Poe Won't Go

In this collaboration from DiPucchio (Gaston) and OHora (The Teacher's Pet), a bright pink elephant wearing a jaunty Tyrolean hat impedes traffic in Prickly Valley. Indifferent to honking, ticketing, tickling, pushing, and mayoral decree ("They blew trombones and blasted megaphones"), Poe simply will not move. Finally, Marigold, a girl wearing a stylish floral hijab, proposes a different approach: "Has anyone asked Poe why he won't go?" Initially ridiculed for her idea, Marigold perseveres ("Anyone can speak elephant if they just listen hard enough"), and when Poe reveals his sweet reason for staying, kindness and open communication prevail over anger and assumption. OHora's illustrations are a treat. He infuses the characters, even nameless townspeople, with unique personalities and styles, and shifts in perspective--from wide views that depict Poe surrounded by cars and crowds to close spreads that show only Poe's shocked expression and a tiny, satisfied Marigold--inspire a deeper audience connection with this patient elephant and wise youth. Ages 3-5. Author's agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. Illustrator's agent: Sean McCarthy, Sean McCarthy Literary. (Oct.)

PreS-Gr 2--One morning, the town of Prickly Valley wakes up to find an elephant named Poe sitting in the middle of the town's only road. Various residents try everything they can think of to get Poe to go. They honk horns, push, pull, make noise, and beg, all to no avail. Pandemonium escalates as they bring in mice, clowns, magicians, firefighters, and even a peanut on roller skates. Poe won't budge. Finally, a little girl suggests that they simply ask Poe why he won't go. She is already fluent in both kitten and hedgehog and says anyone can understand elephant if they just listen hard enough. A short conversation and its surprising resulting revelation later, Poe is on his way, proving that a little kindness and understanding can provide the simplest solution. The acrylic-and-pencil illustrations render Poe larger than life and though gentle, he appears unhappy and befuddled by the townspeople's attempts to relocate him. By the story's end, he is smiling and doffing his absurdly small hat to the kind little girl. VERDICT A fun read-aloud that reinforces the importance of communication. A solid choice for storytime and small group sharing.--Kelly Roth, Bartow County Public Library, Cartersville, GA

Praise for Poe Won't Go Bank Street Best Children's Books of the Year

A Show Me Readers Award Nominee