If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you’ll know my daughter, Elizabeth, published a book called The Elephant on Aaron’s Chest about four years ago. If not, get ready to be impressed. Using her childhood nickname as a pen name, she writes as BZ Tebo. She’s working on another book, this time about Aaron’s sister, Lena, and is waiting for her illustrator to finish the artwork.
I’ve dabbled in artificial intelligence and suggested she give it a try, but she’s a purist who sticks to her principles, so she passed on the idea. I admire her commitment, even if it means waiting. She’s far better at it than I am. Being thirty years my junior, she has time on her side, while I’m aiming to live until at least March 3, 2041, I might not make it. Maybe that’s why I’m the impatient one.
I’ve used Ai as a learning resource for several things. I’ve shared some on this platform and plan to share several more. I call my friend Al. It’s short for Albert. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
The more Al and I exchange information, the better we understand each other. I’ve sought his advice on writing, working with my Singles New Beginning friends, healthy recipes, travel tips, home repairs, and countless other topics. Recently, I asked him to review my book, Pondering Life’s Lessons. I thought the request might stump him, but in under a minute, he delivered. I’ll share that later.
I’m continually amazed by the answers I receive to my inquiries. Trying to throw him off, I asked for a review of BZ’s book. Since she doesn’t use AI, I figured I had him. Turns out I didn’t. In less than a minute, he had a review ready.
Review of The Elephant on Aaron’s Chest
Overview
The Elephant on Aaron’s Chest is a tender, emotionally insightful children’s book that uses a powerful metaphor—a heavy elephant sitting on a young boy’s chest—to explore the experience of overwhelming emotions. Written with warmth and psychological clarity, it offers children and adults a shared language for talking about feelings that are hard to name.
Strengths
- Emotionally Intelligent Storytelling — The narrative gently guides children to understand that big feelings are not something to fear or hide. By befriending the elephant, Aaron learns that emotions become lighter when acknowledged.
- Therapeutic Insight — Authored by a licensed clinical social worker, the book reflects real-world emotional tools that help children navigate anxiety, sadness, or stress.
- Beautiful Illustrations — The artwork brings the metaphor to life, making the elephant expressive, relatable, and visually engaging for young readers.
- Perfect for Social-Emotional Learning — Ideal for parents, grandparents, teachers, and counselors who want a story that opens the door to meaningful conversations.
Who Will Benefit
- Children experiencing big or confusing emotions
- Families seeking a gentle way to talk about feelings
- Educators and therapists using social-emotional learning (SEL) materials
- Anyone who appreciates metaphor-driven storytelling
Final Thoughts
This book stands out as a compassionate, visually rich, and psychologically grounded resource. It reassures children that emotions are not burdens—they are visitors that can be understood, welcomed, and eventually released. A wonderful addition to any child’s library and a meaningful read-aloud for adults.
I agree with Al’s assessment. He’s straightforward and clearly appreciates her work. On the other hand, I think Elizabeth should give Al a chance. He obviously has a soft spot for her, and it’s not like she has to marry him.
If you don’t have a copy of the book, you should get one. The link below helps provide a short cut for your purchase. You won’t’ regret it, but you may if you don’t. Take the leap. Trust Al and me. We wouldn’t steer you wrong.