Book Series · 5 Books

Little Elliot Books

In order from Little Elliot, Big City to Merry Christmas, Little Elliot.

A small polka-dotted elephant and his best friend Mouse find belonging, courage, and small joys in Mike Curato's warmly illustrated vintage New York City.

Reviewed by the Bookroo Editors Updated

Little Elliot, Big City
Little Elliot, Big Family
Little Elliot, Big Fun
Little Elliot, Fall Friends
Merry Christmas, Little Elliot
Reading order

How to Read the Little Elliot Books

The five books are shown in Macmillan's numbered publication order. Their friendship grows across the series, so Little Elliot, Big City is the best starting point, although each later adventure can still be enjoyed on its own.

Sources: Macmillan's Little Elliot series page.

For parents

What Parents Should Know

These gentle stories often begin with Elliot feeling small, lonely, nervous, or left out, then move toward connection and reassurance. Friendship, found family, trying new things, generosity, and holiday kindness are recurring themes.

The emotional tension is mild. Young readers may recognize worries about crowds, separation, fitting in, or not feeling festive, but there is no violence or frightening content.

Where the story begins

First Book in the Series

Little Elliot, Big City
Sale price
$1899
Book #1 · Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2014

Little Elliot, Big City

By Mike Curato

A small elephant finds joy and friendship in a bustling city.

40 pages· 171 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud
5.0/7 Bookroo
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In a city of towering buildings and bustling crowds, Little Elliot, a polka-dotted elephant, navigates life's challenges with quiet determination. Despite feeling overwhelmed, he finds delight in simple pleasures like cupcakes. When Elliot meets Mouse, a tiny companion with a big appetite, he discovers the sweetest treasure of all—friendship. As they explore the city together, Elliot learns that even the smallest of friends can make the biggest difference. Will their bond help Elliot overcome his fears and embrace the vibrant world around him?
In reading order

Little Elliot Series

5 books · Published 2014–2018

#1
#1 in Series
Sale price
$1899

Little Elliot, Big City

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2014

A small elephant finds joy and friendship in a bustling city.

#2

Little Elliot, Big Family

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2015

Elliot feels alone in a bustling city until he discovers a family of his own.

#3

Little Elliot, Big Fun

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2016

A timid elephant faces his fears at the carnival with a friend's help.

#4

Little Elliot, Fall Friends

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2017

Escape the city's chaos for a peaceful autumn adventure in the countryside.

Good to know

Common Questions

How many books are in the Little Elliot series?

There are 5 books in the Little Elliot series. It began with Little Elliot, Big City in 2014, and the newest book, Merry Christmas, Little Elliot, was published in 2018.

What order should you read the Little Elliot books in?

Start with Little Elliot, Big City and follow the series order — the books above are numbered #1 through #5.

What ages are the Little Elliot books best for?

The series is best for ages 4–8, based on the age ranges of the individual books.

Which Little Elliot book is the longest?

Little Elliot, Big Family (Book #2) is the longest book in the series at 318 words (40 pages).

Which Little Elliot book is the shortest?

Little Elliot, Big City (Book #1) is the shortest at 171 words (40 pages).

The people

The Creative Behind the Books

The people who bring Little Elliot to life.

01

Mike Curato

Author & Illustrator

Keep exploring

Similar Series

Stick and Stone

Stick and Stone

Ages 4–7
Kat and Juju

Kat and Juju

Ages 3–7
Gustavo, the Shy Ghost

The World of Gustavo

Ages 3–7
A Visitor for Bear

Bear and Mouse

Ages 3–7
Maisy Goes Shopping

Maisy

Ages 2–5
Here Comes the Easter Cat

Here Comes Cat

Ages 3–5
Elephants Are Not Birds

Saga One

Ages 4–8
Madeline

Madeline

Ages 4–8

Bookroo

  • About Us
  • Blog
  • FAQs
  • Help Center
  • Contact Us
  • Affiliates

Book Clubs

Follow Bookroo