Kathryn Jackson (1) (1907–1985)

Now, like many stories of that era featuring "wild animals", the geography is complete nonsense. Lions coexist with bears and kangaroos. Yes, this is annoying. How annoying probably has a direct relationship to whether or not your beloved Mama read you this book when you were little :) And, like many stories of that era, the biology is also a bit skewed - Lions who eat carrot and fish stew will not be happy and plump, they will be even scrawnier because lions are obligate carnivores. Eating show more meat isn't something they do to be mean, it's something they do because they have no choice.

So, you know, if you're looking for realism, this is not the book for you.

If you're looking for a cute little story about how friendship tames wild beasts and makes everybody happy... well! This one is great. It's a bit wordy, so consider your audience. show less

First sentence: A happy little elephant was dancing through the jungle. He thought he was dancing beautifully, one-two-three-kick. But whenever he went one-two-three, his big feet pounded so that they shook the whole jungle. And whenever he went kick, he kicked over a tree or a bush.

Premise/plot: Sooki, an elephant, LOVES to do his one-two-three kick. The other animals, however, not so much loving it. In fact, their words--intentional or not--discourage him in many ways by their critical show more nature. He begins to feel like he doesn't quite belong. What joy when he finds other elephants who are just like him!

My thoughts: I love this one. I can't believe I've never reviewed it before! I definitely grew up with this classic Little Golden Book. show less

Interesting to read a book that so frankly addresses the idea of characters eating each other! Fun to read, though, and the ending felt satisfying. Carrot stew = possible secret pro-vegetarian propaganda? :)

I must have read this as a child or a young mom, but I sure don't remember it. Odd, because, in its way, it is a memorable story. I mean, never mind the silly plot, but think of the recipe: carrots, fish, and mushrooms. Think of ten little bunnies wearing clothes. Think of lions, kangaroos, and other wild animals all living in the same country.

Anyway, I have no idea whether I would have liked it when I was a kid. I kinda doubt it. But reading it now, I enjoy it on retro & surreal levels, and show more am perversely charmed. show less