ELEPHANT HIPS ARE EXPENSIVE! By Marilyn A. Hudson (1st
ed. Illus. by Haley Fulco; 2nd ed. Illus. by Molly Lemmons).
Available on Amazon. Review by Rosemary Czarski, Library Professional
“Even the smallest things can
realize the biggest dreams” is printed in small letters at the top of the cover
of this book. This sentence gives one a
clue to the wonderful story inside.
Marilyn has taken an Oklahoman story and brought it to life for children
in this book. She has told the story of
the purchase of Judy the elephant for the Oklahoma City Zoo in 1949 in clear
readable text. In addition in the back
of the book in her author’s note she has given the background of how the
children of Oklahoma gathered their pennies and dimes to bring a new elephant
to the Zoo. Marilyn has given sources
for further reading, included language arts, mathematics, social studies
activities and fun songs and art activities for most ages through sixth
grade. This is a wonderful addition to materials
for children on Oklahoma during this centennial year. Teachers will find it an excellent book to
read aloud for older elementary age children and a good starting or concluding
to a unit on zoos, wildlife protection, Oklahoma, and other curriculum subjects. Storytellers, once they have gotten the author’s
permission, will find it a wonderful Oklahoma story to tell all ages. The older adult audiences will be able to
“remember when” and the younger adult audiences will find it a wonderful story
of the Oklahoma spirit. I recommend this
book to all school teachers and people looking for easily read stories about
Oklahoma."
https://www.amazon.com/Elephant-Hips-Are-Expensive-Events/dp/0692300465
