Book excerpt: Whether it's meeting that special friend, or finally getting that long-awaited cupcake, it's the little things that count in this sweet story of a little polka-dotted elephant, Mike Curato's Little Elliot, Big City. Amid the hustle and bustle of the big city, the big crowds and bigger buildings, Little Elliot leads a quiet life. In spite of the challenges he faces, Elliot finds many wonderful things to enjoy—like cupcakes! And when his problems seem insurmountable, Elliot discovers something even sweeter—a friend.