Oh, No, Said Elephant

by A. H. Benjamin, Alireza Goldouzian (Illustrator)

Overview

All the animals want to play hide-and-seek, but– “oh, no!” –Elephant isn't very good at that. He's too easy to find. What about leap-frog? He's not good at that, either. What about hopscotch, or skipping, or tag? No, no and no. Poor Elephant isn't very good at many games, and the animals are starting to get frustrated with him. Luckily there is one game Elephant loves to play, and the animals oblige him, though they may have to say "oh, no!" themselves when he wants to play it again. This rollicking, silly, repetitive text will have young readers laughing out loud and asking to read it again.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9789888341078
Publisher:	Astra Publishing House
Publication date:	06/01/2016
Pages:	48
Sales rank:	292,828
Product dimensions:	9.40(w) x 11.40(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	3 - 5 Years

About the Author

A. H. Benjamin has written more than 30 books for children, which have been translated into 20 languages, and several have been adapted for radio, television and theater. His works include Baa, Moo! What Will We Do?, It Could Have Been Worse, and The Little Mouse and the Big Red Apple.

Alireza Goldouzian is an internationally recognized artist who has published numerous books in his native Iran, as well as exhibiting his prize-winning children's book art around the world. This is his first book for minedition.

Editorial Reviews

05/30/2016
Poor Elephant. His friends want to play hide-and-seek, leapfrog, and other games, but his bulk and slowness seem destined to keep him out of the winner's circle. "Oh, no," says Elephant in response to each suggested game. "I'm not good at that." Dressed in a natty bow tie and pants, Elephant makes the most of each situation, and Iranian artist Goldouzian does the same, in wildly inventive paintings that celebrate the animals' chaotic play. Teacups and chairs go flying when Elephant hides under a table during hide-and-seek; "I can see you!" shouts Monkey, soaring in through a window. Later, Zebra attempts to pole vault over the "too tall" Elephant during hopscotch. Some readers may be surprised at how mean Elephant's friends are ("You're foolish!" cries Leopard, tangled up with Elephant in a jump rope), but Benjamin (The Big Splash) subtly emphasizes the value of participation—and that it's possible to have fun even when an activity isn't one's strong suit. Eventually, the tables turn when Elephant suggests playing tug-of-war: Elephant may be big, clumsy, and slow, but he's also strong, in more ways than one. Ages 3–5. (June)

Publishers Weekly

"Benjamin subtly emphasizes the value of participation—and that it's possible to have fun even when an activity isn't one's strong suit.” —Publishers Weekly


"Kids will giggle over Elephant’s attempts to play and cheer when he finally triumphs. The underlying message reassures without being apparent." —Kirkus Reviews


"This wild playdate among the animals will show readers a good time and provide a subtle lesson in inclusivity. A great read-aloud choice." —Julie Roach, slj.com

From the Publisher

08/01/2016
PreS-Gr 2—Elephant, Leopard, Zebra, and Monkey are playing. Though Elephant always wants to join in and tries his best, he has trouble with the proposed games. His size makes concealing himself a challenge during hide-and-seek. He is too tall and heavy for leapfrog and too clumsy for jump rope. His friends let their frustrations show: "'You're useless!' said Monkey. 'You're foolish!' said Leopard. 'You're terrible!' said Zebra." A few other suggested games fare no better until finally Elephant suggests a game—tug-of-war. Here the large, strong elephant is in his element and has an opportunity to reverse the roles and shine among his playmates, defeating them all single-handedly. The engaging art's rich colors, bold shapes, and interesting layouts bring humor to the text and visually exaggerate the physical contrasts among the animals to heighten their difficulties. While the four still have differences to work out before they can truly play well together, they have developed new respect for a wider range of abilities. VERDICT This wild playdate among the animals will show readers a good time and provide a subtle lesson in inclusivity. A great read-aloud choice.—Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA

School Library Journal

2016-04-13
Poor Elephant. Every time that Leopard, Monkey, and Zebra want to play a new game, Elephant says "Oh, no, I'm not good at that." But he tries anyway.For hide-and-seek, he's too big. For leap-frog, he's too tall. For jumping rope, he's too clumsy. For hopscotch, he's too heavy. For tag, he's too slow. Each time the good-hearted, amiable Elephant tries his best, but he just can't do it. Finally, it's his turn to choose a game, and tug of war is just his specialty—because he's too strong! Now it's the animals' turn to say, "Oh, no." By itself, the story would work just fine, with its easy repetition and patterning, but it's the large trim size, saturated colors, and comical details that enliven it and make it pop. Leopard and Zebra are clothed, and Elephant sports a plaid bow tie and pants. The facial expressions tell the whole story of what happens with each effort. The use of page space smartly plays up the differences in the sizes of the animals.Kids will giggle over Elephant's attempts to play and cheer when he finally triumphs. The underlying message reassures without being apparent. (Picture book. 3-7)

Kirkus Reviews