Elmer

David McKee (author/illustrator)

Red Fox, UK: 1989; 32pp

ISBN: 0099697203

Genres: fantasy, picture book

Issues: friendship, giftedness, identity

Note: advanced concepts

This is delightful, whimsical tale for the very young reader will be much
appreciated by any listener.

It is a wonderful celebration of individuality and gift of being different. Elmer is not like all the other elephants. He is not grey, for a start – he is patchwork. Everyone always knows where Elmer is because he stands out like a sore thumb. Not that the other elephants mind – Elmer's sense of humour and his colourful personality keep them all entertained.

But one day Elmer decides he is tired of being so very different and goes and disguises himself by rolling in elephant coloured berries. It isn't long, however, before his true colours shine through, and Elmer realises that it is best for him – and the other elephants – if he just sticks to being himself. Thoroughly delightful in its simple, yet significant, theme, Elmer is a book that children will come back to again and again.

Same Author: lots of Elmer books!