No catches, no fine print just unconditional book loving for your children with their favourites saved to their own digital bookshelf.
New members get entered into our monthly draw to win £100 to spend in your local bookshop plus lots lots more...
Find out moreWritten by David McKee
Illustrated by David McKee
Part of the Elmer Picture Books Series
Write A ReviewMay 2019 Book of the Month
Out walking, Elmer the Elephant is in a reflective mood, taking his time to soak up the sounds, smells and sights around him. He spots shapes in the clouds and in the sandstone rocks, he listens to the noise of the river crashing over a waterfall, notices the raindrops in a spider's web that look like sparkling diamonds and smells the scent of wild flowers. The other animals hurry past, far too busy to stop and enjoy these natural wonders. Fortunately Elmer meets his cousin Wilbur and they both stand happily together to watch the night-time draw in. This is a gentle introduction to mindfulness, a celebration of being in the moment and making time to appreciate the world around us.
Head to over our KidsZone for more Elmer fun!
Deservedly a modern classic, with over ten million copies of his books sold worldwide, Elmer's subtle message, that it is ok to be different, resonates with children across the world. Elmer the colourful patchwork elephant has been a nursery favourite since this first book was published in 1989. Happy 30th Birthday, Elmer!
There will be hundreds of events happening across the country on Saturday 25th May and throughout half term, turning the whole nation patchwork!
Dress in your brightest colours and join in the fun at a birthday party for Elmer at your local library or bookshop. Just visit the Elmer Day interactive map to find an event near you: elmerday.co.uk/map
Or if you want to hold your own event, visit the Elmer Day website to download a free Elmer Day Party Pack: elmerday.co.uk
We've got some great stuff related to this book in our KidsZone.
Head over there and check it out now.
Elmer is enjoying his walk: smelling the flowers, watching the clouds, listening to the waterfall. But each time he points out one of these lovely things to the other animals, they all say they don't have time to stop. They're far too busy. Luckily Wilbur arrives at last and shares Elmer's enjoyment in the stars.
A celebration of mindfulness from master-storyteller David McKee.
In addition to our Lovereading4Kids expert opinion some of our Reader Review Panel were also lucky enough to read and review this title. You can click here to read the full reviews.
A sweet and interesting story about appreciating your surroundings and enjoying the moment. Full review
I like Elmer's Walk, it's fun to see everything Elmer sees and not be too busy like the other animals. Full review
I loved the book Elmers Walk and I like the elephant and how he loves what he sees. The pictures are bright and colourful and very pretty. I really like this book. Full review
A great book about the loveable patchwork elephant to share with young kids! Full review
This beautifully illustrated book by David McKee heralds the return of family favourite Elmer the patchwork elephant ... A gentle and mindful story. - Inis Reading Guide
Praise for Elmer;
Everyone loves Elmer! The illustrations are always wonderful and inviting and the stories are playful, which make them eternally popular with young children... This is another lovely story from David McKee, one that will delight children of all ages Early Years Educator
Elmer's winsome personality shines through . . . leaves readers with the message that we can be different and still get along. --School Library Journal
McKee shows young readers that we each have special things which nobody else loves quite as we do. The pages are alive with vivid colour and pattern Booktrust Best Book Guide
McKee's Elmer has now dazzled eyes young and old in more than a dozen books for nearly 20 years, and the message throughout has been to celebrate difference. allaboutyou.com
Charming and memorable Baby Hampshire
Unquestionably the life and soul of the party. I loved this book from the first time I read it. Exepose
Its message of celebrating diversity and uniqueness is just as topical today as it was when celebrated author David McKee first created Elmer. Junior Magazine
This board book edition is everything you would hope for... perfect. The Bookbag
ISBN: | 9781783447541 |
Publication date: | 2nd May 2019 |
Author: | David McKee |
Illustrator: | David McKee |
Publisher: | Andersen Press Ltd |
Format: | Paperback |
Pagination: | 28 pages |
Suitable for: | Baby and Toddler, 3+ readers |
Genres: | Bedtime Reading |
Recommendations: | Books of the Month, Reviewed by Children |
Collections: | Celebrate Elmer Day - 28 May 2022, Elmer Creator, David McKee Dies Aged 87, |
David McKee was born in Devon and studied at Plymouth Art College. In the early part of his career, McKee regularly drew and sold humorous drawings to magazines and newspapers such as The Times Educational Supplement, Punch and the Reader’s Digest. David McKee has written and illustrated over 50 picture books for Andersen Press and has penned a number of children’s classics including King Rollo, Mr Benn, Not Now Bernard and Elmer the Patchwork Elephant. David loves to paint and now lives in the South of France but regularly visits the UK. One of the ...
More About David McKee