OY, ELEPHANTS!

This picture book poses a wacky question: What would happen if a pair of circus elephants landed in a retirement home for people?

Young Joel is spending part of his “school break” with his Grandpa Morris and Grandma Gussie. He is excited to see them but concerned that time spent in their retirement community will be boring. He does not fret for long because two new neighbors move in during the second day of his stay—and they’re elephants. Joel and his grandparents bring a housewarming gift to the new occupants and learn that they are retired circus elephants named Lou and Martha Helfand. Grandma Gussie invites them to go swimming that afternoon; their neighbors seem unhappy with the new residents. Lou makes a huge splash in the pool when he jumps in, but he and his wife are later welcomed when he saves a dog from drowning. This fun story, lovingly illustrated in full color by Spicer, deftly portrays the impact of compassionate neighbors. Stevenson provides useful information about animal rights groups’ concerns surrounding circus elephants as well as facts about the creatures for curious readers.

An amusing tale that shows the importance of being a good neighbor.