IS THAT AN ELEPHANT OVER THERE?

Take veteran searchers for Eric Carle’s Spot into wilder country with this laminated board book. Five times, glimpses of ears and tails prompt the title question, but behind bush-shaped flaps are four familiar animals before the bright blue elephant appears. Aiming for a very young audience, Elgar depicts animals and surrounding foliage with thick lines and solid colors; her rudimentary story line invites participatory reading (“NO!”) before the final, resounding “YES!” The book’s construction is sturdy enough to survive repeated safaris. (Board book. 1-3)