Synopses & Reviews
With a sly wink, Florence Parry Heide and Sylvia Van Clief offer a valuable lesson about true friendship, brought to life in vivid collage by Holly Meade."If I had a bad leg," says the crab,
"I would get rid of it and grow another one."
"Its nice of you to give advice,"
says Theodore.
Theodore the elephant has hurt his leg and cant meet his cousin at the
end of the forest. What a pity! Of course, all the other animals are more than willing to give him advice. After all, thats what friends are for - isnt
it? Florence Parry Heides unmistakable dry wit rings through this clever
cumulative tale of a long-suffering elephant, his well-meaning friends, and a straight-shooting opossum who reminds them all what being a real friend means.
About the Author
Sylvia Van Clief collaborated with Florence Parry Heide on a wide variety
of books and songs, including the childrens collection entitled "Songs to Sing About Things You Think About," with Ms. Van Clief composing the music and Ms. Heide writing the words. Sylvia Van Clief died in 1974.
Holly Meade has illustrated many acclaimed books for children, including
ON MORNING WINGS by Reeve Lindbergh and HUSH!: A THAI LULLABY by Minfong Ho, a Caldecott Honor Book. "I just love the genuineness and warmth of this story. These well-meaning forest
critters so completely miss the mark in helping their friend - thank goodness for the opossum!"