I was about 30 years old when I first saw live elephants. They fascinated me. Was that because I identified with them? They were behemoths. I’m a behemoth. They were wrinkly. I’m wrinkly. They were gray. I’m gray — well, if I didn’t dye my hair . . .

Kids love elephants, too, just like Ella, in the picture book Me & Lavender by Melody C. Peugh.

Ella had to stay tidy. Clean and tidy. She understood that. Mom had invited ladies over for an afternoon tea party. Ella must be presentable for it.

But then . . .

Lavender (an elephant) dropped by. She urged Ella to hurry and get dressed because adventures awaited. Now, I ask you, who can resist a lavender-colored elephant that promises grand adventures, huh? Certainly not me! Nor Ella . . .

Ella and Lavender ate lots and lots of pancakes for breakfast. Good thing Lavender could vacuum the floor with her trunk!

Then they skipped and skedaddled — yes skedaddled — to their favorite place. But Ella remembered she had to stay clean. Rats.

Lavender suggested going for a walk. What did Ella think about that?

B-O-R-I-N-G!

So, they played hide-and-seek. They played on the swings, zoomed around on a trike, had a water fight, and made luscious-tasting mud pies.

What do you think Ella looked like after all of those adventures? How do you spell bedraggled?

Ella had to bathe before the tea party (of course). Lavender ‘bathed’ in the washing machine. (You see, Lavender was a stuffed animal.)

The tea party wasn’t Ella’s cup of tea (pun intended). But the scrumptious cookies made up for it.

Afterwards, Ella put on her jammies. Mom rocked her and sang her lullabies — and Ella fell asleep.

What a splendid book! Yes, absolutely magnificent.

I think kids can identify with Ella — having to stay clean when they’d rather play. Having to sit and behave at a function they’d rather not attend — but being grateful when the best-ever cookies are served. Snuggling with Mom as she rocks you at bedtime.

I think kids will relish the pictures in this book. I know I did. Ella’s curly hair and wide eyes are adorable. The expressions on her face speak volumes about how she feels — sublime delight, glaring frustration, pure glee, guilty sorrow (for getting so dirty), timid shyness, and peaceful slumber.

Eve Farb is the amazing illustrator of this book. Kudos to her for her lovely illustrations. Additionally amazing is the fact that she is also a psychologist. An artistic psychologist — something that probably isn’t a common combination. But in her case, Farb has it nailed down perfectly.

And what about the author? Does she have a typical path to authorship? No siree, Bob! Is she a teacher? No. Does she have a college degree in English? No. Does she work in journalism? No. How about communication? No.

Melody Peugh is a retired civil servant. And a former army wife. It doesn’t matter that she lacks an English degree and isn’t a teacher, journalist, or communication specialist. That doesn’t matter one whit. She writes an outstanding picture book regardless of the path that she’s taken beforehand. (I do hope she writes many more!)

This picture book makes an excellent addition to your home library. Grandkids will love hearing you read it to them over and over. But, beware! They just might want to snuggle and nibble cookies while you do.

You can buy a copy of Me & Lavender on Amazon for $18.95.

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