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Review: Elbert in the Air

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Elbert in the Air
Written by Monica Wesolowska
Illustrated by Jerome Pumphrey
Dial Books for Young Readers, 2023. Picture Book.

Elbert was born to fly. Literally. Shortly after he was born, he began to float. Soon his mother had to stretch to reach him. Neighbors, friends, doctors, teachers, and librarians all had a different idea about how to keep him stuck to the ground. His mother knew, however, that he was born to soar and always encouraged him to be himself. As he grew, Elbert floated higher and higher so that eventually he had to be reached by ladder, but his mother kept insisting that if he was born to float, no one should force him to change who he is. Although Elbert felt alone and left out because he was different from the other kids, he eventually found a place where he belonged.

If you need a book to read to teach your kids about individuality and self-worth, Elbert in the Air is a great choice. It's also a good read-alike for parents who want something a little more advanced than Guess How Much I Love You and Love You Forever on the topic of unconditional love of a parent for their child. Although the subject matter could feel heavy, Jerome Pmphrey's cheery pastel illustrations draw in the reader and make for a book that soars (pun fully intended.)

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