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Elephant's Big Solo
CCBC Review:
When Ms. Gator announces that everyone will be playing a solo at the next music recital, Elephant feels as though the rug has been pulled out from underneath her feet. Music class is her favorite precisely because she can blend in—something she’s a bit too conspicuous to be able to do most of the time. (Her classmates—a snake, a turtle, a rabbit, even the tiger—are much smaller than she.) Her friends’ trite encouragements underscore their lack of understanding. Why a solo? Why can’t it be enough that Elephant hears herself play? She’s even writing her own song! In class Elephant helps her friends with their solos, choosing to learn her own part at home. When rehearsal comes around, and it’s time for Elephant to play, she panics. But as she starts to run off, her classmates speak up. They’ll play with her. Relieved, Elephant teaches everyone her song—the song she wrote herself—and when the big day comes, the whole class performs Elephant’s “solo” together. And “it felt wonderful to be heard.” Digital illustrations in a pastel palette depict a sweet, mint-green pachyderm with absolutely palpable anxiety. Her experience will resonate with readers who prefer to keep a low profile. ©2022 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
Illustrated by Sarah Kurpiel
CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 4-7
Age Range:
PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Format:
Picture book
Subjects:
Animals (Fiction)
Anxiety
Empathy and Compassion
Friendship
Music and Musicians
School
On CCBC Booklist:
Feeling Anxious: Selected Books about Managing Worry and Fear for Children
Publishers:
Greenwillow, HarperCollins
Publish Year: 2022
Pages: 32
ISBN: 9780063093201
CCBC Location: Picture Book, Kurpiel