Feature Friday is a new series I’ll be running on Fridays. I have so many great books to tell you about, and they are piling up in my reading room. Unfortunately, there is not enough time in my day to share them all. I’m starting a new feature on my social media channels where I’ll share a quick video review of a few books, including children’s, middle-grade, young adult, or adult fiction and nonfiction.
Clicking the photo of the books or items will take you to its Amazon listing. I may receive a small commission if you purchase through any of my links. Thanks to the publisher for the gifted copy.
MY ELEPHANT IS BLUE
By: Melinda Szymanik
Illustrated by: Vasanti Unka
Published: April 11, 2023
Publisher: Flyaway Books
Fiction
It can be hard for kids to name their feelings, especially sadness. This story of an elephant sitting on a child’s chest and refusing to leave, helps kids identify with their feelings and offer ways to find happiness again.
“One morning I woke to find an elephant sitting on my chest. I found it hard to get up or move around, to breathe or talk.”
The child begins to realize it isn’t fun to have an elephant sitting on your chest. Yet, she doesn’t know how to get rid of the elephant. Her siblings and parents offer ideas until eventually, she agrees to go outside. Now she just has to convince the elephant.
Eventually, the elephant is no longer on her chest and even changes from blue to pink to yellow. I like how the story ends with the realization that the elephant isn’t necessarily gone. Sometimes, the elephant turns blue again, but she knows how to get the elephant to change back to other colors. This book also doesn’t make kids feel bad about being sad. It validates their emotions and lets them hold it (or rather the elephant holds it) for a while until they are ready to release it.
This is a great book for discussing emotions, especially sadness, and to offer ways to get rid of that heavy weight and feel happy again.
Melinda Szymanik writes picture books, short stories and novels for children and young adults. Born in Auckland, New Zealand, Melinda still lives there now with her family. When she is not writing she likes to keep fit walking and cycling and meeting friends for coffee. Hobbies include thinking, sudoku, baking (especially with chocolate), going to the movies, and travelling to fun places with her family. Check out her website, HERE.
Vasanti Unka is a New Zealand writer, illustrator and graphic designer who has been involved in the book and magazine industry for many years Check out her website, HERE.
To purchase a copy of MY ELEPHANT IS BLUE, click HERE.
Do you love your pet? Get a doormat that showcases your love for your pet! There are numerous varieties available, HERE.
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Thanks to the publisher for sending a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to make a purchase through the above links, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase.
Posted Under Book Review, Children's books, emotions, Feature Friday, fiction, Melinda Syzmanik, Vasanti Unka