Ellie
by Mike Wu
Published by Disney-Hyperion (May 12, 2015)
Ages 3-5

My Rating: 4 Stars

Review:
Ellie is a simple story about an impending zoo closure, the zoo animals working to spruce up the place in an attempt to save their home and a young elephant who doesn’t know how she can help. By happenstance, while she is wandering around feeling sad and not knowing what to do, Ellie discovers her true talent – painting. The news spreads that she is an amazing artist, and ultimately it is her talent that saves the zoo.

While the story may be simple, the illustrations and the gentle nature of the baby elephant make it an enjoyable addition to the personal library. This is Mike Wu’s debut picture book, but he’s no novice. He’s a talented illustrator who has worked on several notable Disney and Pixar films. The visual storytelling in Ellie is top-notch.

If you’re like me and you’re always looking for a little meaning in the stories you read, I’d say Ellie offers this: Finding your calling/talent/purpose can be a bit of a meandering journey, but if you’re willing to try new things (like Ellie), you just might find something you’re really good at. That’s not a bad lesson for a little artist.

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