ELLY THE ELEPHANT

There is a perfect understanding between Wendy and her toy elephant Elly. In this episodic tale of their lively relationship, Elly's all-knowing interpreter verbalizes her pet's feelings. What elephant enjoys being left alone? So, Mary the doll is hired to baby-sit for Elly. Wendy may not be able to have birthdays all the time, but Elly certainly compensates for it. Elly's disappearance at school causes a great deal of worry and trouble, but happily, the elephant is found among the school dolls. As Wendy acts out her wishes and fears through the toy elephant, sharing experiences and little songs (complete with music) only the most earthbound listener will doubt Elly's animate reality. A familiar phenomenon of early childhood is presented simply and illustrated subtly.