We just got this book out of the library yesterday and I loved it so much I felt I had to write a review of it. As the description says it’s a sweet little friendship story. A story about how there is always someone who needs more help than you and how friends can help each other. Two heads are better than one, or, in this case, two friends are tall enough to order a cupcake at the bakery counter.Elliot 3However, I think there is a huge subtext here that will really resonate with kids. Elliot is a little elephant who struggles to fit in in an adult, human-sized world. He has to stack books up to sit at the table. He’s so much shorter than the people who rush around the city and gets a bit lost in the crowds. But he’s happy for the most part. Until one day he struggles to be seen at the bakery counter where he really wants a cupcake. When the woman at the counter doesn’t notice him he leaves feeling frustrated and discouraged. On his way home he notices a small mouse who is even more disadvantaged than Elliot and the two pair up to get the cupcake and share it.Does this sound like the life of a child to anyone? Too small for an adult-sized world. They are expected to fit in with giant, towering cabinets, mile-high chairs, and mile-high people. I know my own daughter often becomes anxious in large crowds and asks to be picked up. In my arms, or her father’s, she is at the right height to see out and not feel smothered. We do a lot to help her feel capable around the house (mini fridge with snacks and drinks, step stools everywhere, toys on low shelves). But as soon as we step outside she is so small compared to everything. More often than not people will ask me questions about her that they could (and should) direct to her. Elliot is a child in a grown-up world and his frustration is that of a child who is tired of being ignored, pushed aside, and made to feel incapable.I think the art in the book, which is absolutely beautiful, does an incredible job emphasizing this theme. Elliot looks oddly like he was inserted into some other piece of art. While the city he lives in, New York in the 1940s or 50s I presume, and the people around him look like something out of an Edward Hopper painting,Elliot 2 Elliot looks a little cartoonish and his polka-dots are reminiscent of outfits I have seen kids pick out for themselves. His out-of-place quality makes it more obvious that he doesn’t exactly fit in with this world. But like most kids it doesn’t seem to bother him most of the time. He’s resilient and with a new friend the two can work together to find their way.I don’t know if there will be more books with the charming Little Elliot and his rodent friend, but the little badge on the top right of the cover makes me think there will be. I certainly hope there will be. Elliot is a little elephant in a very big city. While Elliot loves living amid all the hustle and bustle, sometimes being small is lonely and frustrating. Doorknobs always seem to be just a bit beyond Elliot's reach, and even brushing his teeth is impossible without a large box to stand on. But worst of all, the baker doesn't even see Elliott when he tries to buy a yummy cupcake! Elliot leaves the bakery feeling very small and sad and sorry for himself--until he meets someone who is even smaller and has even more reasons to feel sad. Little Elliot, Big City is a simple story with a sweet message about friendship and individuality. Digitally enhanced pencil drawings use unique perspectives to convey intriguing details; soft pastels contrast with moody urban backdrops to great effect. Gentle, whimsical, and uplifting, this is a story made to be shared. P.S. Thanks for the suggestion, Kim! Can't wait to read this to Dylan tonight.
What do You think about Little Elliot, Big City (2014)?
Little Elliot is adorable. I especially loved the dedication: For anyone who feels unnoticed.
—babyzauro
Sweet, but not cloying. Loved the illustrations. Highly recommended for ages 3-5.
—RaeRae
Another good story about making friends. The illustrations are just beautiful.
—rgdiplomat
A tender story of friendship and how we can work together.
—purplewindow
