Ella Sets Sail

July 1, 2008
PreS-Gr 2-At the annual Elephant Islands Carnival, Ella reluctantly lends her treasured red hat to her friend Belinda, who loses it on the Ferris wheel. As the hat floats into the sea, Ella borrows Mr. Pelican's rowboat and sets off despite the rainy weather. Caught in a storm, she is washed ashore on an unfamiliar island. Luckily, Ella is welcomed by a friendly family who invite her in for lunch. Their fisherman father coincidentally has found Ella's lucky hat. When the storm passes, Ella safely returns home. After enduring a gentle scolding from Mr. Pelican and her mother, she promises never to take a boat out in stormy weather again. The next day, she sets off in Mr. Pelican's boat to bring a freshly baked pineapple pie to the family who came to her aid. Whimsical, fanciful, and refreshingly old-fashioned art is the hallmark of this series. While this adorable and independent little elephant's latest adventure is a bit far-fetched, fans of "Ella the Elegant Elephant" (2004), "Ella Takes the Cake" (2005), and "Ella Sets the Stage" (2006, all Scholastic) will enjoy setting sail with her."Rachel Kamin, Des Plaines Public Library, IL"

Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 1, 2008
Ella is a lucky little elephant, which she attributes to her big, red hat.When one of her friends borrows the hat, it blows away. Attempts to retrieve it lead to a dangerous adventure at sea, and suddenly, Ella doesnt feel so lucky. With the help of new friends, things come to a happy conclusion. As in previous Ella books, the charmcomes from both the spunky heroineand theglorious Mediterraneanbackground that isher playground. Although its unlikely little ones will slip off in a boat alone, warnings against such shenganigans are rendered.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)