Ollie is a baby elephant who wants to help Mommy build a path through the forest, but he’s not strong enough. He finds another fun way to help instead. A story that shows how little ones can still be big helpers. Part of the Simply Small series Designed to support: high-contrast accessibility - first words - language development - emotional connection Since 2008, the Simply Small series has been helping littles ones learn and grow through stories about cute baby animals facing everyday moments. Designed for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers ages 0–5, the series blends early learning with warmth and simplicity. Using bold illustrations, gentle repetition, and clear language, each story supports first words, visual recognition, and early literacy while encouraging curiosity and emotional connection. These tender books nurture a sense of love, calm, and confidence—making them ideal for shared reading, bedtime, storytime and repeated read-alouds. Perfect for parents, caregivers, and gift-givers looking for engaging toddler books, preschool books, early literacy resources as well as materials for emerging readers and reluctant readers. Supports Kindergarten Curriculum Strands A and C expectations for Ontario, Canada. The Simply Small series has also been translated into other languages including bilingual English as a second language (ESL) editions. The uncluttered illustrations are perfect for youngsters who are first encountering the world of books...[with] family-centered and child-empowering texts. Highly recommended. - CM Magazine A newly hatched sea turtle, a baby giraffe anxious for independence and a little elephant who wants to help.... These are the endearing characters in Simply Small....The repetitive text and simple storylines ... are perfect for babies. - Canadian Children's Book News These books have the most adorable creatures on them with very simple stories. Highly recommend. - Library Bonanza Bare beauty is what you find in the Simply Small Series books ... almost haiku-like. - Word of Mouse Book Reviews Paola Opal is a Dutch-born Canadian artist and children's book author/illustrator best known for creating the Simply Small picture book series. With her clean, bold artistic style, her work has earned recognition from the Alcuin Society for excellence in book design, a star from Kirkus Reviews, and multiple titles in the Simply Small series have been celebrated for engaging young readers and featured on best-of lists for great children's books. Writing under her pen name, she lives and works in Surrey, British Columbia, and holds a Degree in Graphic Design.