Don't Be Scared, Eleven

Jean Free, formerly an elementary-school teacher-librarian, is currently
a library consultant in Ontario.

Richard Thompson has written for preschool/primary-grade children a
story that recalls a cycling holiday spent with his 3-year-old daughter,
Jesse, and his wife as they explore the Maritimes. In this picture book,
young Jesse rides in a trailer behind her father’s bicycle with her
pet elephant, Eleven. When her elephant is frightened, Jesse feeds him
snacks and reads to him. Sometimes when going up high hills, it feels as
though “there [were] a two thousand kilogram elephant in the
trailer” with Jesse.

This is a comforting story about sharing fears and family companionship
on a cycling/camping holiday. Eugenie Fernandes’s engaging, colorful
illustrations skilfully blend and extend the text, adding wit and detail
for young children to enjoy. The open ending leaves readers wondering
what Eleven’s next adventure might be.

Don’t Be Scared, Eleven is an appropriate read-aloud story for
preschoolers, and one that primary-grade children will enjoy reading
themselves. Recommended.