Timmers, Leo. Elephant Island. Leo Timmers, Illus. Picture Book. Translated from the Dutch by James Brown. Lerner/Gecko, 03/2022. [32]pp. $18.99. 978-1- 77657-434-6. ADDITIONAL. GRADES PRE-1.
Arnold the elephant’s boat sinks, thus stranding him on a very small rock island in the middle of the ocean. As various animals come by in their boats, each capsizes when the oversized elephant tries to board them, so each wreck is salvaged and knotted together, becoming an increasingly complex and large structure which grows to fit all who are now stranded on it. Colorful digital illustrations depict the power of the sea, the hopelessness of being stranded, and the increasingly complex structure with a wide variety of animals coming together. While a bit of an odd storyline, the overall idea of being resourceful, working with what you have, and having fun with all your new friends is admirable and something that many readers may enjoy seeing.
Joshua Rees, Daly City Public Library