Welcome to my website. I’m Stephanie and I write for kids. Do you have kids who love picture books? (Or do you love them? That’s fine too!)
One of the perks of being a writer is genuinely adoring and spending time with so many topics. For several years, I’ve been writing some creative nonfiction elephant books, and in that time I’ve come across other titles worth mentioning.
First, some fiction faves:
- But No Elephants by Jerry Smath
Hailing back from 1979, this one is a childhood favorite of mine. I always read the refrain, “but NOOO elephants!” For me the takeaway is something about the beauty in unexpected relationships, but I’d love to hear your perspective. - Fast forward about 46 years, and we have this gem: Me & Lavender (2025) by Melody C. Peugh, in which a little girl and her elephant must stay tidy for Mommy’s tea party. If you were a fan of No Fits Nelson (2013), this has a very similar vibe.
- Next is Elephant’s Big Solo (2022). Not everyone likes to perform. That’s okay, isn’t it? Yes, yes it is. Elephant finds that friends don’t force friends to perform, and everyone can be heard, one way or another.
- Strictly No Elephants (2015) is an update on the Smath classic, sweet in its own regard with a message about what friends do. This book was so popular that it’s been translated into 19 different languages and in 2025, it’s getting a sequel.
- If you love social-emotional learning titles like I do, try My Big Embarrassing Elephant by Angie Lucas (2023). The elephant metaphor explores that uncomfortable feeling that we—kids and adults alike—often just want to hide. Grab this free activity kit from the publisher, too.
- Zola’s Elephant (2018) features gorgeous, imaginative illustrations. When the main character sees a new neighbor’s large box, she imagines that the girl has an elephant, using “evidence” like the smell of toast and the stomping, hammering noises coming from there. But what’s the truth? You’ll have to read to find out.
- Hide and seek with an elephant? Sounds like an absurdist book, and it is! Have You Seen Elephant? (2016) by author-illustrator David Barrow is perfect for rapt readers of the recent humor title There’s Something Odd About the Babysitter (2025) by Elayne Crain, in which three raccoons in a trench coat outdo the kid’s usual babysitters.
And now for a couple of nonfiction titles:
- She Leads by June Smalls (2020) briefly highlights the matriarchal structure of pachyderm societies. For an online read aloud, start about one minute into this video.
- With the titular refrain If Elephants Disappeared, this book by Lily Williams (2019) explains the importance of elephants as a keystone species. Most importantly, the enormous animals shape their ecosystems and promote plant biodiversity. Despite its environmentalist message, it ends on a positive note with the words, “…even the biggest of us needs a little help now and again.”
And that’s a wrap for today! Thanks so much joining me. Maybe someday my elephant manuscripts will make it to print, because I’d love to share them with you.
Happy reading!
Stephanie
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