EDMUND THE ELEPHANT WHO FORGOT

Elephants and memory are linked proverbially, but poor Edmund totally forgets everything his mother tells him to buy for his younger brother’s birthday party.

He complains to his mom that he is forgetful, so she teaches him a song that Edmund sings throughout the book: “Elephants always remember, / Elephants don’t get it wrong. / Elephants always remember, / As long as they sing this song!” She also hands him a shopping list: balloons, party hats, confetti, wrapped gift, cake, paper plates, and napkins. At the bottom is the stern instruction “Don’t forget to fetch Aunt Myrtle!” Naturally, Edmund immediately leaves the list behind, and Colin, a tiny cricket in a long overcoat who appears in every spread, tries to help him. Colin has a great memory, but every time the insect calls out the item Edmund is supposed to buy, Edmund doesn’t hear Colin properly and the fun begins. His yellow wagon becomes crowded with all kinds of animals cavorting in funny clothes. Instead of “twenty pointy party hats,” for instance, Edmund finds “seven sassy dancing cats!” Kids will enjoy Edmund’s mistakes, realized in zany cartoons full of hilarious details. Edmund’s mom is dismayed (not least because it turns out she’s also forgotten something important) but his little brother is delighted. The amusing text is meant to be read aloud, although the detailed illustrations will best be enjoyed by individual children or small groups. (This book was reviewed digitally with 10.25-by-20.88-inch double-page spreads viewed at 27% of actual size.)

Madcap text and droll illustrations make this “the best party ever!”—as Edmund’s brother exclaims.