Oliver Elephant – preview

Oliver Elephant

For my lovely parents – L.P. To Santa’s Elves, who help make Christmas a magical time – H.S.

First published 2017 by Nosy Crow Ltd The Crow’s Nest, Baden Place, Crosby Row London SE1 1YW www.nosycrow.com ISBN 978 0 85763 976 9 (HB) ISBN 978 0 85763 977 6 (PB) Nosy Crow and associated logos are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Nosy Crow Ltd. Text © Lou Peacock 2017 Illustrations © Helen Stephens 2017 The right of Lou Peacock to be identified as the author of this work and of Helen Stephens to be identified as the illustrator of this work has been asserted.

All rights reserved This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, hired out or otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the prior written permission of Nosy Crow Ltd. A CIP catalogue reord for this book is available from the British Library.

Printed in China Papers used by Nosy Crow are made from wood grown in sustainable forests.

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Oliver Elephant

Written by Lou Peacock

Illustrated by Helen Stephens

Mummy and Noah and Evie-May Brown

had got up quite early to come into town.

They had lots to do, but they knew where to go – The Christmassy shop at the end of the row.

“Look, Mummy!” said Noah. “This shop is so tall! I bet it makes Evie-May feel very small.

But Oliver Elephant’s terribly brave.”

“Of course,” Mummy said, “and I’m sure he’ll behave.”

Mummy looked at her list. “Oh, there’s so much to find . . .

We need something for Mary – she’s always so kind.

A gift for Aunt Mabel, and something that’s maybe quite little for Emma – she’s only a baby.

We need something for Chloe and something for Claire, and for Great Uncle Jock – perhaps something to wear.

And Grandma has asked us to please have a look for something for Grandad, who’s learning to cook.

There’s something else, too – but, oh, what can it be?”

“I know!” Noah said.

“It’s the star for the tree!”

And so they set off, Mummy leading the way, past tall rows of shelves and a pretty display.