Elmer: 30th Anniversary Edition: 1 (Elmer Picture Books)

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For older children, discussions could centre on that it is not always necessary to try and change to fit in, as we all have something unique to offer to others. The story of Elmer was originally narrated by British voice actor Johnny Morris, who died on 6 May 1999, aged 82. Elmer teaches us that everyone has something unique to bring the table and there's no point trying to disguise your true self. Elmer was first published by Dobson Books in 1968, and re-issued with re-drawn illustrations in a slightly shortened version by Andersen Press in 1989. being small (4-7 years old) do not mean not being able to reason and distinguish the emotions and circumstances of the events of life.

For those who don’t know Elmer, he is a multicoloured elephant who lives happily among a grey herd, and after he tries and fails to hide his true self, he learns that his friends love him for his uniqueness. It's such a great message of diversity and accepting who you really are, if everyone looked and felt the same then the world would be a much duller place. David McKee himself has produced Elmer board books, bath books, colouring books, an Elmer flap book, an Elmer hole-in-the-page book and an Elmer pop-up book.Aided and abetted by his ventriloquist cousin, Wilbur, Elmer pretends to be blown away on the windiest day. When it rains, the grey paint which Elmer had covered himself with is washed away and his 'true colours' are once more revealed.

Following their happy reunion, the elephants reassure Elmer that they love him because of his differences, and not in spite of them, and they celebrate by painting themselves in multicoloured paint (and Elmer paints himself grey), in recognition of Elmer's unique appearance and personality.His most famous creation is Elmer the Patchwork Elephant which is now published in more than 50 languages and has its own successful global merchandise programme. As long as there are people in the world who need to hear that message, books like Elmer will continue to be important. We were lucky enough to get to catch up with one of our absolute favourite illustrators, Carll Cneut. Sign up to hear about the latest books, brilliant competitions, fun activities, brand new resources for teachers and events happening near you as well as the latest World Book Day news and how you can celebrate reading all year round.