Quiet Down, Loud Town! by Alastair Heim, Matt Hunt
Published by Clarion Books ISBN: 1328957829
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

What a way to start the day, with loud honking horns and chirping birds! Mr. Elephant’s day  has started out loudly and it’s only getting louder!  As he strolls through the town, he is met with barking dogs, clanking dishes, banging drums , noisy flip flops, along with clops, clinks, taps and pops. He’s is going to SNAP if the noise doesn’t STOP! Finally, he yells to the loud town to Quiet Down.  The animals in town are annoyed but they do quiet down and Mr. Elephant heads home for bed. Unfortunately, he can’t get to sleep…it’s just TOO quiet for him to sleep. So, he gets up and starts making all kinds of noises himself and falls asleep while snoring LOUDLY.  He is now waking up all the other animals with the loud noises coming from his apartment.  The animals confront him and he explains he didn’t MEAN to be so loud… and that maybe they didn’t either. The story ends with the elephant giving out free coffee to all his tired new friends.  The brightly colored mixed media illustrations are playful and engaging. Children aged four to seven will enjoy this picture book about a cranky elephant who gets what he thinks he wants… but  be careful what you wish for! This rhythmic tale would make a fun read aloud with all the various sounds. The story also opens up discussions on having different perspectives.  A strong addition for either public or school libraries. Reviewed by Terri Bauld,  Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library — Kennebunkport, ME.