The Elephant's Birdhouse

In a sunny meadow, a young elephant named Ellie lives happily with her bright red scarf and small wooden hammer. Her best friend is Pip, a tiny bird with an orange breast who is no bigger than a thumb. When Pip's old nest starts to fall apart, Ellie eagerly promises to build him a new home, sure that her hammer and her big heart will make it the best birdhouse ever.

Ellie gathers branches, leaves and vines and works all day, but the birdhouse she builds grows as tall as a tree. When Pip flies inside, he finds the walls too far apart, the doorway too high and the whole space dark and drafty. Ellie's ears droop with disappointment until Pip gently explains what he really needs. Together they start again, with Pip finding small twigs and moss and Ellie placing them carefully. This gentle picture-book story by Jane MEADOW teaches young readers that kindness alone is not enough and that true friendship means asking what someone needs and listening to the answer. The tale can be read on Kids Tale Book.