Human grandmas and preschoolers will relish this picture-book look at grandma elephant, “the most important member of an elephant family.” The author, a conservation biologist, explains that Grandma knows how to find the water holes and the best melons; she knows the easy places to cross a river; she tells the other elephants what to do with “a rumble, rumble, rumble, deep down in her throat.” The large-type text is suitable for reading aloud, while smaller text on each page provides additional facts for the slightly older reader or researcher. The illustrator, using watercolor and pencil, creates great galumphing elephants with lots of personality in soft blues, grays, and golds. He cleverly conveys the elephant hugeness, with elephants too big to fit on a double page. The double-page centerfold of Grandma is suitable for display. He dedicates the title to his child’s grandmas. While not all grandmas will appreciate comparisons to the ponderous pachyderms, ones with a sense of humor will enjoy sharing this title with their grandchildren. (Picture book/nonfiction. 4-8)
