ELEPHANTS CAN'T JUMP

Learning how to share feelings is an essential skill for friends.

Mini the elephant is opening presents at her birthday party. Her best pal, Milo the rabbit, gives the best presents, so she’s saved his for last. But his gift is…a trampoline! Mini fumes. Doesn’t he realize that elephants can’t jump? Milo asks what’s wrong; Mini doesn’t answer. The next day, when Mini declines Milo’s invitation to play hopscotch, he again cluelessly asks what’s bothering her. Mini remains silent; speaking up is too hard, and she decides to hide from Milo instead. That’s easier than talking, but hiding’s hard for an elephant. Mini avoids Milo all week—until Friday, when she visits his house and he excitedly shows her a jumping castle. Finally, Mini’s had it, telling Milo he knows why she’s upset and angry. (He really doesn’t.) Exploding, Mini finally explains what “everyone knows.” Milo, now mad himself, asks why he was supposed to know that. Mini realizes that talking to her friend would have been easier than running and hiding. Then Mini demonstrates what elephants can do with jumping castles. This cute Australian import about emotions and relationships makes strong points about speaking up and fully articulating one’s feelings. Note one lapse in logic: If Milo is Mini’s closest friend, why hasn’t her inability to jump come up before? The charming, delicate digital color illustrations fully evoke the animal characters’ expressive personalities.

Elephants may not be able to jump, but this one can and will tug heartstrings and generate empathy.