Elki Is Not My Dog – at a glance
The School Reading Lists’ five word review: Kindness, community, empathy, family, bond.
Children’s book title: Elki Is Not My Dog.
Children’s author: Elena Arevalo Mellville.
Children’s illustrator: Tonka Uzu.
Genre: Picture book.
Published by: Scallywag Press.
ISBN: 9781915252364.
Recommended for children aged: 4+ year-olds.
First published: Hardback March 2024.
This children’s book is ideal for: exploring and discussing themes of community and taking positive action.
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Our review:
Elki Is Not My Dog is an appealing tale based on a real Romanian street dog and the community around it. Elki appears one day in a sorry state and the children show her kindness and affection. Despite being homeless Elki is fun with a sparkle in her eyes. In no time Elki charms the local children and joins them daily to play. After Elki goes missing she is sadly missed. By the end of the book, Elki wins the hearts of the whole neighbourhood – which becomes her home and her people.
Our verdict:
The wonderful illustrations and charming characters carry children through Elki’s story and encourage them to think about things from an animal’s point of view, considering compassion and the care a dog needs. The expressions of the characters enhance the empathy and kindness theme which, runs through the book. At the end is a positive message for children about Elki belonging and being part of a big family. The book suits children 4 years and up.
Teaching points and book club discussion ideas:
- Free resources for teachers.
- Maze activity sheet.
- Spot the difference activity.
- Colouring in activity.
Many thanks to Scallywag Press for the review copy.
To order a class set of this book, please click below to order via uk.bookshop.org, an organisation that supports local bookshops, or Amazon.co.uk.
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If you like Elki Is Not My Dog by Elena Arevalo Mellville, illustrated by Tonka Uzu you might also like: our reviews of Old Bear by Jane Hissey, I Want a Dog by Jon Agee, My Dad is a Tree by Jon Agee and Ten Little Dogs by Ruth Brown.
Browse our list of kindness and empathy stories for children
