The Littlest Elephant
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2026 · Est. 8 min read-aloud

The Littlest Elephant

By Katherine Applegate, Lita Judge (Illustrator)

A young elephant faces growing pains and memories on her special day.

4.1/5 Goodreads · 179 ratings
32 pages· 1,026 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud
$19.99Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

Ruby, the smallest elephant in her sanctuary, is about to celebrate Tuskday, marking her growth and memories. With her friends Ivan and Bob by her side, Ruby learns that growing up isn't as daunting as it seems. As she navigates the joys and challenges of elephant life, Ruby discovers that embracing both happy and sad memories can illuminate the path forward. Will she find the courage to face her fears and cherish the present? This touching tale explores the beauty of remembering the past while stepping confidently into the future.

From the publisher

From the Newbery Award-winning and bestselling author of the modern classic One and Only series comes a gorgeous picture book introducing young readers to Ruby, the beloved baby elephant.Ruby is the littlest elephant in the herd at the animal sanctuary, where she lives near her best friends Ivan the silverback gorilla and Bob the lovable mutt. Ruby loves all the things that make being an elephant fun, like splashing in muddy puddles and spraying water through her trunk. But there are parts of being an elephant that she doesn’t love so much, like her new tusks.The herd is preparing for Ruby’s Tuskday, a day to celebrate the fact that Ruby is growing up, and for remembering. Ruby has lots of happy memories, but she also has lots of sad ones, ones that are hard to think about. Surrounded by the love of her herd and her friends, the littlest elephant will see that growing up doesn’t have to be scary, and that remembering the darkness can help us appreciate the light.This beautiful and poignant story shows readers the importance of honoring the past, cherishing the present, and facing the future without fear.

At a glance
Format
Hardcover
Pages
32
Words
1,026
Reading age
4–8
Audience
Picture
Themes & topics
Books about ceremoniesBooks about memoryBooks about animalsBooks about identityBooks about childhood
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The fine print

Book details

Publication
Published
March 17, 2026
Publisher
Storytide
Edition
Language
English
Type
Picture Book
Identifiers
ISBN
9780063357785

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