Reviews

Little Elliot, Big Fun by Mike Curato

aylea's review against another edition

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5.0

When Little Elliot visits the boardwalk for the first time with his friend Mouse, Elliot can’t help feeling scared about the new situation and all of the frightening things there. He can’t swim so the water chute is out of the question, some of the rides make him too dizzy, and other rides are too fast. He is not having fun at all, but by the end of the day Mouse assures him that nothing bad will happen to Elliot while they are together and shows the elephant how to have a good time in spite of his fears.

With all of the charm of the previous Little Elliot books, this book continues the sweet adventure of the two unlikely friends. Curato’s illustrations capture the feel of the past version of Coney Island as well as the adorable polka dotted elephant. The message shows readers that even though sometimes life can be scary and overwhelming when you are trying new things, friends can help you handle things that are frightening and appreciate the beautiful things in life. This elephant and his mouse friend are as precious as they were in the previous books, and readers will finish the book wanting more books about these characters.

missprint_'s review against another edition

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5.0

Little Elliot and Mouse are back for another fun adventure. This time around, the two friends decide to go to Coney Island. Mouse is excited to try all of the rides but Elliot isn't so sure. With so many rides that are too high, too crowded, and plain old too scary, will Elliot find a way to have fun with his friend in Little Elliot, Big Fun (2016) by Mike Curato.

Little Elliot, Big Fun is Curato's third picture book featuring my favorite polka dot elephant. (Other books in the series: Little Elliot, Big City and Little Elliot, Big Family.)

Curato once again brings old time New York to life--this time turning his eye to Coney Island. The illustrations in this book really draw readers into the amusement park. Curato's signature eye for detail (and careful research) also make sure every ride is accurate to the book's era (somewhere around the 1940s). A fold out spread from the Coney Island Ferris Wheel is especially stunning.

Readers have previously seen Elliot make his way in a big world (when he is quite small), and find an adopted family when he comes to Mouse's family reunion. In some ways, Elliot's problems are smaller in this one but just as universal. Coney Island is fun and exciting but Elliot struggles with the crowds, the noise, and many of the rides.

Little Elliot, Big Fun is a sweet story that shows young readers it's okay to be scared but that it's also important to keep trying to find things (say, amusement park rides) that work for you. And sometimes even scary things are manageable when you tackle them with a friend. Like the other picture books in this series, Little Elliot, Big Fun is highly recommended and sure to be a crowd pleaser.

*An advance copy of this title was acquired from the publisher for review consideration at BEA 2016*

readingthroughtheages's review against another edition

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5.0

I have loved all of the Elliot books but I think this one really is my favorite. The illustrations are gorgeous.

heisereads's review against another edition

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5.0

Elliot and Mouse are just the best. Adore their friendship and support of each other, adore the gorgeous set-in-the-past illustrations from Mike Curato, and adore the message of bravery and trying new things in this third book.

agudenburr's review against another edition

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4.0

A very cute book about being nervous while trying new things.

wordnerd153's review against another edition

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4.0

Great book for talking about how friends can have different interests but still enjoy spending time together. Love the 4-page foldout spread of the view from the Ferris wheel.

molliebrarian's review against another edition

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4.0

This whole series melts my heart! So cute and sweet!

skrajewski's review against another edition

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5.0

I have loved each Little Elliot book, but this one hits so much closer to home, and in a wonderful way! I see my younger self, and my son, in this one.

fernthepanda's review against another edition

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5.0

I love it!

bookishcb_21's review against another edition

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5.0

Little Elliot and Mouse go to an amusement park and Elliot is not having any fun - but how it ends shows that Elliot and Mouse were able to find something that both of them enjoyed ❤️