Little Elliot, Big Fun

Curato’s Little Elliot books take place in a heightened midcentury version of New York City—an ideal setting to showcase the glory days of Coney Island, as he does in this third book. But for Curato’s polka-dotted elephant hero, the amusement park’s attractions are too wet, dizzy making, or fast, and clowns and seagulls present threats of their own. With Mouse’s patient friendship and guidance, Elliot gets to witness the seaside paradise in all its glory, thanks to a sunset Ferris wheel ride; readers do, too, in a stunning four-page foldout. It’s a gorgeous vision of summer in the city, as well as of small steps with big payoffs. Ages 4–8. Agent: Brenda Bowen, Sanford J. Greenburger Associates. (Aug.)