When his best pal Mouse goes off to his big family reunion, Little Elliot, the tiny polka-dotted elephant, once again finds himself feeling quite alone in the big city. He entertains himself by getting ice cream and going ice-skating, but being surrounded by families of all types only emphasizes Little Elliot's lack of a family of his own. When the winter day gets a little too cold, Little Elliot heads into a movie theater, where a scene with an elephant family exacerbates his lonely feelings. Just when Little Elliot's emotions are reaching a crescendo, Mouse reappears and invites his friend to join in his mouse family's gathering. There Little Elliot is welcomed by all, proving the maxim that friends are the family you choose. Digitally enhanced pencil drawings evoke a 1940s New York City with sleek lines and muted colors. Readers will appreciate amusing visual details such as mouse-size bottle-cap plates and end pages filled with mouse family photos. A splendid follow-up to Little Elliot, Big City (2014).

PreS-Gr 1 It is a cold winter day and Little Elliot decides to spend it exploring the big city while his best friend, Mouse, attends his very large family reunion. As Elliot walks through the streets, rides the subway, and strolls through the park, he observes the wonderful diversity of the many families he passes. Elliot wonders what it would be like to have a family of his own. Taking in a movie to escape the cold, Elliot becomes sad and lonely in the big, empty theater. When the movie ends and he leaves the theater, he is pleased to discover that Mouse has come looking for him. Together, they return to the family reunion where they enjoy a wonderful evening filled with dancing, laughter, and Mouse's grandmother's warm cheese chowder. Elliot realizes that he does have a great big family after all. Set in 1940s New York City, this picture book is warm and inviting. The illustrations are rich and interesting, introducing young children to life in another era. Children may recognize many of the landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Center, and Central Park. The art creates an inviting atmosphere that draws readers in and keeps them lingering on each page, while the text tells an appealing story of family and friendship. VERDICT Let's hope for more stories about this adorable polka-dotted elephant and his loving pal. Amy Shepherd, St. Anne's Episcopal School, Middleton, DE