Little Elliot, Big City
(Little Elliot #1)

First in a series, Curato's debut introduces a tiny polka-dotted elephant who lives in a Hopperesque 1940s Manhattan. Elliot is so small that he cowers on the subway platform so as not to be stepped on, and while he's literally the elephant in the room (or on the sidewalk), his fellow seen-it-all New Yorkers give him nary a notice wherever he goes. Despite the annoyances and hazards of the city, Elliot soldiers on like so many others in the Big Apple, savoring "small treasures." His life opens up unexpectedly and dramatically when he meets a white mouse, "someone even littler than himself." Together, they make a great team, especially when it comes to facilitating the purchase of Elliot's favorite treasure, cupcakes. Curato's writing is a tad literal and makes Elliot seem a bit more pathetic than his images convey. But he's a terrific emerging talent, with gorgeously rendered images that bring to mind the moodiness of Chris Van Allsburg and the sweetness of William Joyce. Ages 4-8. Agent: Brenda Bowen, Sanford J. Greenburger Associates. (Aug.)

PreS-Gr 1--A tiny, spotted elephant tackles the challenges of city life. Lonely and ignored, Elliot finally forges a friendship by helping a park mouse reach a trashed pizza slice. In turn, the mouse helps Elliot reach the counter to pay for a coveted bakery cupcake. The simple story is told in 17 short sentences that allow Curato's magnificent 1940s-style illustrations to carry the tale. Large scale cityscapes and crowds emphasize Elliot's tiny size. The dark palette contrasts with his pastel polka dots. Details like warped wires of the trash basket celebrate Curato's artistic talent. Despite the visual appeal, younger audiences may question how and why the young elephant lives alone in an apartment where he struggles with issues like access to the freezer.--Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA