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Ellie #1
Ellie
The zoo is closing! Ellie and her friends want to save their home, but Ellie's just a baby elephant, and she doesn't know what she can do to help. While the other animals are busy working, Ellie finds a brush and some paints, and gives the zoo a big splash of color! Will her bright new talent be enough to keep the zoo's gates open for good?
40 pages, Unknown Binding
First published May 12, 2015
8 people are currently reading
387 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
October 12, 2018
One day the zookeeper told the animals the zoo was closing. All the animals are heartbroken. The zoo is their home. They decided to spruce it up a bit. Every animal has a talent but baby elephant Ellie. What can she do to help? Ellie thought she'd ask the zookeeper to give her a job. When he is called away, she picks up his paint brush and gives it a try. Ellie paints a sunflower. Soon the zookeeper is returning with a wagon load of paint cans. Maybe the zookeeper did like her painting. Ellie is soon painting the zoo, portraits and other pictures. Her fame spreads throughout the world. People from around the globe come to see Ellie's paintings. Ellie saves the zoo.
This picture book is adorable. It is the debut book for Mr. Wu, and is about finding your talents, however how different they are. The text is written in standard print which makes it easy to read. The illustrations are colorful, going from dark to light as the story progresses. A happy ending for all the animals, the zookeeper and the reader.
This picture book is adorable. It is the debut book for Mr. Wu, and is about finding your talents, however how different they are. The text is written in standard print which makes it easy to read. The illustrations are colorful, going from dark to light as the story progresses. A happy ending for all the animals, the zookeeper and the reader.
April 3, 2020
Ellie the elephant and her friends Lucy the giraffe and Gerald the ape are dismayed when zoo-keeper Walt announces that their long-time home is being closed. Determined to spruce up the place, in order to keep it open, the animals all pitch in, except for Ellie herself, who can't figure out how to help. Then Ellie picks up Walt's paintbrush, and an artist is born...
A sweet tale of a gentle, unassuming elephant who only wants to keep her home and help her friends, but discovers her calling as a painter in the process, Ellie pairs a heartwarming narrative with adorable artwork. Ellie herself is an endearing heroine, with a sweet, shy little face that young readers and listeners will take to heart. Recommended to all young elephant lovers and/or would-be artists, and to anyone searching for children's books about finding your talent.
A sweet tale of a gentle, unassuming elephant who only wants to keep her home and help her friends, but discovers her calling as a painter in the process, Ellie pairs a heartwarming narrative with adorable artwork. Ellie herself is an endearing heroine, with a sweet, shy little face that young readers and listeners will take to heart. Recommended to all young elephant lovers and/or would-be artists, and to anyone searching for children's books about finding your talent.
March 1, 2015
The illustrations in Mike Wu's picture book debut, Ellie are ridiculously adorable. The cast includes the title character, Ellie the Elephant, an intellectual gorilla named Gerard, a mustachioed zookeeper named Walt, and more - each more charming than the last. Though I loved the illustrations, I wished the text was a bit stronger. My biggest quibble was that Ellie goes from worrying she has no skills to contribute to keeping the soon-to-be-closed zoo open for business, but, by the end, it's solely Ellie that's lauded as the hero. I would have preferred Ellie finding her niche within the group in a way that more clearly complemented her friends and promoted teamwork. Yes, it's implied, but it would have been nice to see a final callback to that idea. Still, I liked this one and look forward to more from Wu!
November 29, 2016
At the beginning of this story, Ellie the elephant is saddened as the zoo is closing and she is unaware of how she can help. She sees other animals assisting; however, Ellie feels as though she has no special skills. In the end, Ellie accidentally realizes her unexpected skill and helps to save the zoo. This children's book presents the story of an individual who felt as though she had no power but found her voice and her identity through painting. This story is very powerful and speaks to the importance of identity. "Ellie" could prove to be a beneficial supplemental text to encourage students to think about their own skills and abilities and how they are beneficial, as individuals, to the communities they are members of.
This children's book could be the companion text to "The Outsiders" by S.E. Hinton. Both Ellie and Ponyboy realize that their surroundings are experiencing detrimental conditions and must do something to change the overall environment. While Ellie realizes her own talent as an artist, Ponyboy realizes that fighting doesn't solve anything, innocence doesn't last forever, and it is okay to be different from those around you. Ponyboy then writes the story of his fellow Greasers and the Socs and how a series of unfortunate, unnecessary events progressed and created understandings and realizations.
This children's book could be the companion text to "The Outsiders" by S.E. Hinton. Both Ellie and Ponyboy realize that their surroundings are experiencing detrimental conditions and must do something to change the overall environment. While Ellie realizes her own talent as an artist, Ponyboy realizes that fighting doesn't solve anything, innocence doesn't last forever, and it is okay to be different from those around you. Ponyboy then writes the story of his fellow Greasers and the Socs and how a series of unfortunate, unnecessary events progressed and created understandings and realizations.
November 4, 2015
Ellie by Mike Wu is an adorable read about helping, teamwork, and finding your talent in this world. Finding what makes you stand out. Finding what helps make you—you.
A cute story with a super cute elephant and message.
Check it out at your local Library.
p.s. I really don’t have a reason for the 3 stars. *shrugs* It took me awhile to get my hands on this one, so the story may have paid the hype price. Cute, but that’s it? ---was my first thought after closing it. Sorry, Ellie.
April 13, 2017
Such a sweet story about an adorable elephant who doesn't feel she has any talents but ends up surprising herself and her entire zoo community. This is a great children's book for those who love art....and discovering hidden talents. :)
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March 29, 2015Ellie, the artist, quickly wiggled into my heart with her quiet determination to make her home a more beautiful and lasting place among her zoo friends.
June 26, 2015
Adorable story about finding ones gifts; loved the pictures!
August 3, 2022
3.5 stars
July 9, 2015
The zookeeper makes a difficult announcement...the zoo would be closing. To the animals, this was their home. What would happen to them?
They wondered if there was something that would keep the zoo open. What could each one do to "spruce it up a bit?" Every animal had some ability that they used to clean up the zoo...that is, all but Ellie, the elephant. But one day, the zookeeper left a paint brush out with orange paint still in the bristles. Ellie tried using it. She found that she could paint...flowers, rainbows, animals, people. And she painted everywhere. All around the zoo! Everywhere!
Word got out that Ellie, the elephant, was very creative. People from the city came to see what Ellie had done and what she could do. Reporters showed up to get the word out. Then, people from around the world visited the zoo to watch Ellie painting. They visited her gallery. They saw the clean and colorful zoo. The animals home was saved and more beautiful than ever.
This is a delightful story. It has a happy ending. The art is gracefully done and peaceful to look upon. "Ellie" reminds us that each one of us has something special to give to the world. Sometimes, it takes a bit of seeking to find that talent, that ability, that specialty. Ellie found hers after much dismay, but she becomes an happy elephant and the reader becomes happier once the tale is told.
Reading Level: ages 3-5
Author/Illustrator
This is Mike Wu's first book, but he is an animator at Pixar. He has worked on The Incredibles, Ratatouille, Up, and Toy Story 3, among other movies. He has a BFA in Character Animation from the California Institute of the Arts. Mike lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his family. You can find him online at theartofmikewu.com.
They wondered if there was something that would keep the zoo open. What could each one do to "spruce it up a bit?" Every animal had some ability that they used to clean up the zoo...that is, all but Ellie, the elephant. But one day, the zookeeper left a paint brush out with orange paint still in the bristles. Ellie tried using it. She found that she could paint...flowers, rainbows, animals, people. And she painted everywhere. All around the zoo! Everywhere!
Word got out that Ellie, the elephant, was very creative. People from the city came to see what Ellie had done and what she could do. Reporters showed up to get the word out. Then, people from around the world visited the zoo to watch Ellie painting. They visited her gallery. They saw the clean and colorful zoo. The animals home was saved and more beautiful than ever.
This is a delightful story. It has a happy ending. The art is gracefully done and peaceful to look upon. "Ellie" reminds us that each one of us has something special to give to the world. Sometimes, it takes a bit of seeking to find that talent, that ability, that specialty. Ellie found hers after much dismay, but she becomes an happy elephant and the reader becomes happier once the tale is told.
Reading Level: ages 3-5
Author/Illustrator
This is Mike Wu's first book, but he is an animator at Pixar. He has worked on The Incredibles, Ratatouille, Up, and Toy Story 3, among other movies. He has a BFA in Character Animation from the California Institute of the Arts. Mike lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his family. You can find him online at theartofmikewu.com.
November 13, 2016
Ellie By Mike Wu
Summary: This book is about a sweet elephant named Ellie. Ellie lives at the zoo with the rest of her zoo friends. One day the zookeeper gathered the animals and told them that the zoo was closing, the animals were heartbroken. All of the zoo animals decided to all pitch in and help clean up the zoo to make it look nicer. Everyone seemed to be able to do something to help but Ellie. Ellie felt like everyone had a talent but her. Ellie took the zookeepers paintbrush and started painting and she made beautiful paintings all around the zoo. Word spread about what Ellie could do. People from all over the world came to have their portrait painted by Ellie. Thanks to Ellie, the zoo was open for good!
Activity: Draw a self-portrait of yourself from a picture. Make sure to include everything about yourself. (Eye color, hair color, if your nails are painted, glasses, etc.) After you are done drawing your self-portrait, write a paragraph explaining your favorite thing about yourself and what makes you special and stand out just like Ellie.
Citation: Wu, M. (2015). Ellie. Los Angeles: Disney * Hyperion.
Summary: This book is about a sweet elephant named Ellie. Ellie lives at the zoo with the rest of her zoo friends. One day the zookeeper gathered the animals and told them that the zoo was closing, the animals were heartbroken. All of the zoo animals decided to all pitch in and help clean up the zoo to make it look nicer. Everyone seemed to be able to do something to help but Ellie. Ellie felt like everyone had a talent but her. Ellie took the zookeepers paintbrush and started painting and she made beautiful paintings all around the zoo. Word spread about what Ellie could do. People from all over the world came to have their portrait painted by Ellie. Thanks to Ellie, the zoo was open for good!
Activity: Draw a self-portrait of yourself from a picture. Make sure to include everything about yourself. (Eye color, hair color, if your nails are painted, glasses, etc.) After you are done drawing your self-portrait, write a paragraph explaining your favorite thing about yourself and what makes you special and stand out just like Ellie.
Citation: Wu, M. (2015). Ellie. Los Angeles: Disney * Hyperion.
June 4, 2015
This wonderfully adorable book focuses on Ellie the elephant. When she and her friends discover that their beloved zoo home is going to closed, they come together to see what they can do to keep the doors open. It seems that everyone is a expert or has a special talent and is always one step ahead of Ellie. Sad she finds a paintbrush on the ground and starts to doodle on a wall. When the zookeeper comes back she's worried he won't like what she's done. Her fears are answered when he runs off without saying a word but she is relieved to see him come back with a cart full of different paints. Before you know it Ellie is adding her special touches to the zoo and evening painting the visitors.
This is an amazing little tale that encourages everyone to keep trying until they find that little thing that they too can excel at. I would suggest this title to children and adults of all ages.
This is an amazing little tale that encourages everyone to keep trying until they find that little thing that they too can excel at. I would suggest this title to children and adults of all ages.
July 21, 2015
The illustrations are absolutely eye-catching and delicious. A stand true stand out. I love it!
May 23, 2015
My daughters name is Ellie. I just found our new favorite book...
October 5, 2017
A beautifully illustrated book about discovering what you're good at. I love how the paintings change from dark and dull to bright and colorful as the story progresses and emotions change.
September 5, 2025
A story about finding her true self.
*my kids wish they would stop naming all elephants 🐘 “Ellie.” They insisted I included this in the notes. 😜
*my kids wish they would stop naming all elephants 🐘 “Ellie.” They insisted I included this in the notes. 😜
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August 29, 2015Well that was adorable. There really are no other adjectives I could use here, just adorable.
February 28, 2016
Precious!
December 26, 2023
A lovely story about how a creative zoo citizen helps save the zoo from closing due to a lack of funding. Adorable illustrations and fun characters.
September 19, 2019
Absolutely adorable! I love elephants so much, they are adoraphant!
Just to blow your mind, elephants really do paint in zoos to attract tourists or raise funds for the zoo. And apparently elephants have been painting since the 1940’s!
If you love elephants, check out “Suda, the painting elephant” or “Elephant Painting” on YouTube and you are in for a real treat!
Just to blow your mind, elephants really do paint in zoos to attract tourists or raise funds for the zoo. And apparently elephants have been painting since the 1940’s!
If you love elephants, check out “Suda, the painting elephant” or “Elephant Painting” on YouTube and you are in for a real treat!
August 9, 2017
Such an adorable story for kids to read. I would have loved this if I read this when I was younger. I love this children's book; Ellie is so cute!
August 19, 2019
Sweet little book about how everyone can help no matter their talents.
February 18, 2017
This precious little picture book speaks to a child about using their own personal gifts to help the world.
August 16, 2015
Zookeeper Walt says that the zoo has to close. The animals all decide to do things to try and make the zoo look nicer so the people will let it stay open. Ellie doesn't feel able to help at all, that is until she discovers a hidden talent that ends up saving the zoo.
Living here in Thailand, elephant shows aren't that hard to find. And many of the shows include painting elephants and sell the paintings in the tourist shops. So I don't find this tale too far-fetched. I'm guessing many of the students at our school will draw the same connections. Of course, the real elephants' paintings are quite up to Ellie's standards, but that's what makes Ellie a little bit magical. I know the average reader is not going to be living quite so close to so many elephant artists, so I'm guessing the average reader will more likely draw connections with Ellie finding her special talent after feeling worthless.
Living here in Thailand, elephant shows aren't that hard to find. And many of the shows include painting elephants and sell the paintings in the tourist shops. So I don't find this tale too far-fetched. I'm guessing many of the students at our school will draw the same connections. Of course, the real elephants' paintings are quite up to Ellie's standards, but that's what makes Ellie a little bit magical. I know the average reader is not going to be living quite so close to so many elephant artists, so I'm guessing the average reader will more likely draw connections with Ellie finding her special talent after feeling worthless.
December 8, 2017
A simple and cute story about discovering one's talents and purpose.
Pixar animator Mike Wu's watercolor illustrations are lovely. I love his use of white space and color for emphasis!
Pixar animator Mike Wu's watercolor illustrations are lovely. I love his use of white space and color for emphasis!
July 29, 2015
If you were to ask a group of children what they do best, their answers will span a broad spectrum, some understandably typical, others refreshingly original. Continuing the conversation I wonder what one thing they will see themselves doing as adults. What will be their occupation? What will they dedicate their lives to doing?
It is not easy to discover your talent. When you search your mind and heart, you need to listen closely so the voice of your gift can be heard. Once you understand this, where will you go, what can you do or who will you help? Ellie (Disney Hyperion, May 12, 2015) written and illustrated by debut picture book author illustrator Mike Wu is about a zoo, the animals making their home there and an elephant longing to make a discovery.
My full recommendation: http://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2...
It is not easy to discover your talent. When you search your mind and heart, you need to listen closely so the voice of your gift can be heard. Once you understand this, where will you go, what can you do or who will you help? Ellie (Disney Hyperion, May 12, 2015) written and illustrated by debut picture book author illustrator Mike Wu is about a zoo, the animals making their home there and an elephant longing to make a discovery.
My full recommendation: http://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2...
September 12, 2015
Ellie is a darling little elephant who just wants to help her friends spruce up the zoo after the zookeeper tells them their zoo is going to close. But when the jobs are either too big or too difficult for Ellie, she feels a bit down-until she spots the zookeeper with a paintbrush! At first, Ellie is worried she's done something she shouldn't have, but with encouragement from her zoo friends, her gift and talent spreads far and wide for all to enjoy. A tender and very relatable story for anyone who has felt unsure how they can be of help to others in need. Gorgeous watercolor illustrations that harken back to those in childhood favorites bring a ton of heart to Ellie's art!
August 9, 2015
Ellie wants so badly to help her friends spruce up the Zoo so that they don't go out of business.
But Ellie can't find her talent.
Then, she stumbles upon a paintbrush (in the most adorable illustration in the entire book, might I add).
She creates a beautiful mural on the wall and suddenly, Ellie becomes the main attraction and saves the Zoo!
Now, I personally don't care all that much for zoos, but this just a kids picture book and a very very cute one at that!
So, five stars goes to Ellie.
But Ellie can't find her talent.
Then, she stumbles upon a paintbrush (in the most adorable illustration in the entire book, might I add).
She creates a beautiful mural on the wall and suddenly, Ellie becomes the main attraction and saves the Zoo!
Now, I personally don't care all that much for zoos, but this just a kids picture book and a very very cute one at that!
So, five stars goes to Ellie.
December 16, 2015
This one-of-a-kind children’s book features an artistic elephant named Ellie who is determined to stop her home, the zoo, from closing. Pairing the heartwarming story with adorable watercolor pictures that add a little something extra to the text, Ellie is a must-read and the perfect choice for children. It is sure to bring a little joy to the kids as they follow the loveable animals through their mission to save their home and contributes a great message: that we are all unique, and, if we work together and combine our individual talents, we can accomplish great things.
December 24, 2015
What I liked about this book was that it pulled from a fun reality. In real life, elephants have proven their smarts and sensitivity by picking up a paintbrush and drawing. I loved that that was how Ellie overcame her anxiety in not knowing how to save her friends and zoo. It was not some fantastic, unbelievable skill that popped out of someone's imagination, but out of the real skill some elephants have. This could lead into discussions on elephants, elephant behavior and comprehension, friendship, finding your niche, helping others, etc. A good jumping off point.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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