On Pet Club Day, cats and dogs and fish are allowed but the sign says “strictly no elephants.” When the club won’t admit a boy’s tiny pet elephant, he finds a solution—one that involves all kinds of unusual animals, just like his friends. In the end, the boy and his tiny pet elephant show them what it means to be a true friend, in a charming book that invites discussion on acceptance of others, friendship, community and the golden rule: Do unto others as you want others to do unto you.
Who is allowed into the pet club, and who gets left out? What does one feel when considered different? And how do true friends take care of each other? Strictly No Elephants encourages readers to discuss friendship, acceptance, and belonging.
Read MoreDear Parents,
Who is allowed into the pet club, and who gets left out? What does one feel when considered different? And how do true friends take care of each other? Strictly No Elephants encourages readers to discuss friendship, acceptance, and belonging.
That which is hateful to you do not do to another
The Talmud tells us that when Hillel the Elder was asked to teach a man the entire Torah while the latter was standing on one foot, he chose the following important lesson: “That which is hateful to you do not do to another; that is the entire Torah, and the rest is its interpretation. Go study.” (Translated from Aramaic, Shabbat 31a)
We all find ourselves wondering how to treat a friend. Hillel suggests the following method: trying to think of the sort of actions that upset us, and make us uncomfortable. That is how we will know the right way to treat others: exactly the same way that we would have wanted others to treat us!
The children in this book set up a new club, in keeping with the rule of refraining from doing unto others that which is hateful to us. All are welcome to their club!
Enjoy reading and discussing the book together!
