Little Elliot, Big Fun

Little Elliot #3

by Mike Curato

In this third story of Little Elliot and Mouse, the friends head off in search of adventure . . . and lots of fun!

Little Elliot, the polka-dotted elephant, and his friend Mouse go to the amusement park to see the sights and ride the rides—water chutes, roller coasters, carousels, and more. But Elliot isn't having much fun—the rides are too wet, too fast, too dizzy, and just plain too scary—until Mouse figures out a way to help him overcome his fears. Together, Mouse and Little Elliot can do anything!

Genres: Picture Books, Friendship, Animals, Childrens, Storytime, Fiction, Kids

32 pages, Hardcover

First published August 30, 2016

About the author

MIKE was born and raised in the suburbs of New York City. He has been drawing ever since he could hold a pencil. Mike attended Syracuse University and has a BFA in Illustration. After college, he moved to Seattle, where he eventually began a career as a graphic designer. You can see examples of Mike's design work here. In 2012, Mike finally achieved his lifelong goal of becoming a published author & illustrator of children's books when Henry Holt Books for Young Readers (MacMillan) offered him a 3-book deal featuring his character, Little Elliot. The first book in the series, Little Elliot, Big City, debuted August 26th, 2014. Mike currently lives in Brooklyn, NY.

Reviews

[Josiah · Rating 3 out of 5]

After the first two Little Elliot books shared a similar theme, Little Elliot, Big Fun takes a fresh direction while still riding Mike Curato's incomparable illustrations and heart for emotional storytelling. Mouse is excited to introduce Elliot to the boardwalk, a venue packed with tasty treats, roller coasters, and live shows. Elliot looks forward to it.

Once they arrive, Elliot's natural timidity kicks in. He's afraid to ride the big water chute because he might fall overboard. The roller coaster is too intense for Elliot's stomach. He reacts in horror to a painted clown handing out free balloons, as well as to the garish funhouse. Mouse wants to help overcome Elliot’s inhibitions, and maybe a ride on the Ferris wheel is the way. Floating high above the scenic boardwalk allows Elliot new perspective, the key to unlock this place as fun for him. An unfamiliar experience can turn into the time of your life when you have it with a friend.

If you're the anxious sort, skeptical of activities most others say are not to be missed, you'll identify with Elliot. You've spent a lifetime making "smart" choices, avoiding broken bones and other crises caused by recklessness; that's a hard habit to break since it helped you survive. A new friend can pull you into areas of fun you never would have considered, revealing what exhilarating moments you've missed by being risk averse. You needed a daring friend to budge you from your comfort zone and explore frontiers together. What we Elliots crave is our own Mouse to escort us to the places that we know we'd never find.

Little Elliot, Big Fun celebrates those friends who tug us out of the shadows so we don't miss good times. Most people aren't invested enough to pursue our happiness, but true friends are, and we need them in order to have a full life. The Little Elliot series is a a joy to read for the first or hundredth time.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little Elliot the elephant and his best friend Mouse return in this third picture-book devoted to their New York adventures, which began in Little Elliot, Big City and continued in Little Elliot, Big Family . In this installment of their ongoing saga, they head to Coney Island for the day, where Mouse assures Elliot that he will have a fabulous time. Unfortunately, the timid Elliot is more frightened of the rides than excited by them, and quickly becomes overwhelmed by all the activity. Can Mouse save the day, and truly make it big fun for them both...?

This being a Little Elliot book, there's never much doubt of the happy ending, but it's still a pleasure to watch these two friends work out how they can both enjoy their outing. I'm really very thrilled to be given access to an early copy of Little Elliot, Big Fun, as it isn't officially released until the end of August. As expected, I enjoyed the story, but it was the artwork that really made this one for me. Mike Curato's use of deep but subtly toned colors, his depiction of Elliot's various states of discombobulation, all added greatly to my enjoyment. Coney Island comes alive as a site of both fun and fright, as an amusement park should. Recommended to anyone who is looking for good friendship stories in picture-book form, and to anyone who enjoyed the first two Little Elliot books.

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little Elliot and Mouse spend the day at the Boardwalk. Even though Elliot gets a bit frightened, he realizes he had a wonderful day because he got to spend the day with his best friend. And there will be Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream! (But no cupcakes? I guess you can’t eat cupcakes EVERYDAY.) Just as charming and delightful as the other two Little Elliot books.

[Donna Mork · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mouse and elephant go to the fair. Elephant is afraid of all the rides, then he gets scared and then lost. Mouse finds him and takes him on the ferris wheel. He enjoys that. Then they ride some other rides and play games. When they ask what their favorite part of the day was, it was spending time with each other.

[Cheryl]

Can't rate. The scary section was *very* intense imo, but maybe most little kids are more brave than I am. Still, the art is lovely and powerful as usual and I will continue with the series.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little Elliot and Mouse are back for another fun adventure. This time around, the two friends decide to go to Coney Island. Mouse is excited to try all of the rides but Elliot isn't so sure. With so many rides that are too high, too crowded, and plain old too scary, will Elliot find a way to have fun with his friend in Little Elliot, Big Fun (2016) by Mike Curato.

Little Elliot, Big Fun is Curato's third picture book featuring my favorite polka dot elephant. (Other books in the series: Little Elliot, Big City and Little Elliot, Big Family.)

Curato once again brings old time New York to life--this time turning his eye to Coney Island. The illustrations in this book really draw readers into the amusement park. Curato's signature eye for detail (and careful research) also make sure every ride is accurate to the book's era (somewhere around the 1940s). A fold out spread from the Coney Island Ferris Wheel is especially stunning.

Readers have previously seen Elliot make his way in a big world (when he is quite small), and find an adopted family when he comes to Mouse's family reunion. In some ways, Elliot's problems are smaller in this one but just as universal. Coney Island is fun and exciting but Elliot struggles with the crowds, the noise, and many of the rides.

Little Elliot, Big Fun is a sweet story that shows young readers it's okay to be scared but that it's also important to keep trying to find things (say, amusement park rides) that work for you. And sometimes even scary things are manageable when you tackle them with a friend. Like the other picture books in this series, Little Elliot, Big Fun is highly recommended and sure to be a crowd pleaser.

*An advance copy of this title was acquired from the publisher for review consideration at BEA 2016*

[Sails and Scales · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Little Elliot visits the boardwalk for the first time with his friend Mouse, Elliot can’t help feeling scared about the new situation and all of the frightening things there. He can’t swim so the water chute is out of the question, some of the rides make him too dizzy, and other rides are too fast. He is not having fun at all, but by the end of the day Mouse assures him that nothing bad will happen to Elliot while they are together and shows the elephant how to have a good time in spite of his fears.

With all of the charm of the previous Little Elliot books, this book continues the sweet adventure of the two unlikely friends. Curato’s illustrations capture the feel of the past version of Coney Island as well as the adorable polka dotted elephant. The message shows readers that even though sometimes life can be scary and overwhelming when you are trying new things, friends can help you handle things that are frightening and appreciate the beautiful things in life. This elephant and his mouse friend are as precious as they were in the previous books, and readers will finish the book wanting more books about these characters.

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just like the first two Little Elliot books, this one is so sweet and is packed with so many great teachable moments. Little Elliot and Mouse take a trip across town to the amusement park. But poor Little Elliot is afraid of many of the attractions (too wet, too fast, too dizzy, etc.). Through Mouse's kindness and patience, the two wind up having a terrific time after all. The stylistic digital illustrations, along with the adorable story, make this a wonderful book to share with young children.

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elliot and Mouse are just the best. Adore their friendship and support of each other, adore the gorgeous set-in-the-past illustrations from Mike Curato, and adore the message of bravery and trying new things in this third book.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the Little Elliot stories - this one however didn't quite do it for me. It amde me tense for Elliot, and really wouldn't work for storytime. That said - the illustrations as always are absolutely lovely, and so is the message at the end. It's not a fail at all, just maybe not for me.

[Nancy Kotkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of love for my favorite spotted elephant, and his buddy Mouse. Keep this series going!

[Baby Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!

Hello, friends! Our review today is Little Elliot, Big Fun by Mike Curato, the third book in the wonderful Little Elliot series.

This time around, Elliot and his very best friend, Mouse, are on their way to the boardwalk for a fun-filled day at the carnival. Once they arrive, however, Little Elliot’s day begins to take a bad turn: many of the rides are too scary for him, a seagull eats his ice cream, and he gets so scared by a clown that he runs off in a panic. Mouse finds him hiding under the boardwalk, and persuades him to try one more ride before giving up. Is Little Elliot brave enough to trust his friend?

This is our third Little Elliot book, and each one has been more gorgeous and delightful than the last. Once again, Curato mixes adorably sweet little characters with some genuinely gorgeous art to create a story and a world that is both grand and sweeping yet sweet and intimate. The message of the story is great as well, encouraging readers not to give up if things aren’t going their way, and to be courageous enough to face their fears. Most importantly, it’s a story about friendship and family, and how even a bad day can still be special if you’re with the right person. The length is great, and JJ and I both loved it. A beautiful tale in both visuals and story, and it’s Baby Bookworm approved!

Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best Little Elliot book yet. Little Elliott and Mouse are going to the far edge of the city to the amusement park. I thought Mouse would be the one with issues being the smaller one but Little Elliot is just not liking the looks of what Mouse likes. Mouse seems to like the adventurous rides and he like all the different sights of the park but not Little Elliot.

I liked that Mouse didn't get upset with Little Elliott when he didn't like what Mouse liked. I liked that Mouse accepted Little Elliot's fears and insecurities. Little Elliot did try to have fun after being scared at first and by the end of the book, they had a great time together and the ending was so sweet. The ending is what makes them best friends. You can have differences and still have fun together and be best friends. What a great book!

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elliot and Mouse are having a day at the amusement park! Mouse has been there before and is excited to show Elliot all the things he's enjoyed, but Elliot is a bit worried. Afraid some of the rides are too fast or too spinny or too big and then they run into the clown... However, Mouse sticks with his friend and helps him find things he can enjoy even if he's concerned.

A good story to remind people that not everybody's tastes are the same, especially when it comes to "fun"! The best part, though, is Mouse not getting mad at Elliot or demanding they do things that scare Elliot so that Mouse can have fun; he's a truly kind and understanding friend.

No content issues, though if you are afraid of clowns there is a very mild looking clown in the book.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this cute picture book. I related a lot to Elliot and his fear of the rides at the amusement park. As a child, I was always the fearful, neurotic basket case, distrusting the integrity of carnival equipment. More often than not, I offered to hold everyone else's stuff while they went on the rides. I've always been perfectly content to sit on a bench, eat an ice cream, and wait for everyone else. (This is a good metaphor for the rest of my life as well, which is concerning.) It was heartwarming to see Mouse encourage Elliot to try something new, while at the same time, not making him feel bad about his anxiety. Such a balance is hard to find in a friend. I plan to read more about these two. I recommend this book to children who enjoy stories about friendship.

[Becky · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think I loved the first two a little too much because this one didn't quite do it for me. I still love Elliot and Mouse, and I even appreciate the moral that you can still find something you like somewhere even if you don't think so at first, but something was missing... I actually found Elliot to be a little whiney? I think having so many people in the illustrations also threw me off. I'll continue to enthusiastically purchase this series for my library, but this one won't be making it to storytime.

[Roben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mouse is excited to show Elliot one of his favorite places - the Boardwalk! But Elliot finds it all very overwhelming - and scary! Too much sensory overload for poor Elliot who finds himself running away after an especially frightening (to him) encounter. But Mouse finds him and convinces Elliot to give the Boardwalk one more try - and he does! And decides it's not so bad after all, especially when it is enjoyed with a good friend.

[Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Curato’s pencil illustrations with a muted digital color palette are the star of this picture book, featuring the interesting juxtaposition of simple, cartoon animals against highly realistic humans and backgrounds, both with a retro vibe. The amusing endpapers resemble sideshow ads seen on the boardwalk or at the circus. Readers will identify with Elliot’s fears and appreciate that he can find something to enjoy at the amusement park. The short text is mostly dialog and will make the book a successful read aloud. One fold-out, wordless spread shows a gorgeous view from the top of the Ferris Wheel, which is very well-executed in format and artwork, but may be concerning for library collections with high circulation. This entertaining tale about two endearing friends can be shared with a group or one-on-one for children ages 3-7.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poor little Elliot! He gets so overwhelmed by the sights and sounds of the boardwalk that he runs off to hide but his good friend mouse helps him to calm down and find a way to still enjoy the day. Beautiful colors and details throughout the book, but the pullout pages elevate the book a few degrees because they're just so pretty!

[Nicole Bliss · Rating 5 out of 5]

We went to Coney Island when we visited NYC a couple months ago, so we loved spotting all the sites. Then I recognized a certain special treasure chest from a past life that I share with the author. Mike, you little stinker! That made me so happy. Love the story, Little Elliott and Mouse are favorites in our household.

[Kenson and kirra · Rating 3 out of 5]

this story is about an elephant and a mouse who go to an amusement park together. my mom didn't like the book because it had a picture of a clown giving the elephant a red balloon. she is scared of clowns. i liked looking for the mouse in all the pics though.

[Vivian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elliot does not enjoy the rides at the amusement park. Mouse cheers him up with an ice cream cone, after which they find and enjoy the child-friendly rides and finish the day off with a spectacular sunset view atop a ferris wheel

[Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

Little Elliot and mouse spend the day at the amusement park, but Elliot isn't having fun, because of his fear to ride the rides. Mouse figures a way to help Elliot overcome his fears and the day is spent having fun.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple text compliment the amazing illustrations. Muted, yet sharp colors reflect the time period of this book. Black and white colors are used when Little Elliot imagines the negative side of going to the carnival.

Hidden cover under the book jacket and nice endpapers.

[Thomas Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. And I love how the pictures bring subtle jokes from earlier books. For example when they paid for the icecream, Mouse was on top of Elliot's head holding the coin up high. Love it, love it, love it.

[Trish · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fun book about going to an adventure park.

[Jennifer B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Little Elliot! This is a nice story about having fun and friendship.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Period-feeling illustrations make this one appealing, and I think younger readers will enjoy the story and simple text between Elliot and Mouse. A great independent read for grades 1-3.

[DeNae · Rating 4 out of 5]

beautiful illustrations and a sweet story of friendship.

[Blanco Meyers · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars