This gorgeous book teaches children to empathise with and accept others, regardless of their differences, in a fun and playful way. I love the illustrations, the gentle writing style and all the sound words, which will appeal to children too. This has a classic, timeless quality and I would definitely buy it for my family and as a gift for others.

This is a really lovely and sweet picture book. I really enjoyed the beginning where we are encouraged as readers to look at the pictures and explore the activities the children like to do at playgroup.

We are introduced to Humperdink who joins the children in their playgroup. Humperdink is a really cute elephant and we warmed to his character straight away. He wants to join in but finds it difficult due to his size. My daughter felt sad for Humperdink and said ‘Poor Humperdink’ every time the elephant had a mishap with a game, or just couldn’t join in properly.We were happy when the children were able to play pretend jungle and Humperdink was included in their games.

This is a beautifully illustrated book and a heartwarming story. It encourages empathy in children and is a great introduction to talking about inclusion in play. A really fantastic addition to a library collection.

Review to come to blog/goodreads on May 24th

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.

I just couldn't resist a book about an elephant! Plus, look at that cover, isn't it adorable? 

In this fun book we meet with several friends who are in a playgroup, they are having the greatest of times (I love that slide into pillows part, I want that too!), and then a new person, or well new friend arrives. Because Humperdink isn't a human, he is an elephant! And he is more than eager to play... but you can already guess that elephants and tiny little human things just don't go together. I just wanted to hug everyone when things didn't go right. He just wants to be part of the friendship. He just wants to play!

But the kids quickly find a solution and so begins a wonderful adventure that had me smiling from ear to ear. It was such a fun and sweet thing and I loved seeing the whole group having a lot of fun. Sliding, stomping, climbing, swinging, and more! 

The ending made me happy! I am so proud of Humperdink, and so proud of the kids for accepting him! They all seem to have a great time, and I would love to join.

The illustrations are just wonderful, so sweet and lovely and fit with the story so well!

All in all, Highly Recommended! This adorable book about friendship and acceptance is one that will be loved by many, I am sure!

A lovely way to introduce young children about inclusion and accepting others of all shapes, sizes and in this books case, ‘species”.

This is such an adorable book with its cute illustrations that show lots on fun on the pages! I especially enjoyed its message to our little ones about including others and accepting their differences with some problem solving in there too. It is done in a clever way that children will be able to understand and works well to support little ones with their Personal, Social and Emotional (PSED) development.

The story starts with Humperdink arriving at play school. The children kindly invite him to play but soon discover that he may not be suited for some of these play ideas, with the dressing up clothes being too small and Humperdink not being the best at hiding during hide’n’seek due to his size. What I loved is how they turn this around and the children ask to play what Humperdink enjoys playing and soon they are able to play and explore together and it ends with the understanding that although he may not be able to join in all activities, there are still many that he is able to do along with them.

What a fab story! I can’t wait to get a paper copy to share with the children I teach at my work setting!

** I received an advanced copy of this e-book to read and review. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publishers for allowing me this opportunity **

Hmmm… I had to sit and think about this book and my thoughts concerning it – for almost longer than it took to read. I suppose, with the help of another review, I do see the elephant as metaphor for the new kid in class – that newbie at the school who doesn't at first seem to fit in, until he can show his imaginative powers. If that's not the case, then it is a bonkers story of a kindergarten which gains an elephant who's hopeless at joining in by dint of being, er, a pachyderm, but who takes the kids illicitly to a jungle where they all have fun together (TRIGGER POINT!!)). Now, many books can be too simplistic, but why pick this one when many others have the clarity both the junior and the adult audience deserve? This will be passable entertainment until the young reader works out that it makes little literal sense – beyond which the lovely illustrations will be well-thumbed, but no help.

Two and a half stars, as the artist deserves a lot of credit.

(First reviewed for the 2019 edition.)

A great book that encourages younger children that everyone likes differenr things, and that sometimes you have to adapt your games to try and include everyone.
Very cute illustrations too

All of the children at the playgroup like to do different things. Some like to play dress-up, others prefer to play hairdresser and they all love to slide into a big pile of cushions. When Humperdink the elephant joins the playgroup they all want to show him the things that they like to do, but Humperdink is too big for the slide. Instead he shows the children what he likes to do and they all have a great time playing together.

A beautifully illustrated book about accepting new friends, even if they seem very different to you.

Thank you NetGalley and Quatro Publishing Group for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this book! It is the story of a little elephant that joins a playgroup. He is very friendly so the other children try hard to include him but despite trying really hard some of the games they play (dressing up and going on a slide) are not possible for an enormous elephant!
The children go outside so that Humperdink can teach them some of his own games. They all join in 'elephant walking' and before long they are all on a fantastic jungle adventure (climbing and swinging through trees.)

This is such a lovely story that young children can easily relate to. It is perfect for helping children to understand that although everyone is different there is always a way to include everybody.

This story would be the perfect addition to Early Years settings helping children to learn to accept/be kind to others and let everybody join in.

Humperdink is such a cute little elephant and the fantastic illustrations really bring the story to life. My son will love this book and I will definitely be purchasing a copy when this comes out on 18th May.


Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group and NetGalley for this eARC .