Quote of the Day
"I love books because I don't have to wait for the commercials to be over to find out what happens."
~Anonymous
Title: The Saggy Baggy Elephant
Author: Kathryn and Byron Jackson
Illustrator: Gustaf Tenggren
This children's classic was written in 1947, so for over 50 years children and parents have treasured this tale and read it to the up-coming generation.
Sooki, a baby elephant with saggy, baggy skin feels he's funny looking and feels he's all alone. His plight is heightened by the mocking, unkind words of a nearby parrot who tells him his ears are too big, his nose is too long and his skin is too wrinkly. (a taunting bully he is). This makes the little guy even more uncomfortable and unsure of himself. He bumps into many other jungle creatures and compares himself to how they look. (not a good thing to do).
He tries different methods to shrink his skin but it does not change things.
This timeless story is about finding one's place in your world and being accepted. It is a socially conscious book that teaches children not to feel bad about themselves but celebrate who they are. It teaches kids not to be judgemental towards others because we are all unique and beautiful in our own way.
Sookie then meets other elephants just like himself and this makes him so happy. The elephant friends celebrate their similarities with a joyful "one-two-three-kick" dance.
There are different versions of storytelling of this classic tale on YouTube so please check it out.
About the Author:
Kathryn and Byron Jackson wrote dozen of Golden Books. They collaborated on hundred of stories, poems, and books for Golden.
About the Illustrator:
Gustaf Tenggren immigrated to the US from Sweden in 1920. He also created characters in the Tawny Scrawny Lion and The Poky Little Puppy. Before coming to Golden Books, he worked in the Disney Studio, creating concept artwork of various characters for "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs", "Pinocchio", "Fantasia" and "Bambi." He died in 1970.
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