Benny's Brigade by Arthur Bradford

This magical story tells about the adventures of two little girls, their classmates, a very small walrus who got stuck in a nut, and three slugs. It captures to essence of childhood.

Elephantantrum by Gillian Shields

A spoiled little girls learns a lesson when her dad gives her the elephant she demands. The elephant is very special and teaches her to say "please" and "thank you" and to share her toys... and her elephant. I also like that this child appears to have just the one parent.