Engaging Elephant Reads and Rhymes

National Elephant Appreciation Day is coming up on September 22, so this is a great opportunity for me to share my favorite elephant books and rhymes with you. The kiddos in my story times have loved these, and I hope you do too!

Books

"There Is a Bird on Your Head" book cover

There Is a Bird on Your Head!” by Mo Willems

Like all of Mo Willems’ books, “There Is a Bird on Your Head” is full of slapstick comedy that both children and adults adore. Piggie tries to help Elephant get some feathered friends off of Elephant’s head, but her plans don’t work out how she’d hoped. This book can be performed by two readers, bringing the hilarious story to life!

"Elmer" book cover

Elmer” by David Mckee

Elmer is different from other elephants; his skin is a patchwork of colors instead of the typical gray. Follow Elmer through the jungle as he finds new friends and learns to accept himself as he is.

"Always" book cover

Always” by Emma Dodd

This adorable book teaches opposites while telling baby elephant that no matter what, he is loved unconditionally. The sweet theme combined with shiny silver accents sprinkled in the illustrations makes “Always” a lovely nighttime read.

"I Dream of an Elephant" book cover

I Dream of an Elephant” by Ami Rubinger

“I Dream of an Elephant” is a quick read that features colorful elephants doing all sorts of silly things. This book provides rhymes that hint at what new color the elephants will be next, making it a fun guessing game for kids.

Rhymes

Eletelephony

Once there was an elephant,
Who tried to use the telephant-
No! No! I mean an elephone
Who tried to use the telephone-
(Dear me! I am not certain quite
That even now I’ve got it right.)
Howe’er it was, he got his trunk
Entangled in the telephunk;
The more he tried to get it free,
The louder buzzed the telephee-
(I fear I’d better drop the song
Of elephop and telephong!)

Source: Strathcona County Library

5 Elephants in a bathtub

One elephant in the bathtub (hold up one finger)
Going for a swim (paddle your arms)
Knock, knock (clap twice)
Splash, splash (slap each knee)
Come on in! (motion with your hands to come in)

Source: DBRL employee

Keep adding elephants! You can count as high as you want. Sunflower Storytime has great printable elephant and bathtub templates that you can use to make the rhyme even more interactive.