As 2025 winds down, I am finding more online reader copies for 2026. And not just for January or February. No, I’ve seen as late as July 2026. Thankfully The Elephant and the Piano is an early one as it’s due in May 2026. Until then (when I will be finding finished copies for gifts and the library), I will just read Colette Hiller’s book online.
This book is based on actual events (but takes some poetic license) of how one man decided to help an elephant in a sanctuary by playing music to him (and eventually) the rest of the herd. He physically takes his piano into the area, plays and the elephant who was a loner and more than a bit wild (and a baby elephant) listen, play (the piano) and dance along with him. And then things go from there and a lot of fun (and history) ensues. 
Nabila Adani illustrates this delightfully cute piece. They added some soft colors and simple details to create a positive and happy setting. The idea seems silly and unlikely and completely made up, but this artwork gives it a dreamy reality. It is a nice, cozy book that has nice and cozy illustrations to match. It just is cozy. That is the catch word for the book. It is cozy. I got warm fuzzies when I read it. Things are not “solid meat and potatoes” but a good salad with lots of crisp tomatoes and cucumbers and a few cranberries and pieces of chicken.
The only question I have is, “Do they like Ray Charles, Elton John or Liberace?”