have to look the same, be the same and that it’s often the differences between us that make things more interesting and fun on this journey.

Curato’s art has a look of being from the 60’s, but its scenes could from anytime. Readers will be reminded of the artwork from Curious George and the Madeline books. Some scenes take up two pages, while others are split up on the same page. The text is simple enough for beginning readers to read most of the book aloud. The illustrations are grand enough for additional discussions about what’s going on, talking about the background and giving worthy art the room that is sometimes needs to breathe.

Little Elliot, Big Family is reading comfort food for the young reader’s soul. It’s a fun, happy book that teaches kids a lesson while allowing them to have a good time. This is worth checking out and one book that you’ll hold onto for the next generation. The vocabulary is great for kids 8 and under to read by themselves and it’s a great good night book based on its length and visual variety.

Little Elliot, Big Family by Mike Curato

Age range 8 and under. 6-8 years old will be able to read most of the words

Positive themes: It’s OK to be lonely and that family looks different for each person

Why kids will like it: Elliot has soul. Readers can vibe into his playful nature and will feel it when he’s sad and happy. The art by Mike Curato is key towards making that happen.  It’s a simple story that kids will relate to and will draw parallels to in their own life.