The Littlest Elephant

By: Katherine Applegate

Published by HarperCollins Publishers, 2026-03-17

<p>From the Newbery Award-winning and bestselling author of the modern classic One and Only series comes a gorgeous picture book introducing young readers to Ruby, the beloved baby elephant.</p> <p>Ruby is the littlest elephant in the herd at the animal sanctuary, where she lives near her best friends Ivan the silverback gorilla and Bob the lovable mutt. Ruby loves all the things that make being an elephant fun, like splashing in muddy puddles and spraying water through her trunk. But there are parts of being an elephant that she doesn't love so much, like her new tusks.</p> <p>The herd is preparing for Ruby's Tuskday, a day to celebrate the fact that Ruby is growing up, and for remembering. Ruby has lots of happy memories, but she also has lots of sad ones, ones that are hard to think about. Surrounded by the love of her herd and her friends, the littlest elephant will see that growing up doesn't have to be scary, and that remembering the darkness can help us appreciate the light.</p> <p>This beautiful and poignant story shows readers the importance of honoring the past, cherishing the present, and facing the future without fear.</p>