Poe Won't Go

An elephant named Poe sits in the middle of a busy city intersection and refuses to move. The townspeople become increasingly frustrated as traffic backs up and their usual routines are disrupted. The mayor and other city officials attempt various strategies to convince the stubborn elephant to leave his spot. A young girl named Marigold takes a different approach to understanding why Poe won't go. The story demonstrates how listening and empathy can resolve conflicts when force and demands fail. Its themes of understanding and connection resonate with both children and adults who encounter seemingly impossible situations.

Readers appreciate the playful illustration style and color palette, with multiple reviews highlighting how the artwork captures the elephant's personality. Parents note the book works well for read-alouds, with a rhythm that keeps children engaged. Common praise focuses on the humor and creative problem-solving message. One reader called it "a perfect demonstration of looking at problems from new angles." Several teachers mentioned using it to discuss perspective-taking and empathy with students. Critiques center on the resolution feeling rushed and some readers wanted more explanation of why Poe wouldn't move initially. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (453 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (89 ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.8/5 (24 ratings) "The illustrations alone make this worth reading" - Goodreads reviewer "My preschool class asks for this one repeatedly" - Amazon reviewer "The ending wraps up too quickly for the buildup" - Goodreads reviewer

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🐘 The book's illustrator, Zachariah OHora, is known for his signature style of using gouache paint, creating bold and distinctive artwork that brings Poe the elephant to life. 🏙️ While the story is set in a bustling city, elephants in real life have been known to wander into urban areas in places like India and Thailand, creating similar (though less whimsical) standoffs with local residents. 📚 Author Kelly DiPucchio has written over 30 children's books, including the New York Times bestseller "Grace for President" and "Dragon Was Terrible." 🎨 The book's color palette, dominated by pink and blue hues, was specifically chosen to create a gentle, approachable feeling despite the story's conflict between the townspeople and the stubborn elephant. 🗣️ The name "Poe" is likely a playful reference to Edgar Allan Poe, adding a literary connection to what appears to be a simple picture book about a stubborn elephant.