Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Expectations shape perception, suggests illustrator Fleck (Black Belt Bunny) in his first outing as author. When a teal elephant named Tilly spots a distant green creature with a trunk and a tail similar to hers, she assumes it "must be a different kind of elephant." Meanwhile, when Tank (who is no elephant but a trigger-happy tank) spies a figure with "a barrel and a turret, just like his" in his crosshairs, he is certain that Tilly is an "enemy." In response to her friendly, "Hello," he lets loose a spread-filling "boom" that sends Tilly running for cover. Undeterred, Tilly continues to try to befriend Tank, and eventually wins him over with the gift of a flower. Colored in a soft, creamy palette, Fleck's nostalgic illustrations bring a 1950s-era Disney vibe to the pages, but sensitive readers (and some parents) may be disturbed by images of a tank, even a cute one, firing on a defenseless elephant. (Luckily, Tank is a terrible shot.) Even so, the book's closing note of peace reveals how persistent kindness can win out over aggression. Ages 3-7. Agent: Kirsten Hall, Catbird Agency. (Jan.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2-Retro illustrations add flower-power flavor to this tale of peace and friendship. While out for a walk, Tilly the elephant spots a familiar shape in the distance-but what appears to be the silhouette of another elephant turns out to be the barrel and turret of Tank. Tank, who is just what his name implies, turns his viewfinder on Tillie and mistakes her for the enemy, resulting in a startling loud alarm. Each character has a unique voice: while Tillie "takes a morning stroll," Tank is "on his morning patrol" when he detects her in his viewfinder. Children will be amused by comparing the "anatomy" of the elephant and the tank. Raucous noises abound to liven up storytelling. With a limited palette rooted in earth tones, digitally colored pencil illustrations by the author add to the vintage vibe of the book, reminiscent of peace movement imagery of the 1960's and 70's. The ending is positive if predictable. This story may prove helpful in opening up conversations about first impressions, respecting differences, and giving someone the benefit of the doubt. VERDICT Libraries interested in expanding their picture book collection on themes of friendship and social good may want to consider this title. A perfect read-aloud to share one-on-one or in a small group setting.-Suzanne LaPierre, Fairfax County Public Library, VA © Copyright 2017. 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 Kirkus Book Review
An elephant attempts to befriend an artillery unit.Tilly, a squat little blue elephant, happens upon a tank one morning. It appears to have a trunk similar to hers and a tail, but this elephant is army green. She galumphs over to say hello. But when Tank spots her in his cross hairs his alarm sounds: "WEE-OOO! WEE-OOO! WEE-OOO!" Tilly's shy "Hello" is dwarfed by a deafening "BOOOOOOOOOOM!!!" (No ammunition is shown, and the fiery blast goes over Tilly's head.) Tilly squeezes her eyes shut and runs away. But Tilly is curious. Perhaps that BOOM is how this strange green elephant says hello. She tries to be friendly again, this time giving the green elephant's nose a friendly "boop" with her trunk. But Tank's alarm begins to sound once more. One last attempt brings about a resolution that comes straight out of the 1960s, flower power and all. Tilly is the epitome of innocence with her timid glances and overflowing affection, while Tank is hard, unforgiving, and hollow. But the "THUMP-THUMP, THUMP-THUMP, THUMP-THUMP" sound coming from his base in the end gives readers a reason to cheer. Fleck's muted, digitally colored illustrations soothe any sense of potential danger exploding from Tank's barrel.An endearing picture-book debut about tolerance and the assumption of enmity instead of friendship. (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
