The Elephants' Guide to Hide-and-Seek

As an elephant struggles in a game of hide-and-seek, the narrator explains that to address this all-too-familiar sight, the Elephant Hobby and Sport League has created The Elephants’ Guide to Hide-and-Seek, a resource containing “patented” tips to help fellow pachyderms “achieve hide-and-seek success.” Abounding in helpful advice, it suggests novel approaches to the game that incorporate elephants’ unique characteristics. “Lumps in the bed are not usually elephant-sized,” the guide observes; instead, it suggests, pretend to be the bed itself, and “take full advantage of your ability to snooze while standing.” In another, elephants are instructed not to hide behind a cushion but to blend in with the furniture as an elephant is shown successfully pretending to be an oversized armchair in a room filled with vintage furniture. The terrific story culminates in a tender moment: “And if hiding isn’t your thing . . . maybe it’s not so bad to be found” says the narrator, while an elephant is enveloped in hugs from friends. While it can take a moment to understand the narrator’s voice, wit and humor abound as Hayes’ narration and Jose’s illustrations work seamlessly to deliver pages of laughs. The cover of the guidebook itself, which is shown inside the book, is fun and ironic, as a suited, monocled, and moustached elephant elaborates on the finer elements of hide-and-seek.