Ernst

by Elisa Kleven

Book Overview

For use in schools and libraries only. Join Ernst, the inquisitive little crocodile, as he ponders "What if...'" and dreams up wonderful possibilities.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0525445153
• ISBN13: 9780525445159
• Release Date: September 1989
• Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 7.3" x 9.3"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

A unique gem

This book is a treasure, full of childlike observations ("What if sand were fudgy instead of sandy?"), exquisitely detailed art and birthday joy! I was glad to see that the character, ERNST, is also found in another Kleven book, THE PUDDLE PAIL.

Elisa Kleven's Ernst

Ernst is the story of a young crocodile who lives with his mom and dad and grandma in a comfortable home where daydreaming is an artform. Ernst starts many of his sentences with "What if..." and Kleven has captured, in both words and images, the passing fancies of many a four or five year old. Her illustrations are small in scale but envelop the reader with a sense that the intricacies of the universe are worth paying attention to. Ernst is endearing and Kleven's fans know him also as the protagonist of the later-published The Puddle Pail. As a second grade teacher doing a class author study of Elisa Kleven's works, I have delighted in watching my students delight in Ernst! We all need permission at times to nurture the dreamer within ourselves and Ernst does that and more; Ernst is a celebration of the small and the grand, in daily life and in our dreams.