POMELO'S BIG ADVENTURE

Pomelo, a small, posy-pink elephant, musters courage and embarks on a grand adventure—one with all the harrowing challenges and unexpected rewards of any good trip.

Readers already friendly with Pomelo (Pomelo’s Opposites, 2013, etc.) know he’s maturing and learning all the time, but a solo journey outside his garden home? Could he be ready? After packing an odd assortment of necessities, including his “knife-fork,” a head of garlic, an old photograph, pumpkin seeds, some ribbon, a world map, and a few strawberries and acorns, he throws a stone to determine his course and takes off (after a quick wee). Pomelo’s quirks endear from the get-go, and he must rely on all his wide-eyed good humor and earnestness for the rocky road ahead. Lively matte artwork depicts delightful mushrooms, flower buds and cactus—as well as oppressive storms, frightening waves and dark nights. “Inside Pomelo feels jiggly, like a heap of pudding on a plate. He wants that feeling to go away. What can he do to stop it?” Amid the cheery storytelling and dear illustrations, the very straightforward scariness surrounding solitude and self-reliance surfaces, along with some coping strategies. Pomelo uses a star to guide him through tough times and finally into the pointy arms of a starfish soul mate.

This jaunty little elephant provides a mammoth lesson for young readers about bravery, grit and fortitude.