Elmer and Butterfly

January 1, 2015

PreS-Gr 1-Everyone's favorite patchwork elephant is back in this latest installment from McKee. When Elmer helps Butterfly get out of a hole blocked by a fallen branch, he doubts that she will be able to return the favor. Then Elmer wanders onto a narrow path and becomes trapped in a cave. With Butterfly's help, Elmer's cousin Wilbur and the other elephants mount a rescue in this story reminiscent of the fable of "The Lion and the Mouse." Butterfly reminds readers that even the smallest animals can help a friend in need. McKee's signature style includes high contrast and sharp detail on every page along with easy to read text. Bold colors and whimsical illustrations make this an ideal read-aloud choice, while longer text selections on each page make this book ideal for older storytime attendees as well.-Emma Carbone, Brooklyn Public Library

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2015
Patchwork elephant Elmer and his jungle-animal friends star in two tepid stories. In Butterfly, Elmer comes to Butterfly's rescue but doubts the small insect's ability to return the favor. In Monster, as all the animals run away from a scary sound, Elmer calmly walks toward it, eventually finding a very scared little monster. McKee's bright illustrations will attract readers.

(Copyright 2015 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)