This post is all about elephant books for toddlers.
For the past few months, my son has been obsessed with… you guessed it, elephants! They have quickly become his favorite animal.
Because we have such a love of elephants in our household, why not share all of the wonderful elephant books we have discovered so far? After all, to build a love of reading in our little ones, reading books about high-interest things is a great way to make reading exciting.
If you are looking for some of our favorite elephant books for toddlers, then stick around! This list includes both fictional and nonfictional books for your little readers. So whether you are hoping to learn some neat facts about elephants or you are hoping to read a charming tale about these gentle giants, check out the list of elephant picture books below. This list is great for toddlers or any early reader.
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Why Elephants Make Great Characters
When we are reading children’s books, certain characters capture our hearts. An elephant character is certainly no exception! These gentle giants can be approachable, and kind, yet still a very strong and resilient animal.
Elephants make great characters because of their gentle and friendly nature. In a way, it’s something readers do not expect since they are such massive animals! We tend to associate large animals like this as being aggressive and dangerous. It’s a little unexpected to see an elephant be so sweet and docile!
Are you ready to meet some wonderful characters in the children’s elephant books below? Let’s get to it!
Top 10 Fictional Elephant Books for Toddlers
Mela and the Elephant
by Dow Phumiruk
Mela goes to explore a river in her little town in Thailand. However, she soon finds herself lost in the jungle. She asks different animals to help her find her way home in exchange for a reward. But they just take the reward and run away! Mela feels so hopeless… until she finds a kind and caring baby elephant who helps her find her way home. A wonderful book about the importance of kindness.
Elmer
by David McKee
Elmer is a classic – and for very good reason! We recently introduced Elmer to my son, and it has been a big hit, quickly becoming one of his favorite books. Elmer is the beloved patchwork elephant. Because of all of his unique colors, Elmer is a little self-conscious. Soon enough, Elmer learns that his friends love him for exactly who he is. If your child loves elephants, this board book would be the perfect addition to your library.
When an Elephant Falls In Love
by Davide Cali
This elephant book is short but certainly sweet. The beautiful illustrations in this book are so… peaceful? I know that can be a strange word to describe illustrations, but there is something about them that is quite comforting and calming. The story itself is about an elephant who is very in love and experiences so many emotions as he tries to express his love. I am sure many can relate to that feeling!
Horton Hears a Who!
by Dr. Seuss
I love reading books that rhyme to my toddler – especially any books by Dr. Seuss! Dr. Seuss’s books always make for fun read-aloud stories in our home. In this book, Horton hears a little speck of dust speaking to him. It turns out to be a Who! Little readers will love the repetitive text and grown-ups will appreciate the important message of kindness and empathy in this book.
Strictly No Elephants
by Lisa Mantchev
This is a darling picture book that helps young readers understand the importance of being welcoming to all. When a young boy and his pet elephant read a sign that says “Strictly No Elephants,” they decide to create their own club. The special thing about this one is that everyone is welcome -even new friends. The book’s wonderful message of inclusion and friendship makes this a great choice.
That Fruit is Mine!
by Anuska Allepuz
This is the story of five elephants who just love fruit. They really, really love it. When they find a new tree that has some delicious-looking fruit, each elephant tries a different way to get the fruit. Because the tree is so tall, they have a hard time getting the fruit down. Will they find a way to work together to get the fruit? I simply love the message in this book, and I hope you end up loving it as well!
Toby is a Big Boy
by Lou Peacock
Toby has a little sister, Iris, and lately, he has been feeling quite jealous. With a new baby around, he simply doesn’t get all of the attention anymore. Because Toby is a big boy, his mother tells him that he can do many things all by himself. This is a great sibling book for toddlers! For more books about how to prepare for a new baby, click the link!
Tilly & Tank
by Jay Fleck
What happens when a little elephant meets a tank that looks a lot like an elephant? Well, at first a lot of confusion happens! Tilly the elephant becomes very curious and hopes to make a new friend. However, the tank isn’t quite sure what to think of Tilly. Will they be able to become best friends? Toddlers will enjoy this sweet story about friendship!
I Broke My Trunk!
by Mo Willems
Gerald shows up with a bandaged trunk. Piggie can’t help but wonder what happened! Well, Gerald the elephant broke his trunk and he is off to tell Piggie all about it! Gerald’s story is quite silly and full of crazy situations. This is such a fun and engaging read for little ones. Gerald is such an endearing character! I love this Elephant and Piggie book.
What To Do If an Elephant Stands On Your Foot
by Michelle Robinson
What are you supposed to do if an elephant stands on your foot? Well, this silly (and outrageous) guide has some advice if that ever happens. This book makes a great book to read together. I guarantee your child will be laughing at the crazy situations our tour guide finds herself in!
Top 10 Nonfiction Elephant Books for Toddlers
Thirsty, Thirsty Elephants
by Sandra Markle
In this story, inspired by actual events, a herd of elephants searches for water during a prolonged drought in Tanzania. Not only are the illustrations beautiful in this book, but the story itself is captivating. I appreciate how readers indirectly learn about how elephants locate water. The educational aspect of the book is seamlessly woven into the storytelling, which I find truly engaging.
Once Upon an Elephant
by Linda Stanek
Did you know that elephants play a huge role in helping to keep the African ecosystem in balance? This book does a great job of highlighting how important the elephant species is. Little readers will love learning about how elephants help out so many different animals in the savannah. This is a great book to teach your little one how nature is so connected.
She Leads: The Elephant Matriarch
by June Smalls
This book is absolutely beautiful. There are two levels of text inside of this book – a shorter text that may be more suitable for younger readers and a longer, more detailed text for older readers. Both texts do an outstanding job of explaining why the matriarch is so important. The special bonds between a mother and her young are so beautiful. Inspiring and heartwarming, children will love reading this one.
Seedlings: Elephants
by Kate Riggs
With large text and simple sentences, this nonfiction book is absolutely perfect for toddlers! The facts included in this book are quite simple – ranging from explaining where elephants live and what elephants like to eat. If you need a short and simple nonfiction elephant book, this is a great choice!
The Elephants Come Home
by Kim Tomsic
Now this one does not include neat elephant facts like many of the other nonfiction books on this list. However, it does tell an amazing story about the true events of an elephant sanctuary in South Africa. When a herd of elephants finds themselves being targeted by hunters and in need of a new home, two individuals try to welcome these elephants to their sanctuary. Will the elephants feel at home here?
Elephants
by Seymour Simon
This nonfiction book is filled with detailed photographs – perfect for curious readers! If your little one is hoping to become an elephant expert, be sure to pick up this book. Filled with captivating pictures and simple words, this book describes the many unique characteristics of these massive animals.
Elephants! Strange and Wonderful
by Lawrence Pringle
This nonfiction picture book is a great choice for young children and older children alike. I love that this book includes the unique history of elephants. The pictures in the book show elephants in all sorts of places – living their lives, working together, and having fun. These pictures, along with the words, help you really get what elephants are all about and how they live!
Elephants Can Paint, Too! https://amzn.to/3OAqaHQ
by Katya Arnold
We actually picked up this book on a whim at the library. I’m really glad we did! My toddler loved this one. In this book, readers will learn about how elephants can be quite artistic animals! From the perspective of an art teacher who teaches both children and elephants, we learn how elephants can learn to paint. This book has very simple text for our toddlers. Many pages include interesting facts to provide more details as well.
Twenty-One Elephants and Still Standing
by April Prince
While this book does not teach you about elephants, this book has a great story! When the Brooklyn Bridge was completed in 1883, a grand celebration was to take place. People doubted the bridge’s ability to hold all of that weight. P.T. Barnum, the American showman, found an opportunity to prove them wrong – while making it a show!
African Elephants
by Shannon Knudsen
With large text and simple sentences, this book is a great choice for toddlers to explore. Your little one will love learning so many new facts about African elephants, including the fascinating size of those elephants. This book makes a great resource for your home (or classroom) library.
Best Elephant Books for Toddlers
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