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Tubby and the Lantern
An adventurous elephant, makes an enormous paper lantern to celebrate his friend's birthday
64 pages, Hardcover
First published August 12, 1971
About the author
Al Perkins
25 books26 followersAl Perkins is an author of several children's books, including the ever-popular Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb (1969), The Digging-est Dog (1967), and The Ear Book (1968).He also wrote early titles in the Beginner Books and Bright and Early series.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 25, 2010
This was one of my very favorite books growing up. A boy's elephant (named Tubby) builds a giant lantern to carry them across the land on a fantastic adventure. Wish this was still in print!
April 28, 2017
The pictures melted my heart. I read this story as a teenager quite accidentally when I stumbled upon the book in a used books exhibition. Right while I was reading it, a little boy came next to me and got very excited after seeing the pictures. I recited the story to him. He wanted the book. So, quite unwillingly, I parted with this beautiful book and gave him the only copy that I could find in the exhibition. I don't regret giving it to the little boy and I hope he's treasuring it well like I would have.
What I most loved in this simple yet rich textured book is that the story tugs at our heart through the warmth between the characters, Ah Mee and Tubby, the adorable pet elephant. As a kid, I was always fascinated with baby elephants and baby giraffes and wanted them as pets. This story makes me feel like a child again, grateful for the genuine love between animals and humans. Love the illustrations too. The fuzzy yellow refuses to leave my mind. On a mission to search for another copy if possible to find after all these years.
P.S. I came across the story on this website and almost squeaked with excitement. Read it here: http://www.michaelspornanimation.com/...
What I most loved in this simple yet rich textured book is that the story tugs at our heart through the warmth between the characters, Ah Mee and Tubby, the adorable pet elephant. As a kid, I was always fascinated with baby elephants and baby giraffes and wanted them as pets. This story makes me feel like a child again, grateful for the genuine love between animals and humans. Love the illustrations too. The fuzzy yellow refuses to leave my mind. On a mission to search for another copy if possible to find after all these years.
P.S. I came across the story on this website and almost squeaked with excitement. Read it here: http://www.michaelspornanimation.com/...
August 3, 2021
When I would visit my aunt and uncle as a child, this was my go to book. This book had just the right amount of suspense and exciting moments to keep my attention. I am giving it 3 stars because when I reread it as an adult, it felt dated. Or maybe it's truly a story that kids will appreciate more than adults. Decide for yourself, you can check it out here and here.
November 23, 2016
I searched high and low for this book when I was pregnant because it was one of my *most* favorite books as a child. I never forgot the illustrations and story of friendship. My husband found the book for me on eBay and I snapped it up for $10- the best $10 I ever spent! My son and I read it tonight, hopefully the first of many times we do so.
January 1, 2019
Tubby the little elephant makes a large lantern for Ah Mee's birthday. When Tubby lit the candle, the lantern began to fill with hot air, and started to float. When Ah Mee tried to save Tubby they both found themselves afloat, and off on an adventure they would not soon forget, not even in their dreams.
November 19, 2010
One of my very favorite childhood books.
January 12, 2022
My mom kept an extensive library of children's books and I often found my 8 year old self rereading this amongst other books. As an adult I yearned to read this again so much, I shelled out like $20 on Amazon to get my own copy again. I will admit I still enjoyed this adventurous voyage of a read just as much as when I was a kid. I laughed. I gasped. I clenched my pearls. Low key wouldn't be mad if there was a film adaptation (just kidding! Stay the F away from one of my few fondest children treasures!) I find my current 33 year old self revisiting this book every now and then just for the nostalgia. This book practically symbolized my very happy carefree childhood before I had entered my utterly dismal adulthood.
November 8, 2016
Heart warming and whimsical, Tubby uses all of the family's resources to create a special birthday surprise for Ah Mee when things get horribly out of hand.
October 15, 2017
This book has all the ingredients for a perfect childhood dream: a boy and his pet elephant, flying, and pirates! Also cool illustrations
March 9, 2019
Quite simply one of the best books I have ever read to my children!
February 27, 2011
This book is awesome when I was younger my grandma loved to read this book to me and I loved to listen. This book would have to be my most favorite book I own! I'v head this story so many times I can remember like the whole story I recommend this book so bad
July 26, 2008
It is so much fun to re-read my old childhood favorites. I do not remember the story, but I do remember the pictures!
July 26, 2009
Tubby is a small elephant. Tubby is a pet. Tubby makes a big paper lantern for Ah Mee's birthday. When the lantern floats away the adventure begins.
A cute adventure and fun story to read.
A cute adventure and fun story to read.
September 12, 2010
I read this book to my granddaughter. I liked it. She liked the picture of the elephant flying thru the air.
May 12, 2011
I loved this book growing up and am now enjoying it again with my own kids. It is a wonderful story with excellent illustrations.
February 20, 2012
This will forever be my favourite children's book!
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July 23, 2009BR-Per
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews