Zola's Elephant

Picture book, 40 pages. Zola, who just moved in next door, has an imaginary elephant as her best friend. Or does she? Published in 2018 by Clarion Books.

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Book Recap

Zola moves in, but the little girl next door is concerned that Zola won't need a new friend since she already has an imaginary elephant as a best friend. This is a gently story told from the point of view of children who are hesitant when making new friends. The illustrations are dreamy, child friendly and unusual -- similar to the way we see our sleeping dreams.

Learning Ideas

Family Read Aloud Time
This is a beautiful book for a long cuddly reading and exploring each illustration. Ask your child to bring their favorite stuffed friend for the cuddle!

Learning at Home
This is a perfect book if you have new neighbors or are the new ones on the block. Use it as an introduction to the topic of being a good neighbor. Scholastic has 12 Ways to Teach Your Child To Be a Good Neighbor and Teach Kids How offers Teach Your Child How To Be a Good Neighbor.

Classroom Options
Book Page focuses on how to be kind to neighbors in Tips for Teachers: Neighbors. The three books include Zola, Thank You, Omu and Found.

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Randall de Seve

de Seve tries to capture the spirit of childhood creativity and imagination in her writing. Her picture books include Toy Boat, The Duchess of Whimsy, and A Fire Truck Named Red among others.

Pamela Zagarenski

Zagarenski's illustrations have earned Caldecott Honor Medals, as well as chosen for the Booklist Editor's Choices and Horn Book Fanfare. She is also the illustrator of Sacredbee Greeting Cards.

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