Little Elliot, Big Fun
Friendship soothes fears in charming amusement park tale.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Little Elliot, Big Fun is Mike Curato's third book about adorable polka-dotted young elephant Elliot and his tiny New York mouse friend in New York. In this outing, they take the subway to what appears to be Coney Island, where Elliot is scared of many of the rides. Mouse finds ones that are just Elliot's speed, and they end up having a great day. A great choice for kids who tend to be fearful or take a while to warm up to new things.
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What's the Story?
LITTLE ELLIOT, BIG FUN starts with a subway ride to a seaside amusement park on the edge of the big city. Mouse has been there before with his family, but Elliot has a lot of fears about the rides, and his fear is holding him back. The chute ride is "Too wet!" The spinning ride is "Too dizzy!" The wooden rollercoaster is "Too fast!" He's scared by a clown, ducks into the fun house, and soon flees from that in terror. Mouse finally takes him on the Ferris wheel and watches a gorgeous sunset. Elliot's finally having fun! They take in some final rides, including the carousel, and as fireworks explode in the night sky, they agree that their favorite part of the day -- and every day -- is "being with you."
Is It Any Good?
This gentle friendship story shows tremendous respect for a fearful young one's feelings. Shy or scared kids are often mocked in stories and real life. But in Little Elliot, Big Fun, the little elephant's mouse friend takes care to help his pal find activities and rides that he'll enjoy, not run from in terror. Elliot's final line, as the two hug while watching fireworks, couldn't be sweeter: "Being with you is my favorite part part of every day!"
The author-illustrator's soft palette and retro illustration style evokes the 1930s, '40s, or '50s, adding to the classic/timeless feel of the story.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how fears are treated in Little Elliot, Big Fun. Do you have friends and family who understand when you don't want to do certain things and don't mock you for it?
What do you think of the look of the amusement park? Does it look familiar or old-fashioned? How about the people and how they're dressed? Do you think the story takes place today or in another time?
Have you ever been too scared to go on a ride? How did you feel? Were the kids you were with nice about it?
Book Details
- Author: Mike Curato
- Illustrator: Mike Curato
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Adventures, Cats, Dogs, and Mice, Friendship, Great Boy Role Models, Wild Animals
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Henry Holt & Company, Inc.
- Publication date: August 30, 2016
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 4 - 8
- Number of pages: 32
- Available on: Hardback, iBooks
- Last updated: February 6, 2020
Our Editors Recommend
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Little Elliot, Big Family
Elliot joins the mouse family in big-hearted tale.
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I Broke My Trunk! An Elephant & Piggie Book
So super-silly, beginning readers won't be able to resist.
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Babar: King of the Elephants
Delightful story, with one scary moment for younger kids.
For kids who love picture books and animal tales
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