humor; otter decides to become an elephant (you can be anything you want to be) but it doesn't work out.
Really fun story! ( )

This book is a wonderful story about diversity. Randal decides that he wants to be an elephant, so he joins an herd. The elephants are very accepting of Randal. This is a sweet picture book that helps children understand that everyone should be accepted for who they are no matter what they look like. ( )

Admiring the elephants one day with his friend Clive, Randal the otter decided he wanted to be an elephant instead. Setting out to make his dream a reality, he joined the local elephant herd, sending letters home to his friends at the pond. Eventually, his fellow otters set out to visit him, only to find that he had returned home while they were away. It turns out that being an otter was best. Or was it...?

A sweet story of exploring different ways of being, and figuring out who you are and where you belong, Randal the Elephant is the fourth picture-book from Irish author/illustrator Ciara Gavin, following upon her stories about Bear. I enjoyed the gentle narrative, with its message of acceptance and support, and found the artwork (watercolor, I believe?) appealing. It helps, of course, that I'm fond of both otters and elephants! Recommended to young animal lovers, and to anyone looking for children's stories about identity and belonging. ( )