Awesome Lumpy! What does it matter if you can't swim? You could always build a bridge
“Lumpy the Elephant” by Diana M. Hawkins is a sweet and heartfelt children’s story about a big, clumsy stuffed elephant who feels left out among the other toys in Margaret and Joanna’s bedroom. Proudly published by Citi of Books, this book is now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other major retail platforms.
Diana M. Hawkins originally wrote this story when her two older daughters, Margaret and Joanna, were just toddlers. Today, she has grandchildren in high school. Diana grew up in Zimbabwe, and Lumpy was inspired by her lifelong love of elephants. The characters Gilbert and Gertie are modeled after homemade toys she created for her little girls out of fabric scraps. She left Africa in the 1970s and settled in the United States, pursuing a career as a journalist and environmental writer. She and her husband, Scott, live in Lawrenceville, Georgia. This, her first children’s book, was originally published in 2008.
Have you ever felt like you just didn’t fit in?
That’s exactly how Lumpy feels in “Lumpy the Elephant” by Diana M. Hawkins. Surrounded by toys who seem faster, lighter, and more talented, this big soft elephant becomes the target of teasing and exclusion. Kids will instantly recognize that feeling. Whether it’s at school, on the playground, or even among siblings, that “I’m not good enough” moment is something almost every child experiences.
But here’s where this story shines. When things go wrong and Freddy the Frog gets trapped under the heavy toy box lid, suddenly being big and strong isn’t a weakness—it’s the superpower everyone needs. Lumpy quietly steps in, lifts the lid with his trunk, and rescues his friend. It’s such a powerful scene because it shows children that abilities come in all shapes and sizes. Not everyone is meant to do the same things—and that’s a good thing.
This book is perfect for young readers (especially ages 4–8), parents looking for meaningful bedtime stories, teachers discussing kindness and bullying, grandparents who want to share something heartfelt and uplifting—simply, for everyone regardless of their age. It’s simple enough for little ones to understand, yet layered with an emotional message that sparks conversation. If your child struggles with confidence, comparison, or feeling left out, this story gently reminds them that their differences matter.
At its heart, this is a story about real life. We all go through seasons where we feel overlooked or underestimated. Maybe we’re not the fastest, the loudest, or the most popular—but that doesn’t mean we aren’t important. Sometimes the qualities we wish away are the very ones that help us shine when it counts most. “Lumpy the Elephant” leaves readers with a warm reminder: you don’t have to be like everyone else to be amazing. And honestly? That’s a message worth adding to your bookshelf.
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