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Elmore
The creator of the Toot & Puddle series brings us Elmore--the warmhearted porcupine sure to steal the hearts of a new generation of Holly Hobbie fans!
Elmore is a porcupine desperate to make friends. But it is hard to seek closeness with others when you're covered with spikes that shoot off your back every so often. Elmore suffers rejection and heartbreak, but the goodness of his forest community ultimately shines through as the animals find a way to connect with this prickly bundle of love.
Holly Hobbie is the creator of the beloved Toot & Puddle series and now brings us a character for the next generation. Just as charming, funny, and good-hearted as her little pigs, Elmore the porcupine will snuggle and prickle his way securely into the picture-book canon.
Elmore is a porcupine desperate to make friends. But it is hard to seek closeness with others when you're covered with spikes that shoot off your back every so often. Elmore suffers rejection and heartbreak, but the goodness of his forest community ultimately shines through as the animals find a way to connect with this prickly bundle of love.
Holly Hobbie is the creator of the beloved Toot & Puddle series and now brings us a character for the next generation. Just as charming, funny, and good-hearted as her little pigs, Elmore the porcupine will snuggle and prickle his way securely into the picture-book canon.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 30, 2018
4 people are currently reading
274 people want to read
About the author
Holly Hobbie
98 books99 followersBirthed with the name of Denise Holly Ulinskas in 1944, Holly Hobbie first sold her distinctive artwork of the little cat-loving girl who carries herself in a rag dress and giant bonnet. It wasn’t until she married Douglas Hobbie in 1964 when she named her originally nameless character after her.
When the first images of the rag-clothed little girl came to the public’s consciousness, the character has been nothing but the most common design chosen to grace greeting cards. When the girl’s popularity started to soar high, that’s when people started to adopt the name “Holly Hobbie” in reference to the character’s creator.
When the first images of the rag-clothed little girl came to the public’s consciousness, the character has been nothing but the most common design chosen to grace greeting cards. When the girl’s popularity started to soar high, that’s when people started to adopt the name “Holly Hobbie” in reference to the character’s creator.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
August 26, 2019
A sweet porcupine lives in a tree and he’s lonely. He wants friends but all the other animals are scared of him and this makes him sad. He does come up with an idea to bring people together at a distance that is so smart. He uses what he has and gives freely. I love his idea. It’s wonderful.
It does work too. The friends are only at a distance, but he does have them now. It makes him feel better.
I thought the artwork could have upped the cute factor here and it didn’t, but it’s still cute.
The nephew said that the porcupine was very cute and he was sad that he didn’t have any friends. He said the book was cute and he gave this 4 stars.
It’s a rushed review.
It does work too. The friends are only at a distance, but he does have them now. It makes him feel better.
I thought the artwork could have upped the cute factor here and it didn’t, but it’s still cute.
The nephew said that the porcupine was very cute and he was sad that he didn’t have any friends. He said the book was cute and he gave this 4 stars.
It’s a rushed review.
February 12, 2018
"Elmore" is the adorable new release by Holly Hobbie. Elmore just wants friends but finds it hard to connect to the other animals in the forest because of who he is: extremely prickly! The other animals are scared of him at first but eventually they figure out some common ground with him and suddenly the prickles don't matter!
I liked the message that this book had about trying to see the good in people before just stopping at outside appearances. The adorable animals make this message accessible to even little readers! I always like when books don't talk down to kids and this one certainly doesn't, which is great and makes for a story that both parents and children can enjoy.
I loved the illustrations in this book. They are adorable and you want to just hug each of the woodland creatures, even Elmore, prickles and all. This is a very pretty book with great art! My kids and I both really enjoyed this one.
I liked the message that this book had about trying to see the good in people before just stopping at outside appearances. The adorable animals make this message accessible to even little readers! I always like when books don't talk down to kids and this one certainly doesn't, which is great and makes for a story that both parents and children can enjoy.
I loved the illustrations in this book. They are adorable and you want to just hug each of the woodland creatures, even Elmore, prickles and all. This is a very pretty book with great art! My kids and I both really enjoyed this one.
December 28, 2018
Oooof. This book is so not for me. I find the message super worrying and just blech. "If people don't like you, try giving away parts of yourself to buy their love"?
Or, as gr reviewer Tiffany says:
The art in this book is beautiful. That being said... if you have to give away gifts to make friends, those people are not your friends. What an absolutely awful sentiment to put in a children's book. Bribery is not friendship, and you shouldn't have to bribe real friends. Just stop promoting nonsense.
Or, as gr reviewer Tiffany says:
The art in this book is beautiful. That being said... if you have to give away gifts to make friends, those people are not your friends. What an absolutely awful sentiment to put in a children's book. Bribery is not friendship, and you shouldn't have to bribe real friends. Just stop promoting nonsense.
October 24, 2018
Love, love, love this story. A book to hug and read over and over.
September 11, 2020
Oh! On a literal level this is adorable and entertaining, but on a metaphorical level it's profound. What makes certain people, maybe you, maybe your child, prickly and lonely? Can we/ they find a way to turn that around to a strength and thus make friends, but on terms more comfortable?
I think of the people on the autism spectrum, and others, including me, who are friendless irl but happy communicating with a 'tribe' online. But maybe there's a way some of us could have irl friends, too, if we come up with an idea as clever as Elmore's!
I think of the people on the autism spectrum, and others, including me, who are friendless irl but happy communicating with a 'tribe' online. But maybe there's a way some of us could have irl friends, too, if we come up with an idea as clever as Elmore's!
October 14, 2019
Elmore the porcupine longs for friends and the companionship they bring in this sweet new picture-book from author/artist Holly Hobbie. Unfortunately, the other woodland creatures are put off by his prickly spines, afraid they might be pricked and poked. Eventually, inspired by his uncle's words, Elmore finds a way to share his spines that wins him friends, rather than keeping them away...
I really enjoyed the artwork in Elmore, from the front end-paper, on which the eponymous hystricine hero slumbers in a tree, to the final scenes, in which he happily receives letters from his new friends. I also appreciated the story, which highlights the idea that if we think carefully about how we effect those around us, we can turn our weaknesses, or less-than-appealing qualities, into assets. I know some readers have reacted to this story negatively, however, disliking the fact that Elmore has to try too hard (maybe even change who he is?) to win over his woodland compatriots, so take that as you will. With the caveat that they be aware of the concern expressed above, and read through to decide for themselves how the story strikes them, this is one I would recommend to Holly Hobbie fans - the artwork really is adorable! - as well as to those looking for tales about making friends.
I really enjoyed the artwork in Elmore, from the front end-paper, on which the eponymous hystricine hero slumbers in a tree, to the final scenes, in which he happily receives letters from his new friends. I also appreciated the story, which highlights the idea that if we think carefully about how we effect those around us, we can turn our weaknesses, or less-than-appealing qualities, into assets. I know some readers have reacted to this story negatively, however, disliking the fact that Elmore has to try too hard (maybe even change who he is?) to win over his woodland compatriots, so take that as you will. With the caveat that they be aware of the concern expressed above, and read through to decide for themselves how the story strikes them, this is one I would recommend to Holly Hobbie fans - the artwork really is adorable! - as well as to those looking for tales about making friends.
February 6, 2018
This book is so adorable!! More Elmore please!
February 14, 2018
Holly Hobbie has just released a new picture book called Elmore.
Elmore is a porcupine, looking to make some friends. But when his quills fly off, the other animals don't want to be close to him. Elmore feels rejected, but the animals figure out a way to work around the quills and friends are made by the final pages.
This was the perfect time for Little Guy and Gramma to read this book. There are lots of discussion points that are quite pertinent to his age in Elmore, as he has just started nursery school. It is sometimes hard to make friends - how can we do that? How do you feel when someone doesn't want to be friends? Elmore has those quills which is a great way to illustrate 'differences'. Working together with others to find answers. Kindness and love.
The illustrations are sweet and so appealing. The facial expressions and body language of Elmore are relatable and 'readable', mirroring the words on the page. The colors and tones of the illustrations are warm, soft and inviting.
Little Guy enjoys reading the same story many times. With each telling, the opportunity arose to ask one of those questions and talk about his thoughts, ideas, opinions and experiences.
Elmore is a wonderful picture book, lovely to look at and a joy to read. Thumbs up from Gramma and Little Guy.
Elmore is a porcupine, looking to make some friends. But when his quills fly off, the other animals don't want to be close to him. Elmore feels rejected, but the animals figure out a way to work around the quills and friends are made by the final pages.
This was the perfect time for Little Guy and Gramma to read this book. There are lots of discussion points that are quite pertinent to his age in Elmore, as he has just started nursery school. It is sometimes hard to make friends - how can we do that? How do you feel when someone doesn't want to be friends? Elmore has those quills which is a great way to illustrate 'differences'. Working together with others to find answers. Kindness and love.
The illustrations are sweet and so appealing. The facial expressions and body language of Elmore are relatable and 'readable', mirroring the words on the page. The colors and tones of the illustrations are warm, soft and inviting.
Little Guy enjoys reading the same story many times. With each telling, the opportunity arose to ask one of those questions and talk about his thoughts, ideas, opinions and experiences.
Elmore is a wonderful picture book, lovely to look at and a joy to read. Thumbs up from Gramma and Little Guy.
February 6, 2018
Elmore is a sweet, handsome porcupine who lives alone in an ancient maple tree and, while he's a happy porcupine, he's also lonely. While trying to make friends Elmore learns that the other woodland creatures think he's too prickly to be around. But soon, Elmore cleverly comes up with an ingenious and handy use for his prickly quills and the other animals find a new appreciation for him.
Holly Hobbie's Elmore is a charming and heartwarming tale with a sweet and powerful message about love, friendship, and embracing our differences. Little readers will be captivated and moved by Hobbie's simple, yet effective storytelling and accessible text. Adorable, determined, and big-hearted Elmore is a character little ones will root for and relate to as they witness him never giving up and choosing kindness.
Hobbie's soft-colored, dreamy illustrations bring Elmore's story to life beautifully. Lovely nature scenes and expressive, cute little critters adorn each fun page.
With its unforgettable and lovable title character, darling story, and heartfelt artwork, Elmore is sure to charm and touch readers of all ages!
Holly Hobbie's Elmore is a charming and heartwarming tale with a sweet and powerful message about love, friendship, and embracing our differences. Little readers will be captivated and moved by Hobbie's simple, yet effective storytelling and accessible text. Adorable, determined, and big-hearted Elmore is a character little ones will root for and relate to as they witness him never giving up and choosing kindness.
Hobbie's soft-colored, dreamy illustrations bring Elmore's story to life beautifully. Lovely nature scenes and expressive, cute little critters adorn each fun page.
With its unforgettable and lovable title character, darling story, and heartfelt artwork, Elmore is sure to charm and touch readers of all ages!
June 16, 2019
Best thing about Elmore? That little Peter Rabbit blue jacket. I love the quill tips poking through. For me it is simultaneously nostalgic and mocking of nostalgia, because Peter Rabbit was one of my earliest books. But, also, although I never had an Hobbie books as a child, I did have coloring books from Hallmark of the little girl in patchwork and bonnet. Coloring was quite the fad in 5th through 7th grades. I had the cloth dolls, too.
Adorable without being too precious or too disturbing (Rainbow Fish is so wrong on so many levels).
Library copy
Adorable without being too precious or too disturbing (Rainbow Fish is so wrong on so many levels).
Library copy
February 22, 2018
Charming illustrations with picture-perfect expressions for Elmore, a porcupine, and his wise and kind uncle. I love Elmore's cleverness and creativity in making free quill pens for the forest friends who shun him at first because of his prickly quills, but later come to accept his gifts and his friendship. A lovely book with a gentle message of kindness and warmth.
March 17, 2018
Sweet story of Elmore, a young porcupine, who has been feeling lonely. His quills make it hard for others to be around him, but with a little creativity Elmore turns his quills into a way to connect with others. The outcome is happy and encouraging that we can find ways to connect with friends despite perceived flaws.
March 9, 2018
A Holly Hobbie doll was a favorite of our daughter. In this picture book, Holly Hoobie creates a marvelous world for Elmore, an adorable porcupine, who has a universal message that will resound to readers of all ages.
December 2, 2017
Beautiful charming illustrations enhance this cute tale about friends. RTC
January 26, 2018
Beautiful art to illustrate the point that what seem like our weaknesses can actually be our strengths. Porcupines deserve friends too!
January 31, 2018
Y'all I just can't DO books like this. I'm emotionally unstable and this made me cry at work. Beautiful illustrations and a sweet message. Elmore, I love you.
February 20, 2018
So stinking adorable I can't even.
(Full disclosure: I had Holly Hobbie sheets as a kid. And they were my favorite sheets. So I might be jussssst a touch biased.)
(Full disclosure: I had Holly Hobbie sheets as a kid. And they were my favorite sheets. So I might be jussssst a touch biased.)
May 12, 2018
This adorable book about a porcupine who is looking for friends is just too cute! I highly recommend this one!
May 25, 2018
Ah, Elmore. You are an amazing porcupine. Way to use your brain, guy, to come up with the greatest way to make friends!
PS--these illustrations make me want to go pet a porcupine. ;-)
PS--these illustrations make me want to go pet a porcupine. ;-)
February 5, 2020
Elmore is written by Holly Hobbie and is a great read for young ages. This book is about a young hedgehog who struggles making friends in his forrest home. The story begins by a few woodland creatures being afraid of Elmores quills. Elmore struggles to understand why they are so afraid but finds a way to make his quills safe for his furry friends. I love this book because it teaches a great lesson, everyone is different and thats okay! Elmore was different with his dangerous quills but he was able to love and understand his differences. He was able to make something great out of the situation and I think that its very important for kids to learn how we might be different from one another but were all special in our own way!
September 27, 2019
This book is about a porcupine who is desperate to make friends, but it is not easy for him because he is covered with spikes. Later, he realizes the beauty of his quills and later the other animals are able to see the beauty and they become good friends. This book makes high quality because the author, Holly Hobbie is the creator of the eleven highly acclaimed Toot & Puddle series picture books. The book won the 2018 Publisher's Weekly -- Starred Review. I recommend this book because it has the theme of friendship, kindness, and loving yourself, it has the colors and tones of the illustrations are warm and soft, and the body language and facial expressions are relatable to the reader. These elements invite many young readers. Discussions about making friends and loving yourself can be initiated in class. Children can relate to the porcupine's story and the book has a strong message for the readers.
September 13, 2020
Very sweet book, great illustrations.
May 15, 2023
I love Elmore. He is super adorable and his little coat is so cute. The illustrations here are beautiful. A lovely story.
February 9, 2018
http://openbooksociety.com/article/el...
Elmore
By Holly Hobbie
ISBN 9781524718633
agkidzone.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
The creator of the Toot & Puddle series brings us Elmore–the warm-hearted porcupine sure to steal the hearts of a new generation of Holly Hobbie fans!
Elmore is a porcupine desperate to make friends. But it is hard to seek closeness with others when you’re covered with spikes that shoot off your back every so often. Elmore suffers rejection and heartbreak, but the goodness of his forest community ultimately shines through as the animals find a way to connect with this prickly bundle of love.
Holly Hobbie is the creator of the beloved Toot & Puddle series and now brings us a character for the next generation. Just as charming, funny, and good-hearted as her little pigs, Elmore the porcupine will snuggle and prickle his way securely into the picture-book canon. (from Goodreads)
Review:
Seeing Holly Hobbie’s name reminds me of the beautiful artwork, dolls, and figurines that became popular when I was a young adult. This reader was delighted to learn that the creator of Elmore is “that” Holly Hobbie! This sweet woodland tale, aimed at children between 3 and 7 years old, is certain to become a classic. Equally appealing to both boys and girls, every library, whether home, public, or school should include a copy of it.
Elmore is an adorable porcupine. He has a grand home in a huge tree, but is lonely all by himself. The one unique, defining characteristic of Elmore is his quills. Other creatures in the forest are afraid of those unpredictable, prickly quills that sadly keep potential friends away.
What Elmore does with those quills is what sets this author apart from many children’s writers. Her lively imagination and adorably colorful illustrations demonstrate ideals that seem to baffle even most adults. Especially we who are prone to be prickly at times. Elmore is a book that parents and grandparents will enjoy reading to the child(ren) in their life, and children will love to read Elmore to their family members. I highly recommend Holly Hobbie’s newest classic!
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Elmore
By Holly Hobbie
ISBN 9781524718633
agkidzone.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
The creator of the Toot & Puddle series brings us Elmore–the warm-hearted porcupine sure to steal the hearts of a new generation of Holly Hobbie fans!
Elmore is a porcupine desperate to make friends. But it is hard to seek closeness with others when you’re covered with spikes that shoot off your back every so often. Elmore suffers rejection and heartbreak, but the goodness of his forest community ultimately shines through as the animals find a way to connect with this prickly bundle of love.
Holly Hobbie is the creator of the beloved Toot & Puddle series and now brings us a character for the next generation. Just as charming, funny, and good-hearted as her little pigs, Elmore the porcupine will snuggle and prickle his way securely into the picture-book canon. (from Goodreads)
Review:
Seeing Holly Hobbie’s name reminds me of the beautiful artwork, dolls, and figurines that became popular when I was a young adult. This reader was delighted to learn that the creator of Elmore is “that” Holly Hobbie! This sweet woodland tale, aimed at children between 3 and 7 years old, is certain to become a classic. Equally appealing to both boys and girls, every library, whether home, public, or school should include a copy of it.
Elmore is an adorable porcupine. He has a grand home in a huge tree, but is lonely all by himself. The one unique, defining characteristic of Elmore is his quills. Other creatures in the forest are afraid of those unpredictable, prickly quills that sadly keep potential friends away.
What Elmore does with those quills is what sets this author apart from many children’s writers. Her lively imagination and adorably colorful illustrations demonstrate ideals that seem to baffle even most adults. Especially we who are prone to be prickly at times. Elmore is a book that parents and grandparents will enjoy reading to the child(ren) in their life, and children will love to read Elmore to their family members. I highly recommend Holly Hobbie’s newest classic!
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
February 14, 2018
Elmore is a porcupine, a very friendly one, but he doesn’t have any friends. Porcupines are solitary animals, but even so Elmore got lonely at times. So he put up a sign on a tree saying “Friends Wanted.” But then he overheard the other animals talking about how prickly he is. Elmore never meant for anyone to be pricked by his quills, but it sometimes happened. So Elmore spent a rainy day up in his tree thinking about what would work. With some kind words from his uncle, he had an idea! There are many things to enjoy in this picture book. One of those is that Elmore does not lose his quills or start acting any differently. Instead he comes up with an idea where he embraces what makes him unique. It’s a clever idea, one that will surprise and delight readers. The illustrations are also delightful with a wonderful whimsical feel to them. Elmore himself is quite an approachable and cuddly porcupine, though you can see the quills poking through the back of his cardigan. A picture book about being yourself, prickly or not. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
November 15, 2018
Elmore was mostly happy living alone in an ancient maple tree.
"Every few days he would climb down the huge tree trunk as darkness fell to graze on his favorite leaves and twigs. Then back he would go to his snug hollow in the ancient tree."
Living alone, however, left him a bit lonely and bored. But when he posts a sign on the tree trunk asking for friends, he overhears:
"He's too prickly. It's hard to be around him."
Elmore had to admit that if any animals got too close they might get pricked, but he didn't mean to do it, it's just who he happened to be. A porcupine with quills.
When Elmore talked to his uncle about the problem, he was told to treasure his quills, they are a part of who he is.
But that advice doesn't help, or does it?
The soft-colored illustrations complement the story beautifully.
What Concerned Me: Nothing
What I Liked Most: The illustrations and words make this a soothing, quiet story for bedtime. I loved the fact that Elmore didn't make himself a victim, but rather went into a problem-solving mode.
"Every few days he would climb down the huge tree trunk as darkness fell to graze on his favorite leaves and twigs. Then back he would go to his snug hollow in the ancient tree."
Living alone, however, left him a bit lonely and bored. But when he posts a sign on the tree trunk asking for friends, he overhears:
"He's too prickly. It's hard to be around him."
Elmore had to admit that if any animals got too close they might get pricked, but he didn't mean to do it, it's just who he happened to be. A porcupine with quills.
When Elmore talked to his uncle about the problem, he was told to treasure his quills, they are a part of who he is.
But that advice doesn't help, or does it?
The soft-colored illustrations complement the story beautifully.
What Concerned Me: Nothing
What I Liked Most: The illustrations and words make this a soothing, quiet story for bedtime. I loved the fact that Elmore didn't make himself a victim, but rather went into a problem-solving mode.
February 24, 2018
What I really like about this story is that the issue of his quills being a deterrent to actual physical proximity for the other animals was not actually resolved. They just found other ways to communicate friendship. There's still a bit of underlying sadness that it has to be that way for Elmore, but I am learning in my own journey that sometimes things don't work out exactly the way you want them to and it can still be okay. If we are willing to be creative in our approach and take chances on untested ideas, we find that we can still get our needs met. Elmore's quill pen idea was actually pretty risky and there are so many ways in which it could have failed. But he put himself out there and not only was able to make a connection with the rest of the animals, he was able to communicate who he was to them. They were unable to do so before, perhaps not because they didn't want to, but because they didn't know how.
July 26, 2018
It's tough being a porcupine, especially in children's books where other animals don't want to play with you, because your quills poke everyone. Elmore wants friends; he's lonely. His uncle reminds him that quills are beautiful and an essential part of being a porcupine...which gives him an idea. After finding a way to use his quills to do something nice for everyone, the other animals start to respond, and Elmore finds what he was looking for. This is a sweet story with an old fashioned feel. Woodland animals, depicted in pen and watercolor remind me of England and Beatrix Potter. And the resolution, which involves Elmore reaching out to others by giving them homemade gifts, is a nice one.
March 1, 2018
The adorable and soft illustrations immediately add to the themes of this picture book--looking beyond our differences, prickly or not, to see the person as a soul in need of our friendship. Elmore lives alone and has no friends besides other porcupines because no one see him as other than difficult to be with. Elmore learns how to turn his prickly quills into special gifts that he gives freely. This book is highly recommended and would be a great start to conversations between parents and children.
November 14, 2018
The artwork was quite cute but I felt somehow the story lacked a little, I'm really not sure exactly where or how, it just felt a little incomplete.
It wasn't bad and it was quite a cute story over all. Elmore was quite lovely, but he really seemed to be the only real character and though in the end he "makes friends" I'm not sure about how how he gets these friends and we don't actually see any of the other creatures being his friend further than writing him a note. I guess the message is a little flawed in my opinion, it seems to me to encourage giving people stuff to make friends.
It wasn't bad and it was quite a cute story over all. Elmore was quite lovely, but he really seemed to be the only real character and though in the end he "makes friends" I'm not sure about how how he gets these friends and we don't actually see any of the other creatures being his friend further than writing him a note. I guess the message is a little flawed in my opinion, it seems to me to encourage giving people stuff to make friends.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews