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Common Sense Note

Brightly colored and attractive characters will catch children's attention as they follow this warmhearted story. The sometimes overly dramatic writing is countered by the art and the comforting plot.

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Sally Snyder

The simple story shows Elliot's bravery in the face of uncertainty. Elliot's friends model caring and helpful behavior. The attempts to tape, pin, glue, and clamp his seam closed is the stuffed-animal equivalent to the fuss created over a child's scraped knee. All children feel that their injury is at least that important. And who doesn't like the attention?

However, the writing is somewhat overwrought at times: "Frantically, Elliot rummaged through his things ... . Elliot desperately wanted to cry."

The illustrations attract with bold color and design and create warmth with textured, earth-colored animal fur, wooden floors, and woven baskets. Andrea Beck is successful at illustrating the expressive faces of the toy animals: The close-up of Elliot's concerned expression when he first injures himself tugs at the heart. One four-year-old reader asked, "Socks is worried about Elliot. Will he get better?"

Another book about a toy animal, At Preschool With Teddy Bear, helps introduce children to preschool and what to expect their first day.

From The Book

Elliot gave his leg a shake. Then he tried pulling, but nothing happened. Socks would be waiting. He had to go! Finally, he yanked with all his might and came free. But as he flew backwards, he heard a terrible ripping sound. Elliot looked down in horror. "Socks!" he shrieked.

Plot Summary:

Ouch! Elliot has a tear in his leg and is afraid all his stuffing may come out. His friends try to help. Beaverton, the toy beaver, teaches Elliot what to do. The brightly illustrated story involves preschoolers in the character's problem.

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