What to do if an Elephant stands on your foot by Michelle Robinson illustrated by Peter H Reynolds

Here are a few text quotes:

"If an elephant stands on your foot, keep calm. Panicking will only startle it."

"If a rhinoceros has heard you, whatever you do - do not be tempted to climb a tree."

The little child in the story does not follow any advice given by the off stage narrator. There is the potential for a tiger attack, snake biting, and crocodile chomping. Just as things get really dangerous the child finally listens and screams for 'help!'.  There is no message, no moral this is just a book to share when you feel like a laugh.

Sharp-eyed readers will see the problems coming even before the reveal of the page turn. The narrator, whose helpful advice appears in the white above the cartoon-like illustrations, is not above saying “told you so” and “don't say I didn’t warn you.” Kirkus 

This book is sadly out of print but I just wanted to share it here because it is funny and it has glorious illustrations by Peter H Reynolds.

The title of this book really caught my eye and it made me think of two very old vintage books which also have terrific illustrations by a master of the craft - Maurice Sendak.  What do you say, dear? was published in 1958 and it won a Caldecott Honour in 1959. What do you do, dear? was first published in 1961. 

Here are some other books by Michelle Robinson:

There's a Lion in my Cornflakes