Book Review: Alistair’s Elephant
Age Range: 3+
Author: Marilyn Sadler
Illustrator: Roger Bollen
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
New York
ISBN: 0-671-66680-0
List Price: $5.69 (used)
Alistair Grittle is tidy, self-disciplined, and excels at school (even raising both hands when he knows the answer to a question). When an elephant from the zoo follows him home after one of his regularly scheduled weekend zoo trips, poor Alistair’s usually very ordered life is completely disrupted. After taking practical steps of attempting to call the zoo to see if they may be missing an elephant, Alistair accepts he is stuck with the visitor all week. He takes this all in stride, and makes it through the entire week.
One of five Alistair books by Marily Sadler, the publication date is 1983, but no doubt kids and parents today will find it funny and refreshing. I recall having this story read to me as a kid, and I perhaps find it even more entertaining as an adult. Let’s be honest; it’s amazing. Alistair is an absolutely loveable character, and the nonchalant way he handles the curveball thrown to him when an elephant follows him home from zoo is simply perfect. Parents and kids will certainly share lots of laughs while reading this book. As a bonus, reading this to slightly older children may provide a teaching moment about rolling with the punches when things don’t go our way. As much as kids and parents love their routines, everyone knows stuff happens. You can’t stop an elephant from following you home; you just have to go with it.
I was unable to find this book available for sale new at bookstores, but definitely look for it at second hand stores or online, or at your library.