Elphie and Dad go on an Epic adventure

This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader – as did a quick Q&A with the author.
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Picture books are not the usual fare around here, true. But Hagit Oron asked, and I figured, why not? Now, can I get this post up without using more words than the book did?

Elphie is a little elephant accompanying his dad on an errand – but his dad is one of the good ones, and instead of dragging Elphie along – he entices the child by promising an “epic adventure”. Wearing a cape and carrying a wooden sword, the two set out for a walk to the store.

Along the way, Elphie does battle with imaginary foes, and has one very close call that wasn't imaginary enough. With some guidance from Dad, a great imagination, and a helpful store clerk – Elphie has an epic adventure indeed.

I really appreciated Dad – he's not perfect (he gets distracted in a very real and relateable way), but he's trying – and he recovers from a mistake well. A good guy, not a buffoon, not a super-hero. There's not enough dads like that in books.

The art is great. The colors are vibrant, the drawings pop just right. It's not fantastic, which I honestly get annoyed by in kids' books. It's friendly and eye-catching, very accessible, and engaging – enough so that you get drawn into it, but not so much that it detracts from the words. The art serves the story – and will keep the attention of those who can't yet read.

It's been a few years (almost ten) since I've read picture books on a regular basis. This is just the kind of thing I'd have liked then, and would've read – and then have been “compelled” to read again (and again and again). For those with kids – or grandkids – or who might have a kid nearby your Kindle, pick it up.