An Elephant For Breakfast Book Review

The girls and I read so many books, a lot of the time we tend to re read books we already have but sometimes it is nice to add a new book to our collection, especially when it is from an author we haven't heard of before. We were recently sent An Elephant For Breakfast which is both written and illustrated by Zella.

Every year, at the start of the summer holidays, Uncle Cosmo sends his nieces and nephews a gigantic parcel. It comes all the way from Africa to arrive on their doorstep in London. This year it is late, and when it finally arrives it brings with it a great mystery and a terrific adventure. Uncle Cosmo is in danger, and the children must follow the clues to save him.

The book immediately caught my attention with it's bright cover. The illustration is simply drawn but both the colours and the fun writing draw you in.


As we open it up we are introduced to the characters and told who lives where, this I found a great idea as for me it made it easier to keep up with who is who as the story progressed.

The book is 155 pages long and is broke down into 27 chapters. Some chapters are longer than others but each one is fairly short making the book fast paced and continuely interesting.

Each chapter starts with a small picture relating to something happening that is happening within the part which you are about to read, I think it really helps you to picture the characters and just what they are doing, gets the imagination going.

When the story begins you are introduced to Freddie, Rose and Tom at their home, Wisteria house. It had me sniggering from the get go. The kids interactions reminded me a lot of my brothers and I when we were younger. We also encounter Bella and Johnny, Freddie, Rose and Tom's cousins who lived just down the road from them.

Then a parcel arrived filled with treats from their Uncle Cosmos, it becomes clear instantly that he is loved and adored by all. I found myself wishing for the chocolate that they had been gifted (shouldn't read about food when on a diet).

As the tale continues we learn that there are secrets to be told and mysteries to be solved.

Here is what my 9 year old thought :

An Elephant For Breakfast was a delightful book to read. It had suspense, it had feeling, it had everything needed in a story. Since it's about saving elephants I love it even more as the elephant is my nan's favourite animal. All in all it was totally awesome and I hope the author writes more like this one.

This book contains drama and adventure with little twists and turns along the way and I think it shows off the innocence of children too. A great story for children of around 7 and upwards to read by themselves or a lovely tale to read together as a family.

xxxx

Disclaimer : I was sent this book FOC for reviewing purposes however all thoughts and opinions are my own.