The Little Elliot, Big City Trifecta

The Nerdy Book Club, Colby Sharp, and I are celebrating one of the best books of 2014: Mike Curato's Little Elliot, Big City. Adorable Elliot is not a stranger to this blog. I premiered his book trailer, took him on my road trip, and read his story to my kindergartners and first graders. If you haven't already read Little Elliot, Big City, I hope today's trifecta inspires you to buy a copy from your favorite independent bookshop. 

Before you head out on a little adventure to read Mike Curato's nerdy essay and Colby Sharp's post, please take a look at how Mike finished my sentences. I wrote the words in red, and he wrote the words in black. Many, many, many thanks, Mike! I adore Elliot and look forward to ALL of his future stories. 

Little, Elliot, Big City tells the story of friendship and perspective through the eyes of a little polka-dotted elephant with a great big heart.

The illustrations for Little, Elliot, Big City are the pieces of art that I always wanted to make. They are pencil drawings that I scan and color in Photoshop. For Little Elliot, I like working in a muted color palette to add to the nostalgia of the period.

Mike created this window display for Books of Wonder. 

Elliot’s apartment can be a bit challenging for him, since he’s so small. You’ll often find him climbing something. Elliot discovered a new purpose for his favorite books; when he’s not reading them, he’s usually climbing them.

Yahoo! Merrymakers is making a Little Elliot plush! There is no release date, but expect to give him a hug sometime next year. Here’s a photo of an early prototype:

Cupcakes are one of the five basic food groups...right? Regardless, they are the main staple of white polka-dotted elephants.

Picture books are my dream, and now my reality!

Reading is vital.

Mr. Schu, you should have asked me where does Elliot live? Well, many people assume that he lives in Manhattan, but he actually lives in Brooklyn and commutes to Manhattan for his treats, just like me!

Mike Curato has the fortune of possessing a designer's brain, an illustrator's heart, and an artist's vision. You can find him on any given day walking around the city eating a cupcake (or thinking about it).

Macmillian is giving away a copy of Little Elliot, Big City, a Little Elliot tote bag, and stickers. 

Rules for the Giveaway 

1. It will run from 8/31 to 11:59 p.m. on 9/1. 

2. You must be at least 13. 

3. If you win, please pay it forward. 

Borrow Little Elliot, Big City from your school or public library. Whenever possible, please support independent bookshops. 

Head on over to the Nerdy Book Club's blog to read Mike's essay. 

Don't forget to visit Colby Sharp's blog. 

Tuesday, August 26           

Librarian in Cute Shoes | @utalaniz

Wednesday, August 27     

Teach Mentor Texts | @mentortexts

Thursday, August 28        

 Read. Write. Reflect. | @katsok

Friday, August 29               

Kit Lit Frenzy | @alybee930

Saturday, August 30         

 Daddy Mojo | @daddymojo

Sunday, August 31             

The Trifecta:

Sharp Reads | @colbysharp

Watch. Connect. Read. | @mrschureads

Nerdy Book Club | @nerdybookclub

Monday, September 1 

Miss Print | @miss_prin