The Slightly Annoying Elephant by David Walliams and Tony Ross
| The Slightly Annoying Elephant by David Walliams and Tony Ross | |
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| Category: For Sharing | |
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Reviewer: Margaret Young
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| Summary: David Walliams' humour and Tony Ross's illustrations are a perfect match is the funny tale which warns us to always read the fine print. | |
| Buy? Yes | Borrow? Yes |
| Pages: 32 | Date: November 2013 |
| Publisher: Harper Collins Children's Books | |
| External links: Author's website | |
| ISBN: 978-0007493999 | |
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When Sam filled out the elephant adoption form at the zoo, he never imagined the elephant would actually be coming to live with him. Silly boy - he should have read the fine print. Of course many children would love having an elephant as pet, but this elephant is not a pet. He is rude, bossy and really a very annoying house guest who will very quickly out stay his welcome - but what can Sam do? A deal is a deal and he did sign the contract. As soon as the elephant arrives he begins issuing demands, making complaints, and turning the house into a disaster zone and things are only going to get worse. Sam really should have read the adoption form - especially the part about the elephant's friends.
This book is perfect for children who love mayhem, madness and destruction. It has a few wee bits of toilet humour, which is always a winner in out house and the most horrible meal imaginable. Children do love stories about naughty or rude characters, and the elephant here is about as rude as you can get. This is one of those books which begs for added sound effects as well, from the elephant's grumpy voice, to slurping, smashing and snoring sounds. My son especially enjoyed the elephant's indignation at being forced to pay for two seats on the airplane, an incident with the toilet, and a line of elephants waiting for the loo - complete with a few of my own added comments from the elephants inspired by the illustrations.
The only drawback for us was that since my son went through a real phase with naughty character books, we have read so many books with unpleasant house guests, that this didn't have quite as much novelty for my child as it might have for another with a slightly smaller library. All the same, there is very little I could fault this book on. The story is fun and the illustrations are smashing. I can't imagine this book being anything but a enormous success.
If this book appeals then you might also like to look at:
Ding Dong Gorilla by Michelle Robinson and Leonie Lord
The Queen's Orang-Utan by David Walliams and Tony Ross
There's a Snake in My School! by David Walliams and Tony Ross
Editor's Note we've now seen The Slightly Annoying Elephant as a board book. It's nicely substantial and will stand a lot of toddler loving. Rounded corners will reduce injuries when it's used as a missile and the glossy pages will wipe down easily when the book is used as a substitute for washing hands. Perfect.
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You can read more book reviews or buy The Slightly Annoying Elephant by David Walliams and Tony Ross at Amazon.co.uk Amazon currently charges £2.99 for standard delivery for orders under £20, over which delivery is free.
You can read more book reviews or buy The Slightly Annoying Elephant by David Walliams and Tony Ross at Amazon.com.
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