Mighty Muddy Us

by Caron Levis, Charles Santoso (Illustrations)

From author Caron Levis and New York Times bestselling illustrator Charles Santoso—the award-winning team behind Feathers Together; Ida, Always; and This Way, Charlie—comes Mighty Muddy Us, a moving, full-color picture book story of sibling love, inspired by a real-life elephant family.

 

The moment he is born, Ely delights in the welcoming trumpets of his adoring big sister, Enid. She is so excited to play—but Ely’s legs are injured and it’s hard for him to move. To help keep Ely safe, Enid sticks close to her determined brother as they grow together through the seasons, trunk-twirling, mud-wallowing, and making silly sounds!

 

But as Ely grows more confident, he’s ready for more adventures, and he feels squished by Enid’s worries and rules. Enid is glad that he can run and play, but she’s nervous he could get hurt—or that he won’t need his big sister anymore. When a drought threatens the whole family, Ely shows what he is capable of, and both he and Enid discover that whether they are helping or playing, dusty or muddy, siblings are mighty special.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Childrens, Family

40 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 3, 2023

About the author

Caron Levis is the author of the picture books, May I Have A Word? (FSG) Stuck with the Blooz (HMH) and Ida, Always (Atheneum) which the New York Times Book Review calls, "an example of children's books at their best." Forthcoming titles include Stop That Yawn! (Atheneum, 2018) and Mama's Shoes (Abrams 2019) Caron is an adjunct professor and the coordinator for The New School's Writing for Children/YA MFA program, where she earned her degree. She has an LMSW from Hunter College; after many years as an arts educator, Caron now loves using acting and writing to teach social, emotional, and literacy skills to students of all ages through her author workshops. Having trained in acting and dabbled in playwriting, Caron enjoys turning theatre techniques into writing tools through her workshop Act-Like-A-Writer. Visit her at www.caronlevis.com

Reviews

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

First sentence: "Tah-tra, tah-tra!" Enid trumpeted her welcome song--finally she was a big sister! The world was just a blur to Baby, but, wriggling and smiling, he reached towards his sister's bouncing sounds.

Premise/plot: Enid and Ely are siblings--big sister, baby brother. As a newborn, Ely was unable to stand which puts him at GREAT risk. Standing is a must for reaching nourishment. And milk and water are essential. Enid stands by to encourage, support, care for, watch out for her baby brother. Will he survive?

My thoughts: This picture book is based on a true story of an elephant family. Obviously, it's animal fantasy since it is narrated by an elephant. But an author's note shares the true story. There is a lot of text. The amount of text plus the an intense amount of animal in peril makes this a good fit for mid to upper elementary school. (I'd say second grade on up). I can't see this one personally being a good fit for preschoolers though if your little one is obsessed with elephants and has a longer than average attention span, then this one could still work.

I loved this one. I do love, love, love elephants. I like fiction and nonfiction books starring elephants. I was worried for Ely. But I pushed through that worry and was relieved to find a HAPPY, uplifting story.

The illustrations are WONDERFUL.

[Charlotte S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Join elephant siblings Ely and Enid as they navigate playing and having fun like little elephants do.

Enid helps Ely around, because Ely's legs can't support him, and sticks close to his side. But soon, Ely feels squished and ventures out on his own. When Enid worries for her brother out on his own, and a drought threatens their family, will the siblings come together to help out?

I absolutely love this book! The message is so sweet! The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous and I love the writing style.

I had the pleasure to meet Caron Levis at a local book fair last year and she signed my copy of Mighty Muddy Us! Two other books I love are Feather Together and Ida, Always also by Caron Levis and Charles Santoso. They are both such sweet stories about animals overcoming troubles.

I really love this inspiring tale, and hope you do, too! Thank you for reading my review! Follow @bronteandwilder on Instagram for fun book recommendations!

[Brady · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of my new favorite children’s books. I have a very strong connection to my younger brother so I could relate to a lot of this story. Enid is Ely’s older sister and from the beginning she always looked out for him. Enid was so excited for Ely to grow up so that they could have fun and play together. Once Ely started to grow more independent, Enid became upset that she was no longer as important to her younger brother anymore.

I relate to every aspect of this story in several different parts of my life. I think that this book is great to read for older siblings. Most older siblings should be able to relate to a lot of this story.

For readers who may not be older siblings or have siblings at all, there is still a lesson to be taught. This story teaches us to not be so controlling of those around us and that it’s okay for people to have their own independence.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Ely the elephant is born, his legs are bent and weak and injured. His big sister Enid, so excited to have a little brother, decides that she'll look out for him. Mama cautions that Ely might need to go slow because of his legs, so Enid takes her role seriously. As Ely grows, he needs Enid less and less, but she struggles to let go of her role. A deeply familiar story for siblings, and a great elephant story with lovely digital illustrations from Charles Santoso.

[Tina Hoggatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story, based on real life elephant siblings, will resonate with both older and younger child readers, especially those who might have needed extra help and care when young, or at present. The story is told intimately and with emotion as we follow the brother and his big sister with the herd and its challenges.

[Bethe · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars. Wonderful sibling story from the wilds of Africa, based on an elephant family at Amboseli Park in Kenya. Ely struggles to stand at birth, Enid steps in as his watchful older sister, setting up a lifelong bond. Illustrations are full of joy and life - love them! Author note tells more. Be sure to check out the case cover art!

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

This team delivers another gem of an animal story.

[A.C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty long but they were able to sit through it, which was good! Loved how it showed povs from both siblings.

[Shanle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations. Wonderful story of families.