Reviews

Elephants Can't Jump! by Jeanne Willis

allmadhere106's review against another edition

2.0

I read this book in preparation for the jungle storytime this week. Elephant is told they can't jump so they try to overcome this. While this sounds like a cute premise, Elephant tries things like not eating for 5 days to be lighter and then binging afterwards in a heap of dispair. That part could be left out or explained away with conversation, but it is very jarring.

For: jungle animal fans; readers wanting a book about finding out about one's strengths.

Possible red flags: some readers may worry about what behaviors this could reinforce.

ama_reads's review against another edition

2.0

Adorable illustrations, but the story doesn't live up to expectations.

libraryjen's review against another edition

3.0

A fun story about an elephant who learns that while he may not be good at some things, he is good at others. The overall message is that we all have talents to contribute and we should support each other instead of laughing at each other.
The illustrations are magnificent and the story is fun, I'd love to give this one four stars, but I'm not a fan of elephant not eating for 5 days because perhaps he's too fat to jump. Then, when that doesn't work he binge eats and stands on the scale while growing bigger and bigger but still feeling small on the inside. What the heck is that supposed to mean? What are kids supposed to take away from that spread? So, it gets 3 stars.