Title: Ella Loves Elvis
Author: Michele Wallace Campanelli
Illustrator: KeriAnne N. Jelinek
Publisher: The Picture Book, LLC
ISBN: 978-7-0917-4194-4
Pages: 33
Genre: Illustrated Children’s Book / Educational
Reviewer: Beth Adams
Pacific Book Review
In the immortal words of Elvis, “I can’t help falling in love with you,” is exactly my sentiment about this exquisite and creative book, Ella Loves Elvis. From the synergy of the author Michele Wallace Campanelli, combining a personified cast of farm characters drawn with illustrations by KeriAnne N. Jelinek, emerges a book layered with fun, happiness, love for animals, and most of all a tribute to Elvis Presley.
Readers are introduced to Katy who has a farm called, “Rushing River Rescue Farm,” and was asked to take in Ella, a baby elephant. It seemed as if Ella was eating so much and needed so much attention, hand feeding Ella out of milk bottles, so the circus had to separate her from her mother elephant and move on. Katy spent lots of time trying to get Ella accepted by the other farm animals, but nothing seemed to work. Ella was sad because she was an outcast from the other barn animals.
One day, Ella was told by the circus that Ella liked the music of Elvis, so Katy picked up an Elvis CD and a boom box and played “Jailhouse Rock.” To her surprise Ella started to dance, swaying her hips side-to-side, as did the other farm animals. This was such an amazing event that Katy and her husband came up with the idea of entering Ella in the talent show during the next spring festival. They made a black wig for Ella from an old rug, and when they put on their performance, everybody loved it! Katy and her husband won a $5,000 prize, which came in handy and saved the farm from foreclosure by the bank.
Throughout the book is interleaved factual and historical biographical information about the life and accomplishments of Elvis Presley. It is a good foundation for children to begin their learning about such an icon of music and culture, plus to those of us who know about Elvis, just naming the song titles brings the music to our minds as we read the book – causing a truly deep experience of sight, sound, and storytelling. The artistry of the illustrations needs special mention as the depth of colors, precision in conveying emotion in the characters’ eyes, and whimsical foundations of fanciful settings truly are best-in-class for the genre of children’s books. The vibrant illustrations bring the story to life, capturing the joy and excitement that music can bring. Plus thinking about a baby elephant dancing to Elvis…now that’s funny!
Whether you’re an Elvis fan or just looking for an inspiring children’s book, Ella Loves Elvis is a wonderful addition to any bookshelf. One for the money, two for the show – every family with children should grab a copy of Ella Loves Elvis and – go go go!
