From the author of National Book Award finalist Hey, Kiddo. Ollie is a purple elephant who is lost and has no place to call home. Until Shelby and Peter find him in the park—and invite him to live with them. Soon Ollie is a regular part of the family. He doesn't have a room to call his own, but he doesn't mind. He is happy. He loves hopscotch and kickball—but most of all he loves the dance parties the McLaughlins have after dinner. But Mr. Puddlebottom, the downstairs neighbor, most certainly does not love Ollie. And neither does the McLaughlins' cat, Ginger. Ollie has taken her spot on the couch at night. When the conspirators hatch a plan to get rid of Ollie, the purple elephant walks right into their trap—and onto a circus cart. Will he ever be reunited with his family?

"Don't touch the purple elephant!" the king warned, but the purple elephant's skin looked so soft that Prince Carmel couldn't resist. He stretched out his hand and gently touched the elephant's face. Immediately, the purple elephant raised his trunk and trumpeted. Then, he reared up on his hind legs... So begins an adventure sure to delight young and old alike. "The Purple Elephant" can be read a chapter at a time as a bedtime story, but most will want to read straight through this enchanting tale. "The Purple Elephant" contains all the good old-fashioned ingredients -- an adventuresome prince, a reluctant princess, a friendly fire-breathing dragon, a wicked wizard and a generous dose of humor. This paperback version includes black and white illustrations. A color edition is also available -- look under "formats."

Now in paperback! Sometimes Sophie worries -- not during the day when she is busy with family and friends, but at night when everything is calm and quiet. Her family all try to help, but somehow they just make her worries worse. Until her mother thinks of a new approach ... that might just involve an elephant or two! But wait, don't think about purple elephants, whatever you do! Whimsical and humorous, this little girl's story of finding a way to ease her worry will resonate with children and parents everywhere.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A NEW YORK TIMES NOTABLE BOOK The remarkable story of James Howard “Billy” Williams, whose uncanny rapport with the world’s largest land animals transformed him from a carefree young man into the charismatic war hero known as Elephant Bill In 1920, Billy Williams came to colonial Burma as a “forest man” for a British teak company. Mesmerized by the intelligence and character of the great animals who hauled logs through the jungle, he became a gifted “elephant wallah.” In Elephant Company, Vicki Constantine Croke chronicles Williams’s growing love for elephants as the animals provide him lessons in courage, trust, and gratitude. Elephant Company is also a tale of war and daring. When Japanese forces invaded Burma in 1942, Williams joined the elite British Force 136 and operated behind enemy lines. His war elephants carried supplies, helped build bridges, and transported the sick and elderly over treacherous mountain terrain. As the occupying authorities put a price on his head, Williams and his elephants faced their most perilous test. Elephant Company, cornered by the enemy, attempted a desperate escape: a risky trek over the mountainous border to India, with a bedraggled group of refugees in tow. Part biography, part war epic, Elephant Company is an inspirational narrative that illuminates a little-known chapter in the annals of wartime heroism. Praise for Elephant Company “This book is about far more than just the war, or even elephants. This is the story of friendship, loyalty and breathtaking bravery that transcends species. . . . Elephant Company is nothing less than a sweeping tale, masterfully written.”—Sara Gruen, The New York Times Book Review “Splendid . . . Blending biography, history, and wildlife biology, [Vicki Constantine] Croke’s story is an often moving account of [Billy] Williams, who earned the sobriquet ‘Elephant Bill,’ and his unusual bond with the largest land mammals on earth.”—The Boston Globe “Some of the biggest heroes of World War II were even bigger than you thought. . . . You may never call the lion the king of the jungle again.”—New York Post “Vicki Constantine Croke delivers an exciting tale of this elephant whisperer–cum–war hero, while beautifully reminding us of the enduring bonds between animals and humans.”—Mitchell Zuckoff, author of Lost in Shangri-La and Frozen in Time

"Don't touch the purple elephant!" the king warned, but the purple elephant's skin looked so soft that Prince Carmel couldn't resist. He stretched out his hand and gently touched the elephant's face. Immediately, the purple elephant raised his trunk and trumpeted. Then, he reared up on his hind legs...So begins an adventure sure to delight young and old alike. "The Purple Elephant" can be read a chapter at a time as a bedtime story, but most will want to read straight through this enchanting tale. "The Purple Elephant" contains all the good old-fashioned ingredients -- an adventuresome prince, a reluctant princess, a friendly fire-breathing dragon, a wicked wizard and a generous dose of humor. This paperback version has color illustrations.