Humperdink Our Elephant Friend

When Humperdink the elephant joins a playgroup, he seems friendly enough but it soon becomes clear that he's very different indeed. Humperdink is a wonderfully illustrated story that reminds us the importance of accepting new friends, regardless of what they look like. I really enjoyed the message behind the story and think that many early education settings would benefit from having this text in their libraries, especially at the start of the academic years when children are being settled into their new environments. I read this with my three year old and he really enjoyed the idea of an elephant joining in with the children, particularly when they all find something they can do together. Also, the name 'Humperdink' also made him laugh. Claire Alexander has done a brilliant job illustrating the text and her pictures tie in with the book perfectly. Picture book / Ages 3+ / Reviewed by Kyle Matravers, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 3+

Children often accept the differences in each other without usually noticing said differences. Children are adaptable and considerate to each other and creative in helping each other play. These are characteristics we all wish our children to learn, understand and show. 'Humperdink' helps teach children these characteristics in a fun and enjoyable way. Humperdink (the baby elephant) is the new child at play group. He arrives cheerfully and looks around happily; he wants to join in with the fun games the children were playing. The other children begin playing with Humperdink straight away - dressing up, hairdressers, hide and seek, and playing on the children's most prized possession, the slide. But Humperdink doesn't quite fit in with the other children, he's large and clumsy and heavy; he can't play. So the children try a new angle; rather than playing the games they like, why not play the games Humperdink likes? Humperdink stomps around proudly showing the children all his fun games - Jungle stomping and Jungle climbing - and Humperdink finds he does fit in after all. Humperdink Our Elephant Friend is a delightful tale that teachers young children about those different from themselves. Teaching imaginative play alongside a compassionate narrative, this is a perfect story for a nursery or early years environment. Teaching key skills of empathy and accepting new friends through a very humorous storyline all children will delight in - re-enacting the play of Humperdink. And let's not forget the fantastic name 'Humperdink' which my own young children loved repeating over again as it was so fun to say. The lively and warm illustrations really bring to life this story. The facial expressions of Humperdink will teach even the youngest reader compassion as Humperdink feels sad for breaking the slide, but joy and elation as he leads the children on a jungle stomp. This is a lovely story to have on the book shelf at home or to use as a teaching tool in an early years environment. Picture book / Ages 3+ / Reviewed by Joanna Hewish, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 3+