School Library Journal

This latest installment of “The Truth About” books opens with the punny boast that it contains “tons of information” about Earth’s largest land animal. And indeed, it covers the basics of elephant types, traits, habitats, and behaviors. The true appeal of the book lies in its accessible style; librarians could use it as a playful counterpoint to Katherine Roy’s comprehensive How To Be an Elephant. Eaton’s work is unapologetically geared toward recreational nonfiction readers. Fans of the series will be pleased to find all of its usual motifs, including expressive cartoon illustrations, speech bubbles (“I get snacky at night,” mumbles one elephant through a mouthful of leaves), easily digestible facts, and a wisecracking gallery of animals (this time featuring a manatee, a dugong, and a hyrax who form a jazz trio). Before concluding with a single spread of back matter, Eaton reminds readers that while humans pose the greatest threat to elephants, people can also help by reading, teaching, and speaking out on elephants’ behalf. VERDICT A characteristically charming and browsable addition to the series. Consider for readers looking for a bit of information and humor.–Rebecca Honeycutt, NoveList, Durham, NC