Strictly No Elephants By Lisa Mantchev: Book Review

Lisa Mantchev created something extremely powerful when she wrote Strictly No Elephants. An endearing story of inclusivity, we follow the main character, who we learn in the very first page feels he never fits in because his pet is different— a tiny elephant. Taeeun Yoo’s soft illustrations thoughtfully focus the reader’s attention on the emotional journey of the boy. We see his love for his pet, we feel his sadness when he is turned away from Pet Club Day, and our hearts lift with hope when he decides to start his own club, where “all are welcome.”

Adults like to believe books are powerful when we ourselves understand the messaging that children might take from it. I KNEW this book was powerful when my then-four-year-old decided to paint her own “all are welcome” sign for our front door. We read this book often and quote it even more frequently (while “all are welcome” is an obvious take-away line, Mantchev also repeats the refrain “that’s what friends do…” throughout the book, followed by something kind friends do for each other). A sweet story of friendship? Yes. A story of overcoming mean behavior in a positive way? Definitely. A wonderful tool for building empathy, understanding, and inclusivity with children? Absolutely.

Product details

• Age Range: 4 - 8 years
• Grade Level: Preschool - 3
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books (October 27, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1481416472
• ISBN-13: 978-1481416474
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 0.4 x 10 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces

A sweet tale of inclusiveness and acceptance. I purchased this book to give to my brother's children, who are still small. I looked it over, because I like the author's YA novels, and I fell in love with the story. I read it to my 15-year-old son, who told me to read it to him as a joke, and he loved it as much as I did. I'm keeping this for myself and buying a second copy as a gift. It may be for young children, but it has a message that can be appreciated by all ages.