A Carousel Tale by Elisa Kleven

 

Ernst loves the carousel near his house, and his favorite animal to ride is the dog. When the dog’s wooden tail comes loose just before winter, the carousel keeper gives Ernst the important job of watching over it until springtime. But the tail looks so sad sitting on Ernst’s shelf without its dog that Ernst can’t help but try to cheer it up. It isn’t long before he has transformed the lonely tail into something wonderful!

As spring approaches, Ernst wonders if he will have to give up his special creation. And if he doesn’t, what will the poor dog have to wag? The inventive blue crocodile from Ernst and The Puddle Pail shines in a story children will cherish. 

This is the third book in the Ernst series, and although I have not read the other two, they have quickly moved up to the top of my wish list.  I am the mother of two girls ages 4 and 5 and am always looking for books to read to them.  I have read many books, some good and some bad, and A Carousel Tale became a favorite the minute I opened up the first page.  It has everything that is necessary when writing children’s books.  First off, the illustrations are fabulous – vibrant colors with adorable little animals, it is easy to get little ones to sit when there are pictures to look at like these.  But, much more than the pictures is the story.

One of Ernst favorite things to do is to ride on the carousel, and although he loves all of the animals his favorite is the dog because he looks sunny and his tail wags.  Well, it doesn’t really wag his brother Sol reminds him, it’s just loose.  So, imagine his dismanywhen he visits the carousel and sees it covered with a tent for the winter.  As he glances to the ground he notices something – the dogs tail has fallen off and the carousel keeper tells him that he can take it home and take care of it for the winter.  But, Ernst feels the tail is lonely and spruces it up some, promising that when it is time for the carousel to open he will return it to the same condition it was in so the dog can have his tail back. 

The carousel keeper has other ideas and the end is so sweet.  I fell in love with this little crocodile and can’t wait to read the other books.  Perfect for kids and adults alike!

For more information about the books or the author please visit http://www.elisakleven.com

Make sure to visit Zensanity on April 6 to view my interview with the author!