A boy stops to look up at an old elephant in the park. This elephant has a slide over her back, and she looks a little unhappy.

“Are you okay?” asks the boy.

“I’m tired,” said the elephant.

After answering a few more questions, the boy realises that this elephant has been standing in one place in this park for a very long time, and maybe she needs a rest?

She accepts his invitation for a wee holiday at his home.

When they are settled at his house, there is cool grass, and a shady place under a tree to rest. There are yummy things to eat, and popcorn in front of movies. A campout in the backyard completes the day nicely, and pancakes begin another.

Another treat is in store for elephant as the boy and his dad give her a complete makeover.

When she returns to the park just like new, the children leave the bright swings and climbing playground and finally see just how wonderful she is.

A homage to the elephant slide in a playground in Bishopdale, Christchurch, New Zealand.

This elephant has had generations of children climbing over it and sliding down its attached slide, providing endless hours of fun since the late 1970’s.

The connection between child and animal is everlasting, and with exotic animals, even more so. The child in this story sees someone (the elephant) in need of some kindness and goes the extra mile to help.

This combination of a beloved playground slide and extending the hand of kindness makes a lovely story for young children, and also something for us all to think about in our own daily lives.

I love Jenny Cooper’s illustrations in this story – just the right about of gorgeous!

Author – Melanie Koster

Illustrator – Jenny Cooper

Publisher – Scholastic NZ

Picture Book

(2024, Scholastic NZ, NZ, Aotearoa New Zealand, Bishopdale, Christchurch, Playground, Park, Animals, Elephant, Empathy, Kindness, Slide, Old fashioned equipment, Refresh, Refurbish, Make like new, Ode, Homage, Memories, Memory, Remembering, Play, Friendship)