The Ant and the Elephant facts for kids
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| Author | Bill Peet |
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| Illustrator | Bill Peet |
| Country | USA |
| Language | English |
| Subject | friendship, helping others |
| Genre | children's literature |
| Publisher | HMH Books for Young Readers |
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Publication date
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February 19, 1972 |
| Pages | 48 |
| ISBN | 0395169631 |
| LC Class | 74-179918 |
| Based on Aesop Fable: The Dove and the Ant | |
The Ant and the Elephant is a popular children's picture book. It was written and illustrated by Bill Peet. This book tells a wonderful story about friendship and helping others. It was even turned into a musical play for families! The story is based on an old tale called The Dove and the Ant from Aesop's Fables.
The Story of Helping Others
The book begins with a tiny ant stuck on a small island. He cannot swim, so he asks a turtle for help. The turtle says no because he has already had his swim for the day. Soon after, the turtle falls onto his back and cannot get up. He asks a hornbill for help. She refuses, saying it will teach him not to be clumsy.
Then, the hornbill's egg falls out of its nest. It is too heavy for her to carry. She asks a giraffe for help, but the giraffe is too proud to assist her. Next, the giraffe's legs get tangled in some vines. He asks a lion for help, but the lion just laughs and walks away.
A large rock then rolls onto the lion's tail, trapping him. He asks a rhino for help. The rhino walks away when he cannot think of a way for the lion to return the favor. Soon, the rhino gets his horn stuck in a tree stump.
Finally, an elephant notices all the animals in trouble. He helps each one, starting with the ant. The ant is the only animal who remembers to thank the elephant. After helping everyone, the elephant himself falls into a deep ravine. He cannot get out and starts to lose hope.
Then, a huge group of ants appears! They are led by the ant the elephant helped earlier. Together, the ants carry the elephant out of the ravine. To thank them, the elephant gives all the ants a ride home on his back. The story teaches us that even the smallest help can make a big difference.
The Book Becomes a Musical
The Ant and the Elephant was also made into a musical play for families. The same people who created The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley adapted this book for the stage.
