Synopsis
When an old lady finds a small elephant in the park, what is she to do? Take him home and treat him like a pet dog, of course! Peanut's not like other dogs, though . . . and another walk in the park reveals that he's missing from the circus. When Peanut returns home, the old lady is sad again, until she comes across a camel . . . who she decides is a cat!
Children's Literature
Mildred, a very sad looking, lonely older woman, meets up with and decides to bring home a puppy. The puppy, preschoolers will delight in discovering, is actually a baby elephant, also rather sad looking. Named Peanut because of his favorite food, the elephant does not do puppy things well; no fetching or rolling over. But Peanut is good at plant watering and cuddling on the couch and both baby elephant and Mildred look happy to be together. Sadly, Peanut is rediscovered by the circus that lost him and rejoins it—apparently a cheerful event for circus and elephant. The bereft Mildred sees that he is happy in his new life and then, fortunately, discovers a kitten to take home. The kitten is actually a camel. What preschooler will not find that irony to be delicious? Exaggerated facial expressions on the characters help convey the emotions that may not be made obvious by the very brief, large print text. All illustrations are placed on bright white backgrounds, drawing further attention to the understated body language. This would make a nice story time selection for three and four year olds who will find it very funny.