Callista Gingrich

I liked this book for two reasons. I really appreciated how this author was able to give an overview of some really important historical events in American history while also keeping reader’s attention through rhyme and fun illustrations. For example, Ellis the Elephant begins reading about the Boston Tea Party, “But the King didn’t listen, and passed a tax on tea. The colonists said, ‘We will not pay a fee!’ They jumped on the ships and made a real commotion. Then they threw the show more English tea right into the ocean.” This summary of the Boston Tea Party both hits the main complaints of the colonists, allowing the students to empathize with their cause, but also keeps a flowing beat, keeping the interest of the audience. Along with this, the book is accompanied with adorable pictures that place Ellis the Elephant in each historical moment. For The Boston Tea Party, Ellis is on the boats, along with the colonists, throwing tea overboard. On another page, he is experiencing the quest westward along with the pioneers. These illustrations allow readers to further their understanding of unique perspectives at each historical event. The main point of this book was to celebrate American history. show less

My boys loved this book. They are 6 and 8, and in first and third grades. First they chuckled over the illustrations, which really drew them in. They loved the prose of the story, each of the boys enjoy poetry.
The book really touched home when they heard the Revolutionary War part. They have an ancestor who fought in that War, and have been to visit the monument in Oriskany, NY.
It is so important that they don't take this country for granted and lose it's history. We talked about the show more different things that led to the War. They know they have relatives who came on the Mayflower...yes John Alden. This book brought home a lot of things we had talked about in the past. They asked if the tea was drinkable once it was in the ocean...don't think they will forget that point. I can't wait until we can share more of the Ellis books...so important to share how we got our freedoms.

I received this book through the Publisher Regnery Kids, and was not required to give a positive review. show less

Ellis the Elephant loves to learn about important moments in our history. In previous books, he has learned about the Pilgrims and the Presidents as well as many other events. Now he is sharing all he learned about our fabulous First Ladies.

Our First Ladies' contributions to history have been quite significant and yet they seem to take a back seat to the Presidents. Ellis takes us back in time to several First Ladies and with a lyrical rhyme shares important highlights from their time in show more office. From Dolly Madison saving Washington's portrait in a fire to Abigail Fillmore adding a library to the White House to Edith Wilson helping her husband run the country during his illness, Ellis shows us the important roles of the First Ladies. The writing is absolutely creative and informative in usually just four sentences for each First Lady. There is just enough information to keep the kids interested in each of their achievements.

What really impressed me were the illustrations. I could identify each First Lady just by looking at the pictures. Arciero is extremely talented and creates images of the First Ladies as well as the inside of the White House that are as close as a photograph, yet softer.

Even though not every First Lady is featured in the story, the end of the book features a paragraph about every First Lady and their contributions while in office, including the current First Lady, Melania Trump. This is truly a wonderful book

This book is perfect for younger elementary-aged children and would make a great addition to school and home libraries. I'll be gifting my copy to the elementary school I substitute teach in. show less

We welcomed the new book of Ellis the Elephant into our home with much joy and anticipation, and we were not disappointed. This book is about Christmas in America and is the fifth book in this series, and my boys could not wait for it to be read to them, again and again.
This time Ellis travels back in time with Colonists, George and Martha Washington, Andrew Jackson, our Civil War, Calvin Coolidge and Apollo 8 astronauts. What better way to begin to get ready for the fast coming Christmas show more season, and a lesson about our American history.
The book is beautifully illustrated and just a joy to turn the page, as I witnessed by the boys, and the rhyming prose is such a learning exercise. This book will bring you so much pleasure, and full of facts. We also have an area at the back for parents and older children to answer all those questions that come up while reading this book.
The boys were talking and hoping that there will be more of these books, they love them and look forward in anticipation for the arrival.
I received this book from the Publisher Regnery, and was not required to give a positive review. show less