Today, the 25th of May, is officially Elmer Day 2019. This year is particularly special because Elmer the Elephant is 30! (he’s only a few months younger than me…)
Written and illustrated by David McKee, published by Andersen Press in the UK and by other publishers around the world, the first picture book about the patchwork elephant appeared (in its current version) in 1989. With a striking multicoloured cover, the book introduced the character of Elmer. He has a sense of fun, compared to the other boringly grey elephants. His family – also patchwork patterned but with different colours – appear in later books.
The Elmer books are about being true to yourself, celebrating diversity, respecting others and making the most of opportunities. Happy birthday, Elmer!
