About This Book
Reach for this book when the day has been long and your little one is struggling to settle into the quiet of the evening. It is a perfect choice for those transition moments when a child needs the physical reassurance of a parent's presence combined with the rhythmic, hypnotic flow of a lullaby to calm a racing mind. This beautifully illustrated story follows a mother elephant as she sings her restless calf to sleep, describing the dreams of various wild animals across the savanna. Through its gentle verse, the book explores themes of maternal love, safety, and the shared peace of the natural world. It is ideally suited for children ages 2 to 5, providing a soothing sensory experience that builds vocabulary while creating a warm, secure bridge between the activities of the day and the restfulness of the night.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The narrative itself is entirely secular and safe. However, the historical note at the end mentions Jumbo being taken from London to America by P.T. Barnum. This introduces a subtle theme of animal captivity and historical displacement, though it is presented as a factual postscript rather than a source of distress within the poem.
Ideal Reader
A high-energy preschooler who loves animals but finds it difficult to 'turn off' their brain at bedtime. It is perfect for a child who responds well to rhythm and needs the physical proximity of a caregiver during reading.
