Customer Reviews: Read 2 more reviews...
 I've never seen a book that can adjust so readily to your child's level September 30, 2008
Adults say this is a book that deals with loss. I'm sure that when my daughter is older, she will see it that way. She does not now. That is one of the beautiful things about this entertaining, wonderful book - that the aspects of loss in this book are presented in a way that they can be completely ignored by children who aren't ready, acknowledged by children who are just discovering these ideas, and can be discussed with older children.
I think it is inaccurate to say this is a book "about loss." This book is written from the child's perspective, and it is primarily a book about his visit to his uncle. As an adult, we catch what is going on - the child's parents are lost at sea - presumed dead - and his uncle (although I think it is the parent's uncle) comes to take a nephew he has never seen to live with him. But that's not what the book is about, and that's not what your child takes away from it. It is just a delight watching the two elephants interact.
I don't want to spoil the ending. Darn - I want to talk about it.
 A Dear Uncle April 5, 2008
Arnold Lobel's books are part of the regular diet in our house and the recent addition of uncle Elephant looks to be a worthwhile one. It'a caring and sensitive story that deals with the unhappy disappearance of parents without becoming sentimental. My son listens intently and asks me to repeat specific sections: when uncle trumpets the morning: "varoomaroom" (in your best elephant voice), and when he composes a cheerful song for his nephew (sing it to any tune you like and change a word or name here and there), it picks up everyone's spirits and the happy ending makes it fine for bed time.
A book about love and loss January 21, 2007
What happens when an uncle is faced with the possibility that his nephew is now an orphan? That's the story of Uncle Elephant. Arnold Lobel treats this tough story with kindness, humor and heart. His illustrations show the heart break on both the uncle and the nephew even though neither character ever admits his pain to the other. The words, though chosen to be easy for young readers, are put together to show just how people in grief take measures to put up a strong front to the world. Although Uncle Elephant has a happy ending, the book still serves as gentle advice for dealing with real loss.
Uncle Elephant July 3, 2006
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Uncle Elephant was by far my daughter, Nikki's favorite book of childhood. It is a timeless tale of love, devotion, and the true meaning of family.
When she was in first grade, Nikki wrote to Arnold Lobel. He wrote back to Nikki and even hand drew a picture of Uncle Elephant for her. It is a treasure.
The message of the book is a simple one - the love we have and show each other can sustain us even in our darkest hours, giving us hope and strength to face - and even find joy in- the day.
delightful lobel story.... December 11, 2005
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
this funny, sad, and thoughtful story of a little elephant who loses his parents in ship wreck is a great book to talk with your young children about loss and family. Little Elephant must go to stay with his Uncle. Many adventures ensue, as well as lil elephants understanding of older folks. A surprise awaits lil elephant and the end and you'll find yourself shedding a tear for good old Uncle Elephant.
Good for boys or girls-up to about 8 years.
5 stars!
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