Looking to add to your collection? Here is a list of Picture Books About Elephants
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Gentle Giants: 20 Wonderful Picture Books About Elephants
With their remarkable memories, close family bonds, and gentle nature, elephants have long captured the imaginations of children and adults alike. World Elephant Day (August 12) is a wonderful opportunity to introduce young readers to these amazing animals through stories that celebrate friendship, kindness, perseverance, and conservation. Whether your students enjoy humorous adventures or nonfiction explorations, these elephant-themed books are sure to become favorites.
1. Elmer
Author & Illustrator: David McKee
Elmer is a patchwork elephant who wonders if he would be happier looking like everyone else. A timeless story about celebrating individuality and accepting ourselves. https://amzn.to/4xCKtJQ
2. Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon
Author: Patty Lovell
Illustrator: David Catrow
Although not about an elephant, Molly Lou learns that confidence comes from within. Pair this book with Elmer for discussions about being proud of what makes us unique. https://amzn.to/3S5g3Ri
3. The Elephant and the Bad Baby
Author: Elfrida Vipont
Illustrator: Raymond Briggs
A kind elephant gives a naughty baby a ride through town, visiting one shop after another. A delightful classic with a satisfying ending. https://amzn.to/3RQ4TzQ
4. Strictly No Elephants
Author: Lisa Mantchev
Illustrator: Taeeun Yoo
When a boy and his tiny elephant are excluded from a pet club, they create a welcoming place where everyone belongs. A beautiful story about kindness, friendship, and inclusion. https://amzn.to/4bL8upu
5. The Saggy Baggy Elephant
Author: Kathryn Jackson
Illustrator: Byron Jackson
Part of the beloved Little Golden Books collection, this charming story follows a young elephant who worries about looking different until he discovers the truth. https://amzn.to/45oXWsx
6. An Elephant & Piggie Book: We Are in a Book!
Author & Illustrator: Mo Willems
Gerald the elephant and Piggie discover that readers are watching them! This hilarious early reader is one of the most popular in the beloved series. https://amzn.to/4bL8ENC
7. A Parade of Elephants
Author: Kevin Henkes
Simple, rhythmic text and beautiful illustrations celebrate elephants of every size, color, and personality. Perfect for preschool storytime. https://amzn.to/45nxW0I
8. Elephant Me
Author: Rita Marshall
Illustrator: Etienne Delessert
A gentle elephant dreams of becoming something different before learning to appreciate who he truly is. https://amzn.to/4qab7qM
9. If You Ever Want to Bring an Elephant to School, DON’T!
Author: Elise Parsley
A laugh-out-loud story imagining all the reasons bringing an elephant to school might not be the best idea. https://amzn.to/3Utr93a
10. The Story of Babar
Author: Jean de Brunhoff
Meet one of children’s literature’s most famous elephants in this classic tale that has entertained readers for generations. https://amzn.to/3SqMTMB
11. Little Elliot, Big City
Author & Illustrator: Mike Curato
A small polka-dot elephant discovers that even the tiniest friend can make a big difference. A sweet story about friendship and confidence. https://amzn.to/4gwrfyH
12. Little Elliot, Big Fun
Author & Illustrator: Mike Curato
Little Elliot worries that he isn’t brave enough for an amusement park adventure until friendship helps him find his courage. https://amzn.to/45q47wx
13. Little Elliot, Fall Friends
Author & Illustrator: Mike Curato
As autumn arrives, Little Elliot learns about gratitude and the importance of helping others. https://amzn.to/4qfjsts
14. Dumbo
Adapted from the Disney classic
The beloved story of a young elephant whose oversized ears become his greatest strength. A wonderful conversation starter about confidence and perseverance. https://amzn.to/4wtRZpt
15. The Elephant
Author: Jenni Desmond
Part story and part nonfiction, this beautifully illustrated book introduces fascinating facts about elephants while encouraging empathy and wonder. https://amzn.to/4xAMDth
16. Elephants
Author: Avery Hurt
Stomp around the African savanna, run around the forests of India, take a mud bath, and more as you learn all about elephants! https://amzn.to/4gah5Ub
17. Elephants Cannot Dance!
Author & Illustrator: Mo Willems
Gerald wishes he could dance like the other animals. His friends show him that everyone has their own special talents. https://amzn.to/4xCQfLw
18. Elephants
Author: Hope Aicher
Examine the engaging world of Elephants! Explore over 20 full-color photos, plus fun and amazing facts about our long-nosed friends. https://amzn.to/4ceomkw
19. The One and Only Ivan
Author: Katherine Applegate
Although Ivan is a gorilla, one of the story’s central characters is Ruby, a young elephant whose friendship changes everyone’s lives. This Newbery Medal winner is an excellent read-aloud for upper elementary students. https://amzn.to/4x2XWLa
20. The World’s Loneliest Elephant
Author: Ralph Fletcher
A heartwarming true story about Kaavan the elephant, his unlikely bond with singer and activist Cher, his rescue by veterinarian and animal rights crusader Dr. Amir Khalil, and relocation to the Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary. https://amzn.to/4wrUBnF
Elephants remind us of the importance of family, friendship, courage, and caring for the natural world. Whether children are laughing along with Gerald and Piggie, cheering for Little Elliot, or learning fascinating facts about real elephants, these books inspire curiosity and compassion.
Celebrate World Elephant Day by creating an elephant-themed display, comparing fiction and nonfiction books about elephants, making elephant crafts, or inviting students to discover amazing facts about these gentle giants. Every great story can help young readers develop a deeper appreciation for the animals that share our world.
I have not read all of these books. Please preview them for yourself before adding them to your school library.
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