The Loudest Noise in the World by Benjamin Elkin

by Benjamin Elkin

"When asked by his father the King what he wants for his sixth birthday, Hulla-Baloo, the young Prince of Hub-Bub, tells his father that he wants to hear the loudest noise in the world."

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books

Hardcover

First published March 1, 1954

About the author

Benjamin Elkin was educated at Lewis Institute, Chicago Teachers College, and Northwestern University. His published works include The Loudest Noise in the World (Viking, 1954), Gillespie and the Guards (Viking, 1956), Six Foolish Fishermen (Childrens, 1957), The Big Jump and Other Stories (Random House, 1958), The True Book of Schools (Childrens, 1958), The King’s Wish and Other Stories (Random House, 1960), The True Book of Money (Childrens, 1960), Lucky and the Giant (Childrens, 1962), Al and the Magic Lamp (Harper, 1963), and Why the Sun Was Late (Parents, 1966).

Reviews

[Debbie C · Rating 2 out of 5]

I sought this book out because I read Gillespie and the Guards, the Caldecott-honored book by this author-illustrator team, and was a bit disappointed by the illustrations. Here, too, the exaggerated features that Daugherty gives people are still just too much for me. However, the effect is worse as we go "around the world" to see different people; some of the depictions just made me cringe. Be aware, then, that some cultural depictions may offend modern readers -- which is definitely something to watch out for if you are looking for a book to share with children.

It's a shame, too, because this is a fun story. It's about a young prince in the imaginary state of Hub-Bub, where everything is noisy. As his birthday approaches, his father the king vows to get him anything he wants -- like any good fairy tale royal dad would. The boy's wish? To hear the loudest noise in the world. The king proposes all sorts of options, which the boy rejects as "been there, done that." Finally, the boy says he thinks that the loudest noise in the world would be everyone shouting at once -- all over the world. The king uses his power to make this happen, and people all over the world get excited -- until one person wonders whether they will be able to hear the noise as well, if they are screaming. The result changes the boy's gift -- and the entire land of Hub-Bub -- completely. I could see it having a lot of value -- if the images weren't so much a product of their time. As it is, I would more likely pass on it.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was published in 1954 and is about all two billion people in the world doing the same thing at once. It has a moral, too.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though this book was published back in 1954, I still enjoyed the story. It is now one of my favorites.

[Le Maistre Chat · Rating 4 out of 5]

What if violating Kant's Categorical Imperative was a universal law? Turns out, it would make a little boy happy!

[Stu · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a student at his school when Benjamin Elkin was the principal. He read this book (and all his books) to us as they were published. The illustrations are dated and reflect the cultural racism of the 1950s.

[R. G. Nairam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful.

[Vaishali · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story so timely, so needed in today's raucous world. I've repeated it for many years to friends... the gift of silence.