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above: Father encouraging his son little Tumbo, explaining that someday soon he will be able to trumpet, as all elephants can.
Little Tumbo -written & illustrated by Steven Salerno published by Marshall Cavendish Children's Books, 2003.
A young elephant has not yet developed the skill of trumpeting... his attempts are mere squeaks. One day he gets captured by a couple of shady hunters and is taken far away from his family to be sold at the market. Tumbo must learn to TRUMPET, and quickly, if he ever wants to be reunited with his family again.
"In a retro style that pays homage to Ludwig Bemelmans and H.A. Rey... Filled with intrigue, bravery and triumph, this smartly served tale of adventure will likely engage young book lovers"-Publishers Weekly
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above: detailed cropped view of the cover for Little Tumbo.
see Steven’s complete list of published picture books to date
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above: illustration from the title page of the book. Little Tumbo's inability to trumpet looms large in his worried mind.
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above: Tumbo and the boy scurry through the jungle, just ahead of the hunters.
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above: Two shady hunters capture little Tumbo and carry him far away from his family.
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above: preliminary color SKETCH: of the story's opening scene with Mother, Father, sister, and little Tumbo all walking together under the hot sun.
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above: close-up of the sketch at left
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above: detailed cropped view of a page from the printed book... Tumbo squeaks a heartfelt thanks to the boatman and his grandson.