Favorite Books About: ELEPHANTS!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Elephants- it's hard not to love them, and here at Happily Ever Elephants, we don't just love them, we celebrate them! How did our blog's name come about, you ask? Leave it to a three year old who loves to read--- and who one night innocently confused "happily ever after" with "happily ever elephants."  We've been gleefully shouting that phrase at the end of every story ever since, and the rest is history.

In honor of our blog launch, we've put together a list of our six favorite elephant books, because every child needs a fabulous story about this adorable animal in his library, right?

So without further ado...

Ellie, by Mike Wu: When the animals learn the zoo they live in is closing, they band together in an effort to save it. Ellie, at first frustrated as she doesn't know how she can help, soon discovers that she, too, possesses a great gift. But will it be good enough to keep the zoo open? This sweet story celebrates the beauty of finding and harnessing our own unique talents.

Have You Seen Elephant?, by David Barrow: Elephant wants to play hide and seek- and he warns his sweet friend that he is really, really good at the game. This book will have you and your little ones in fits of giggles as the pictures totally contradict the text-- the boy is truly astounded that he can't find the elephant, yet the reader can see that the elephant is virtually in plain sight. A simple, fun read with beautiful illustrations that will give all of your family a laugh!

Little Elliot, Big City, by Mike Curato: First off, Curato's Elliot, complete with pastel polka dots, may be the cutest story-book elephant ever. And the story is even sweeter still, about the beauty of friendship and helping a pal in need. The illustrations are not to be missed!

Strictly No Elephants, by Lisa Mantchev: It's Pet Club Day, but what happens when a little boy and his pet are barred from participating because there is a sign on the door that reads "Strictly No Elephants"? This is a fabulous story to teach tolerance, imparting an important message of inclusion in a manner tangible to young children.

Horton Hears a Who, by Dr. Seuss: Who doesn't love Horton?! We love the rhyming couplets in this book, which make it a fantastic read aloud. And there is nothing like Dr. Seuss to unlock your child's imagination. This book is no exception, as little ones will clamor to make noise along with the "who's" in the book, and examine every speck of dust in your house looking for invisible creatures and civilizations. A must!

Elephant and Piggie: We Are in a Book, by Mo Willems: It's hard to pick just one Elephant and Piggie book because each book in the series is truly special. Special and absolutely outstanding. Here, Elephant and Piggie discover just how cool it is to have their words read aloud. In this work of metafiction, Willems delivers another book perfect for the whole family, especially early readers with its large text and print awareness. Willems' works always wins, and this zany story will have you and your tiny readers eager to pick up another book in this remarkable series!

Have any other elephant favorites? Let us know in the comments below!