Ellison the Elephant by Eric Drachman

Ellison was different because he couldn’t trumpet like the other elephants. So they teased him. His mother told him “All the greatest elephants in history were unusual – That’s what made them great!”

Discouraged he walks off and meets a weasel who encourages him to try different sounds with his trumpet. Then he had him look inside to find his voice. Ellison closed his eyes and concentrated hard and the sound that came out was beautiful.

All the elephants came to see who made that wonderful music. Even the elephants that teased him before wanted Ellison to teach them how to make that beautiful music.

As you read this wonderful book, you can talk to your child about several different things:
1. It is ok to be different
2. Everyone needs to be encouraged
3. Look inside yourself to find your music
4. Forgive past hurts and help those who have teased you

(Please note- When I indent, I am answering questions and sharing insights just as if I was talking to a child.)

It is ok to be different
What did all the great elephants in history have in common?
They were different and that is what made them great.
What can you do that is different from others?
How did the other elephants treat Ellison because he was different?
He was teased and made fun of. Ellison had his feelings hurt. So he went to a place to be all alone. It was in that place he discovered his voice. He discovered what he was good at. Good things can come out of being alone.

Everyone needs to be encouraged
Ellison needed Weasel to help him find his gift. No one makes it to the top by him or herself. We all need people to help us.
Who is helping you?
Who are you helping?

Look inside yourself to find your music
Gloria and Mumble looked inside to find their heart song in Happy Feet. Everyone has something to give this world. We just have to look inside of ourselves to find out what it is.
What is your music?
What makes you special?

Forgive past hurts and help those who have teased you
We will all be hurt at some point in life. That is part of growing up. But what are you going to do with hose hurts? Are you going to let them weigh you down so you can’t share your music with others or are you going to forgive them and move on in life?
Who in your life has hurt you?
Have you forgiven them?
How can you forgive them?

It is ok to be different. That is how you become great. The music inside of you will compel you into greatness if you listen to it. You are doing something that no one else is doing. Reach out and help someone. You will be so glad you did. And offer forgiveness to those who hurt you even if they don’t accept it. You will be able to live in more peace.

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