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This book may be a child's first exposure to sarcasm—the "Please, please don't throw me in the briar patch" type of sarcasm made famous by Uncle Remus. Any child traveling to Elephant Beach via this narrative will probably have way too much fun playing, laughing, exercising, and swimming in their imagination with gentle giant friends. In the way that Dumbo and Babar conjured the elephant character as sweet and delightful decades ago, Devane takes advantage of this warm feeling toward elephants and brings it successfully to a sandy shoreline.
Devane starts the book by explaining why being with elephants might be inconvenient. They could pop your floaties accidentally with their tusks and shade you when you want sun. But then the author moves on to describe how these new friends have their rewards: "They will make huge waves for you to surf in." It is a simple message about the rewards and compromises of friendship and getting along with others. The illustrations perfectly match the author's tone and whimsy. The drawings depict an adorable little girl playing games, eating, and relaxing with a herd of elephants. The pictures are colorful and fun, guaranteed to make young and old smile.
Advanced first graders will be able to read this story independently. But teachers and parents reading it aloud to children will notice that the book has charisma, making all the children want to read it for themselves. After all, what is not to like about a story of a kid playing with beach elephants? The book is adorable, whimsical, funny, entertaining, and charming. Anyone who heads out to Elephant Beach with a toddler at bedtime is bound to see them fall asleep with a happy and peaceful smile in place.