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Elphie Meets the End of The Worldby Hagit R. Oron, Or Oron Misgav (Illustrator) Kindle Edition, 17 pg. Read: July 8, 2020 |
It’s not uncommon given, well, everything that’s happened in 2020, for people to joke about the apocalypse coming, the End of the World being even more nigh-er than usual, and whatnot. But how many kids—either because they overhear someone joking and not realize it, or just arrive at that conclusion themselves after trying to understand everything going on around them. How are they supposed to react to this?
One day, Elphie is playing hide and seek with Phante and Phante’s older brother comes in talking about how he saw on the news that the world ending. Eliphie doesn’t take the news well and runs home to hide. Mom and Dad try to comfort and assure him. But it doesn’t really take—so they decide that if the world is going to end, they might as well make a party of it. That seems to work, and in the end, drives home the lesson that every day—even our last—ought to be enjoyed as a gift.
As usual, Or Oron Misgav, are just what the story needs. The drawings are cute and eye-catching. They capture the story well and would keep young eyes on the page. The illustrations bring out the right emotions, as well.
This is a nice, timely book—one that would work pretty well in the event we get past this cultural moment, too. Five years ago, I’d have never predicted that I’d be following a series of picture books about an anthropomorphic elephant child. But that was before I met this creation of the Orons, now these books are a reliable source of pleasure for me, and give me hope for what kind of picture books my (eventual) grandchildren can expect. Elphie Meets the End of The World combines the cute and hopeful story for kids, the cute art for both kids and those who read to them, and a decent model for addressing these times with those little ones entrusted to our care.
Grab the lot of them (they’re short and cheap), but definitely grab this one if you have an apprehensive child (or one that you’re afraid may be).
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this from the author in exchange for my honest impressions and thoughts about the book. I thank her for this.
