Polite Elephant

by Richard Scarry

Tells the story of the polite elephant, who always says hello, always gives up his seat on a crowded bus, waits his turn in line, and is careful when he plays with someone else's toys

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction

26 pages, Board book

First published July 17, 1963

About the author

RICHARD SCARRY is one of the world's best-loved children's authors EVER! In his extraordinary career, Scarry illustrated over 150 books, many of which have never been out of print. His books have sold over 100 million copies around the world, and are currently published in over twenty languages. No other illustrator has shown such a lively interest in the words and concepts of early childhood. Richard Scarry was posthumously awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Society of Illustrators in 2012.

Reviews

[Elsa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute, nice illustrations, but too heavy-handed. I just don't think any child would WANT to read this kind of instruction-book-disguised-as-picture-book. I also expected something better from Richard Scarry; I feel like he could have incorporated a portrayal of good manners into a real story.

[Jocelin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet little book about the importance of manners.

[Jolynne Dougherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somehow I missed the Richard Scarry books as a kid. My sister had a few of them, but the illustrations never appealed to me. I just read this one and thought it could be a fun read for preschool storytime. Someone above mentioned that they thought it was a little heavy handed. I don't know that I'd read it straight through to a child, but I love how it gives opportunities to ask, what would be the polite thing to do. The tipping of the hat when you meet someone is quaint and would be interesting to talk about how men used to wear hats and tip them as a way of being polite. If the kids don't ride busses, it's an opportunity to talk about giving up your seat "to someone who might need it more than he does." Children learn a lot through observation, but we can introduce them to new concepts by talking about them as well. While we may not tip our hats these days upon meeting someone, it's always a pleasure to meet someone with good manners.

[Dianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just the kind of propaganda kids these days (including my own) could use more of. I love the pictures!

[Kathryn Judson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of the polite habits in this book might be a bit new to younger folks, like the elephant tipping his hat as he says hello. But overall, it's a delightful little book on being kind and behaving well around others.

I'm of an age that this is the sort of book I was given as a child to teach me good manners. So, for me this is a trip down memory lane, as well as fun.

[Pinky · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book about a polite elephant and manners you could mimic to be polite as well.

[Logan Thune · Rating 4 out of 5]

He’s just a polite elephant, easy as that.

[Emery · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the Dutch translation.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and old fashioned. I enjoyed it, but it was a bit moralistic. Good art. But I wouldn't call it a living book.

[Leticia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit dated but I mean it's from the 60's, what would I expect? Still all good manners to have, though.

[Jj · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of those children's books that everyone should read, especially adults. There is much to be gained from following the example of Polite Elephant. I do hope that this little pachyderm is going to be a lovely role model for others.

[Jocelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Who knew an elephant could have such good manners...who knew your kids could too after reading this book!

[Heather the Banjo Queen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the cutest little manners book I have ever found. So sweet and old fashioned and still very relevant.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book I would definitely read to my future children. Not enough kids are polite these days...

[Leslie Hayden · Rating 4 out of 5]

My daughter loves this book. I read it at least six times a day if not more.