Elvis is a stubborn and endearing small boy who lives in a one-bedroom apartment with ordinary parents who are convinced that he is a bad, ungrateful child. When Elvis looks at adults in his mute, questioning way, he makes clear what insensitive nonsense they speak to children. Because his father is wrapped up in work or watching soccer on TV, and his mother's only interests are housework, the telephone, and Elvis Presley, the six-year-old Elvis makes a life of his own. He wanders around the town in scruffy clothes, planting flowers near the houses and working places of people he likes. With the love and encouragement of three older friends–Peter, Julia, and his wise grandfather–Elvis learns to read, write, ride a bicycle, and even cope with a gang of tough teenagers.
Maria Gripe has created a warm and perceptive story of a shy and withdrawn child developing into a human being who cares about people.
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