“The trouble with having a tiny elephant for a pet is that you never quite fit in.” Indeed, all the other kids in the neighborhood have ordinary pets like dogs and cats. So when the elephant owner shows up for Pet Club Day at number 17, he is crushed to see a sign on the door that reads “Strictly No Elephants.” Walking back home, he runs into a girl with a pet skunk who was also unwelcome, so the two of them form their own pet club, where everyone is welcome. Taeeun Yoo’s linoleum block print and pencil illustrations show an intriguing array of pets being brought to the club meeting—a porcupine, a giraffe, a bat, a penguin, and a narwhal, ultimately followed by two kids with their dogs—because everyone is welcome. (Ages 3–6)

“A sunny, smart, tongue-in-cheek tale.” —The New York Times Book Review
“Sweet and affirming.” —Kirkus Reviews
“With a gentle message of inclusion and helping others, this title reaches beyond a mere friendship story.”—School Library Journal
“Heartening.”—Booklist

In this bestselling and internationally beloved picture book, the local Pet Club won’t admit a boy’s tiny pet elephant, so he finds a solution—one that involves all kinds of unusual animals.

Today is Pet Club day. There will be cats and dogs and fish, but strictly no elephants are allowed. The Pet Club doesn’t understand that pets come in all shapes and sizes, just like friends. Now it is time for a boy and his tiny pet elephant to show them what it means to be a true friend.

Strictly No Elephants has been sold around the world and is heralded as a pitch-perfect book about inclusion. Imaginative and lyrical, this sweet story captures the magic of friendship and the joy of having a pet.