ELLA SETS THE STAGE

Ella, the elegant but shy elephant, has a new challenge in this third entry in the successful series. This time her school is planning a talent show and all the little elephants have their acts planned—except Ella. She struggles to find her own special ability, unsuccessfully trying to play the drums, juggle or sing. Finally, Ella takes over the organization of the talent show, including providing refreshments, making backstage costume repairs and rescuing Lola the monkey. Ella is recognized on stage for her contributions, and in the satisfying conclusion, she realizes that she does indeed have her own valuable talent: organizational ability. The calm, confident tone of the text is a fine match for the whimsical illustrations that convey Ella’s charmingly old-fashioned world on Elephant Island. Though the story has a nostalgic flavor, Ella’s concerns are timeless. (Picture book. 3-6)