8 Elephant-astic Books for Young Elephant-Lovers
by Dena McMurdie
As the largest land animal on the planet, elephants have fascinated humans for decades. Every time I take my kids to the zoo, their favorite stop is always the elephants. We know all their names, and we love hearing the latest updates about our favorite ones. My kids also love reading about elephants — especially books based on true events.
From nonfiction tales to wacky stories that inspire laughs, here are eight elephant-astic books to read with your children.
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Dumbo Disney Classic
Available from:Everyone's favorite elephant spreads his ears and learns to fly in this classic Little Golden Book. Fall in love with Dumbo all over again through the vintage artwork and heartwarming story.
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Horton Hears a Who
Available from:A favorite among young elephant-lovers, Horton Hears a Who champions kindness and bravery. With Seuss's wacky rhymes and distinctive illustrations, this charming story is a must-read.
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What to Do if an Elephant Stands On Your Foot
Silly situations and goofy advice make this picture book a ton of fun to read. Kids will laugh through this zany Safari as a young adventurer has one unfortunate animal encounter after another.
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Richard Scarry's Polite Elephant
Available from:Children will learn manners alongside the polite elephant in this Little Golden Book. Featuring Richard Scarry's iconic illustrations, this quick, easy read encourages children to be kind and courteous.
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Queenie: One Elephant's Story
From the jungle of India to a zoo in Australia, Queenie follows the life of one of the most beloved elephants of all time. This thought-provoking book introduces children to the topics of zoos and animal rights.
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Where's the Elephant?
Available from:With bright, expressive illustrations and little text, Where's the Elephant is both a game of seek-and-find and a gentle introduction to the topic of deforestation. Young readers will see how human activity affects wildlife and their habitats.
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Thirsty, Thirsty Elephants
Available from:Have you ever wondered how elephants find water in a drought? Based on true events, this book follows an elephant herd as their matriarch leads them to a watering hole she remembers from long ago.
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A Passion for Elephants
Don’t miss this inspiring picture book biography of Cynthia Moss, a scientist who dedicated her life to studying elephants and fighting for their preservation. Readers will feel motivated to follow their dreams and make a difference in the world.