Review by Booklist Review
Elephant has an abnormally long trunk that he uses in unusual ways to entertain and help others. He creates steps for Old Monkey, rocks Little Antelope to sleep, makes a line on which Zebra's stripes dry, and provides a bridge for ants. But after each activity, Hippopotamus constantly reminds everyone, THAT'S NOT NORMAL! When Elephant uses his trunk to save Hippopotamus' baby, Hippopotamus repents. All ends well with the hippos tightrope walking on Elephant's trunk. Flat-toned illustrations with scenes of the mostly cheery animals going about their less-than-normal antics fill the double-page spreads. Elephant is blue, animals move on two legs and talk to one another, and Zebra has removable stripes all of which underlines the text's implied messages that normality is highly relative and it is not a good idea to ridicule those who are different. However, when sharing this, it will be necessary to downplay the refrain THAT'S NOT NORMAL! to ensure that it doesn't become the takeaway for listeners.--Enos, Randall Copyright 2016 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 2-A kind elephant has an exceptionally long trunk and endures taunts from small-minded Hippopotamus. Elephant finds many handy uses for his lengthy nose; he converts it into a makeshift staircase for elderly Monkey, a cradle for little Antelope, and a clothesline for Zebra's stripes. Hippo, however, rejects all of Elephant's innovative acts with a close-minded, mocking chorus of "THAT'S NOT NORMAL!" When Hippo's baby runs straight into a crocodile-infested lake, Elephant heroically saves the child from impending doom. Hippo quickly changes his prejudiced tune, promising "not to judge anyone just for being different." Du Faÿ's stylized acrylic illustrations feature colorful, expressive animals with big saucer eyes. VERDICT A serviceable title to share with a group and start a conversation about tolerance.-Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ont., Canada © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
