Author: Elfrida Vipont
Illustrator: Raymond Briggs
Publisher: Coward-MacCann, 1969
Ages: 3-5
Themes: elephants, babies, manners, cumulative stories
Opening: Once upon a time there was an elephant.
Summary: (from Waterstones)”The Elephant and the Bad Baby” is the classic story from Elfrida Vipont and Raymond Briggs. The Elephant takes the Bad Baby for a ride and they go ‘rumpeta, rumpeta, rumpeta down the road.’ They help themselves to ice creams, pies, buns, crisps, biscuits, lollipops and apples, and the shopkeepers follow them down the road shouting and waving. All ends well as the Bad Baby learns to say ‘Please’ and his mother makes pancakes for everyone.
I like this book because: this is a GREAT read-aloud, recommended by a friend (Hi, Kelly!) for it’s jauntiness as she recently searched for a copy to gift her grand-nephew. I am a fan of Raymond Brigg’s work, but had not known about this cumulative gem. And the simplicity of the opening line is just so refreshing!
Resources/activities: make a puppet show, a flannel board, or perform the book as a play; talk about appropriate manners, but do this first – then read this to lighten the mood!
For existing PPBF selections including resources and activities, go to Susanna Hill’s blog: HERE
julie rowan-zoch 
Hmm. I feel like I’ve read this one before. A friend gave me a stack of books. I’ll have to see if I have it. We’re trying to sort through books for possible Trick or Treat hand outs. Have a great weekend.
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DON”T give it away! I will pay buy it!
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I’ll pay twice what Julie’s paying!!!
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Amazon sells it in the UK, which they will ship to US for approximately $21 US. Or you can buy in US from a used books dealer.
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You find the most interesting books. Thanks for sharing.
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And I am always debating my extreme pickiness (may have to discuss it in a post!)
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Your post-your pickiness! I always enjoy reading them.
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Very glad to hear it!
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I always look forward to your Friday picks. They are always unusual. Love the concept of this story and the illustrations.
I’m back now, after 2+ weeks of vacation. Trying to catch up!
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We may have different tastes, but the feeling is mutual, Patricia. You have introduced me to so many great titles I might have missed. Hope you had a lovely time!
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‘rumpeta, rumpeta, rumpeta’
HUGE Raymond Briggs fans in this house. The Snowman on endless holiday repeat. Magical. And elephants? Amazing.
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Got it from the library today! Such fun – now I know why the baby is “bad” LOL
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Never heard of this one – looks like a treasure! Thanks for sharing an oldie!
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Got it through Prospector, Beth.
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An old Briggs I didn’t know. I love finding books almost fifty years old that feel fresh and funny!
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I love the cover and the “rumpeta, rumpeta, rumpeta down the road” is so fun to read. What is Prospector? One more question, why is the baby bad when it is the mother elephant that is taking the treats?
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Beth and I live in northern Colorado, Sue. It’s the system our libraries use to share books. The baby finally says ‘please’ in the end.
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Oh, okay. That feels like a letdown. I guess I need to read it. The illustrations are charming. I LOVE illustrations. Wish I could be an illustrator (I really do), but I’d be expected to make great art.
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Aw…who doesn’t love elephants?
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Sounds like a great read aloud. This one sounds ageless.
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Wow…this is an oldie but a goodie, Julie…1969…my first cross country trip with hubby. I will have to see if I can get a copy of this…I love the ‘rumpety, rumpety, down the road’ refrain.
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Could have been a refrain for your road trip?
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the language sounds so fun – I’ve never read this book but will surely keep my eyes peeled for it.
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Good luck finding it, Sue!
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This is a new one for me. The old ones are fun to study–usually so many wonderful words!
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I’ve been looking for new-to-classics more and more. So many gems!
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I’ll have to find a copy of this book. The language makes for a lively read-aloud story and the illustrations match the mood.
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And the book rumpets through The Horn Book too: http://www.hbook.com/2015/10/choosing-books/horn-book-magazine/rumpeta-ing-through-reading-picture-books-for-the-very-young/#_
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Love her comparison to Thelma and Louise! Thanks, Cathy!
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