Elephant's Big Solo

by Sarah Kurpiel

Genres: Picture Books, Music, Animals, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

Published October 13, 2022

About the author

Sarah Kurpiel is a librarian and picture book author/illustrator from the Midwest. Her stories are inspired by animals, nature, and everyday life. Instagram: @sarah.kurpiel

Reviews

[Olivia]

See my full review here: https://www.yabookscentral.com/elepha...

ELEPHANT'S BIG SOLO is a sweet picture book about shining in your own way. Elephant always seems to stand out, even when she would rather not. Music is one of her favorite classes since she gets to be a part of the team. However, the music teacher has a new idea where everyone will have a solo at the recital, but Elephant does not want to have one. The teacher signs her up anyway, and Elephant is encouraged by all the people around her, even though it is not what she wants. Elephant has written a song to perform, and when push comes to shove, she finds a new way to shine through the music she has written instead of by performing alone.

What I loved: This book will really speak to readers who have preferred to stay in the background and shine in a more quiet way. Elephant's anxiety around the performance leaps off the page as she considers the upcoming performance and how it has completely changed how she feels about music. What is particularly great is that when Elephant expresses how she feels, her friends and teacher rally around to help Elephant find a new way to shine that works for her. This type of accommodation is really great to see and will encourage readers to speak up when they need it.

The art is soft and lovely with some great animal friends and the emotive Elephant taking the lead. The flow of the writing works well to convey the story and all the emotions. The text itself is clear and easy to read which helps when reading aloud.

Final verdict: ELEPHANT'S BIG SOLO is a lovely picture book about finding your own way to shine and accommodating others.

[Anitra Rowe Schulte · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Elephant's Big Solo" is a picture book about an elephant, who feels pressured to perform on stage. In band class, each animal has an instrument to play - Snake plays the upright bass, Tiger plays the drums, Hare plays the clarinet, and Elephant plays the French horn. When a recital approaches, each classmate has a chance to sign up for a solo. Even though Elephant doesn't want to do one, Ms. Gator signs her up anyway. "It's just a small recital," Tiger says. But not to Elephant: "It feels big to me." As the rehearsal nears, Elephant's dread grows. Is there a way for Elephant to shine in a way that feels comfortable to her? "Elephant's Big Solo" is a story that will bring comfort to children who prefer to contribute out of the spotlight, showing that there is more than one way to express yourself and sparkle.

[Katey Howes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author/illustrator Kurpiel does a beautiful job of combining soft colors, sweet animals, and a reassuring energy to this lovely story of an elephant in elementary school who loves music - but isn't ready to perform on stage alone. When the music teacher announces a show of solos, Elephant feels intimidated. Even with practice and positive feedback from friends and family, Elephant doesn't feel comfortable. Rather than forcing Elephant to overcome her shyness and bravely perform alone, as characters are expected to do in many books, Kurpiel instead gives Elephant a chance to shine in a different way, more authentic to her own talents and taste - and in doing so, makes it clear to readers that everyone has the right to be heard, exactly as they are.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of Sarah Kurpiel's stories and her illustrations and ELEPHANT'S BIG SOLO does not disappoint. It's perfect for younger readers who don't crave the spotlight. As an introvert who shies away from attention, I found Elephant's Big Solo highly relatable and resonant. The character of Elephant is so adorable. I love the takeway that it's okay to not want to be the center of attention. Elephant finds a way to shine in her own special way which feels just as special if not more than soloing. Finally, the group of friends who recognize her trepidation and help her out underscores that it's okay to feel as elephant does.

[Debra Shumaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elephant's Big Solo is a sweet book about being nervous and facing your fears in creative ways. Elephant loves Music Class and playing the French Horn, but she does not like the idea of playing a solo on stage by herself and being the center of attention. Her teacher, friends, and grandfather encourage her to push herself and give it a shot, and while she practices daily, on the big day she's nervous. In the end, she finds a creative way to perform her solo with the help of her friends. Kurpiel's text and illustrations are adorable.

[Julia Lyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a former clarinetist, any story about a band immediately warms my heart. "Elephant's Big Solo" stands out (just like Elephant!) for its kid-friendly main character. Who can't relate to being nervous in front of an audience? Or doing something new? Elephant has lots of challenges as a performance looms. I caught more of the whimsy and humor with each reading. I love how Elephant hears herself and knows herself well. She finds a solution kids might not expect. Kids who like elephants will adore the charming illustrations, too!

[Morgan Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an adorable book with charming illustrations! I especially loved some of the compositions of the pages. Elephant is such a talented musician and is encouraged to have a solo part in the school recital. She feels the pressure and dreads the recital day. Eventually, she is able to find what she can really shine at. I loved this story! Everyone really does have a talent and can shine in their own way. I related a lot to Elephant as a child, and hopefully this book will help other children who are trying to find how they'll shine in their own way.

[Sana · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, the illustrations in this book are simply gorgeous, adorable and ever so sweet. They make the whole story sing (no pun intended!). I love this simple story of being brave, conquering your fears and most importantly allowing yourself to be heard. That message is so lovely and I imagine pre-schoolers and young elementary students will just love this book. The Elephant is a lovable and a relatable character. Readers will feel nervous, brave and proud alongside Elephant!

[Claire Noland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything about this picture book from the endpapers to the color pallet to the sweet story of an elephant finding her true passion. As so often happens, Elephant finds herself in a situation that just isn't right for her. Though others encourage her, she just doesn't want to be on stage. But thanks to understanding and encouraging friends, Elephant is able to shine in her own way. This is a story your will want to share with the children in your life. It's a great story to read aloud.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a charming, moving story! I completely related to Elephant's reluctance to take center stage at elementary school and play her instrument all alone. She worries and tries to come up with a solution--and her friends end up helping out. I loved that Elephant and her friends are able to transform a potentially difficult scary experience into a special one and Elephant does show her unique talent and shines.

[Jamie Donahoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was adorable - the illustrations done in pastel colors nicely portrayed a wide variety of characters and instruments, providing lots of discussion points while reading the story. The story is about an elephant who wants to be heard but is afraid to perform a solo. Her friends come through and help her shine - and be heard. It's a nice way of addressing a child's personality without the use of the dreaded "shy" description.

[Annette Schottenfeld · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah Kurpiel has written and illustrated a beautiful and relatable story in Elephant’s Big Solo. Children will see them selves in Elephant who must face her fears of being in the spotlight. This sweet main character finds her own special way to shine and feel comfortable doing it too! A wonderful read.

[Brittany Thurman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elephants Big Solo is such a relatable story about what happens when anxiety takes over, but gaining the ability to squash and conquer it. The story features friends who want Elephant to shine and succeed. They offer their help, as Elephant sees her own way to conquer the solo by teaching her friends the song she wrote. A wonderful read for storytime at school and at home!

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
It was a little too beginner for my 5yo son and so didn't quite keep his interest. Also, could not figure out "kurpiel" with the notes 😅 a sweet book about nervousness and music class. The ending is a bit of a twist (still deciding how I feel about it). Overall, a cute book, probably best for 2-4yo

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was Elephant! From piano to flute to guitar to a Master's degree in music, playing solo as a highly sensitive person always made me feel very very very much like Elephant. If I'd had a book like this at age 6, I think it might have made a big difference in my ability to quietly speak up and hopefully get more support around this.

[Allison Turkish · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked it but didn't love it. 3.5 stars. It would be a good book for parents to read to children to inspire them to find something the child likes to do, what resonates with them, and not feel pressure to perform or be a star. Everyone can participate in their own way.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elephant does not share his classmate's excitement about performing a solo inthe school music recital. An appealing story about anxiety and stage fright.,

[Annese · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable!

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable book with a little elephant who is worried about performing on stage alone.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not everyone likes to perform. That's okay, isn't it? Yes, yes it is. Elephant finds that friends don't force friends to perform, and everyone can be heard, one way or another.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple, sweet tale about how there are many ways to shine. The pictures are also simple and sweet and perfect for this lovely story. Good for lap sit reading and for story time.

[Madeleine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very relatable to tiny me who was LOVED to be part of a thing and hated to be singled out. Also adult me, who is still like that.