School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2-At the annual Elephant Islands Carnival, Ella reluctantly lends her treasured red hat to her friend Belinda, who loses it on the Ferris wheel. As the hat floats into the sea, Ella borrows Mr. Pelican's rowboat and sets off despite the rainy weather. Caught in a storm, she is washed ashore on an unfamiliar island. Luckily, Ella is welcomed by a friendly family who invite her in for lunch. Their fisherman father coincidentally has found Ella's lucky hat. When the storm passes, Ella safely returns home. After enduring a gentle scolding from Mr. Pelican and her mother, she promises never to take a boat out in stormy weather again. The next day, she sets off in Mr. Pelican's boat to bring a freshly baked pineapple pie to the family who came to her aid. Whimsical, fanciful, and refreshingly old-fashioned art is the hallmark of this series. While this adorable and independent little elephant's latest adventure is a bit far-fetched, fans of Ella the Elegant Elephant (2004), Ella Takes the Cake (2005), and Ella Sets the Stage (2006, all Scholastic) will enjoy setting sail with her.-Rachel Kamin, Des Plaines Public Library, IL (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.