Little Elliot, Big Fun

Starred review from July 4, 2016
Curato’s Little Elliot books take place in a heightened midcentury version of New York City—an ideal setting to showcase the glory days of Coney Island, as he does in this third book. But for Curato’s polka-dotted elephant hero, the amusement park’s attractions are too wet, dizzy making, or fast, and clowns and seagulls present threats of their own. With Mouse’s patient friendship and guidance, Elliot gets to witness the seaside paradise in all its glory, thanks to a sunset Ferris wheel ride; readers do, too, in a stunning four-page foldout. It’s a gorgeous vision of summer in the city, as well as of small steps with big payoffs. Ages 4–8. Agent: Brenda Bowen, Sanford J. Greenburger Associates.

June 15, 2016
The third book featuring Little Elliot, a polka-dot elephant, and Mouse brings them to Coney Island.Little Elliot and Mouse take the train to Coney Island, where Mouse assures Elliot that he will have a great time. Visual details such as the fashions on the racially diverse crowds--most especially the black enlisted sailor's dress whites--point to a time period of late 1930s to early 1940s, a feeling that is enhanced by Curato's lush illustrations in a color palette that recalls the postcards of that era. Having arrived at Coney Island, Elliot is, alas, not having a good time. He is frightened by the rides, a sea gull steals his ice cream, and the clown scares him. When Mouse suggests the Ferris wheel, Elliot climbs on with trepidation. But when, in a dramatic horizontal double-gatefold spread, he sees the whole wonderful panorama of the park, he begins to enjoy himself. At dusk, Elliot asks Mouse what his favorite part of the day was, and Mouse replies, "being with you," a sentiment echoed by Elliot. The story ends on this tidy, rather bland note, but adults reading aloud may privately muse about the poignancy of a story of friendship perched on the edge of World War II, and this adds a pleasing nuance. Gorgeous illustrations and an evocative time period support a somewhat staid story. (Picture book. 4-6)

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August 1, 2016

PreSPreS-Gr 2-In this third offering in the series, Mouse and Elliot head to Coney Island for a day of "ice cream and cotton candy and popcorn...shows and games and lots of rides!" Though excited about the treats, the timid pachyderm vetoes almost every ride his friend suggests. The water chute is "too wet," the giant roulette wheel is "too dizzy!," and the roller coaster is "too fast!" After he loses his ice cream to a greedy seagull, an inadvertent misadventure in the fun house causes the little elephant to retreat under the boardwalk. But after a good time on the beach, he reluctantly agrees to try the Ferris wheel, which is depicted through a gatefold spread featuring a fabulous aerial view of the amusement park. Next, Elliot and Mouse brave the bumper cars, play skee-ball, and ride the carousel. When Elliot asks his friend about his favorite part of the day, Mouse doesn't hesitate. He says, "Being with you," to which Elliot replies, "Being with you is my favorite part of every day!" Charming endpapers display advertisements for myriad sideshow performers, including a tightrope walker, a tattooed lady, a magician, and, of course, "the incredible POLKA-DOTTED ELEPHANT." The detailed pencil drawings of old-time Coney Island are digitally colored in Adobe Photoshop. VERDICT This beautifully designed title is perfect for units on friendship, New York, or summer vacations. Sure to be a hit at a Big Fun storytime.-Barbara Auerbach, New York City Public Schools

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from August 1, 2016
Preschool-G *Starred Review* Any child who has felt overwhelmed and scared in a new setting will identify with Little Elliot, a shy polka-dotted elephant, as he navigates an amusement park with his intrepid friend Mouse. Curato's previous books were set in 1930s Manhattan, and his latest offers a wonderful portrait of old Coney Island, with its bustling crowds, sideshows, and towering rides. His pencil and digitally colored illustrations capture the story's nostalgic tone with their details and muted palette. Once in the park, double-page spreads juxtapose an exciting ride that Mouse proposes going on, with Elliot's fearful imaginings shown on the opposite page. For example, the water chute on the left page contrasts with Elliot plunging to the bottom of the sea on the right. Likewise, when faced with a roller coaster, Elliot pictures his polka dots flying off. Elliot panics and runs through the park, taking a breather under the boardwalk. The friends eat ice cream and build a sand castle on the beach, and Mouse convinces Elliot to try riding something more the elephant's speed: the Ferris wheel. The gatefold four-page spread of the friends' view from the top of the Wonder Wheel, which Elliot thoroughly enjoys, is breathtaking and rich with the purples and oranges of a sunset. A bravura celebration of the healing effects of acceptance and friendship.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)