Review by Booklist Review
On Saturday morning, a little blue elephant wakes up his parents with a rousing, Rise and shine! Daddy and son, singing all the way, drive off to buy hot dogs, marshmallows, charcoal, and a grill. After assembling the grill back at home, they put on their aprons and cook hot dogs for lunch. Mommy contributes deviled eggs and a salad. Daddy and his son toast marshmallows and throw a Frisbee. When Mommy calls, Nap time, father and son share the hammock for a snooze. The activities of these dressed elephants will greatly appeal to children who love to see everyday experiences reflected in their picture books. For some, the high point will definitely be the page where the elephants use tools to assemble the grill. From the many rounded lines and shapes in the colorful artwork to the typeface, the visual elements are simplified and pleasing in this celebration of a happy family.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2010 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
A cheerful blue elephant and his father-they look as though they are made out of chunky, glossy plastic-spend a special Saturday together. The child carefully and excitedly documents each activity: "We buy marshmallows and hot dogs and a great big bag of charcoal. We're going to have a cookout!" After assembling the grill and cooking lunch, marshmallow roasting and a game of Frisbee follow ("I try to catch it but mostly I miss"), and then it's naptime in a nearby hammock. Working in oil and painting in a bright, summery palette, Andreasen makes the two elephant characters the focus of every scene, emphasizing the significance of creating childhood memories with a loved one-even if it's as simple as planning a special meal. Ages 3-7. Agent: Shannon Associates. (May) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-K-A little blue elephant and his dad spend Saturday morning running errands and preparing for a barbecue. They shop, assemble a grill, and cook together in their matching aprons. After lunch, they play in the yard, and then nap on a hammock. The mother makes several appearances throughout the day, but this title is a celebration of time spent with Daddy. Straightforward, matter-of-fact sentences and oil illustrations effectively capture the family's day. Youngsters will enjoy snuggling up with their dads to share this one.-Laura Hunter, Mount Laurel Library, NJ (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
In this brief, sweet adventure, a small elephant shares the details of his perfect Saturday with his father: waking up early, a trip to the hardware store, a backyard cookout. Andreasen's text is utterly simple, leaving plenty of narrative space for his retro-style illustrations. Though it's light on substance, this is likely to become a sentimental favorite. (c) Copyright 2013. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
This slice-of-life tale about a bright blue anthropomorphized elephant family is pleasant but fails to excite. Saturday is the day that a perky young pachyderm spends with his dad. Clear but pedestrian language recounts each activity the two engage in throughout the day: "After breakfast we get dressed. Then Daddy and I hop in the car and head to Mr. Patel's market. / We sing along to our favorite songs on the radio." They get the supplies for a cookout, work together to build a grill, enjoy a meal in the backyard--even after spilling some lemonade--toss a Frisbee and finally "pile into the big hammock" for a nap. While Andreasen's illustrations are cheery and vibrant, the text rarely succeeds in conveying the quiet joys father and child have as they go about their suburban activities. Preschoolers will enjoy seeing the young elephant helping out and participating in some fun on every page--the pair is adorable in their matching orange aprons--but although well-intentioned, this title remains flat and forgettable. (Picture book. 3-6)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
