October 1, 2011
PreS-Gr 2-The patchwork pachyderm helps all of the young elephants get ready for the annual visit from Papa Red, walking them from the jungle up to a mountain where pine trees grow. They play in the snow and choose a tree with roots "that would be easy to put back later." After decorating it, they catch a glimpse of Papa Red (a red elephant with a white beard and red hat with white trim), and Elmer helps him load his sleigh, pulled by a team of moose. McKee uses his traditional vibrant colors in the simple cartoon illustrations. This slight, inconsequential story touches on the spirit of giving, but just might raise more questions than it answers.-Diane Olivo-Posner, Los Angeles Public Library
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