ELMER: Event & Classroom Activities

Best Users: Classroom Teachers, Librarians, Booksellers, Community Groups, Home Learning
Best Audience: Children Grades 00-03
 

CELEBRATING ELMER!

2019 will mark the 30th anniversary of the first book published about the patchwork elephant. Written and illustrated by David McKee and published by Andersen Press UK (distributed in the US by Lerner Publishing), the series features more than 30 picture books and has sold more than 8 million copies in 50 languages worldwide.

In the very first book about this beloved character, the patchwork elephant tries to hide his vibrant patterns. Elmer’s friends reassure him that they love him because of his unique qualities, and not in spite of them. In celebration of Elmer’s appearance, the other elephants paint themselves with colors and patterns and hold a parade. This parade marked the very first Elmer Day.

Libraries, schools, bookstores, and community groups all over the world celebrate Elmer Day with patchwork crafts, games, and, of course, parades. Follow international events under the hashtag #ElmerDay.

The release of David McKee’s Elmer’s Special Day revisits Elmer Day. This time, Elmer realizes that the other jungle animals have been left out of the celebration. Elmer declares, “everyone means everyone” when it comes to Elmer Day. The message invites children to consider who they might be including and not including in their own play and friendships.
 

ELMER DAY MATERIALS

Honoring themes of kindness, diversity, inclusion, and friendship, explore these event and classroom materials!

All of these materials were created by Andersen Press in the UK and adapted for the US by Curious City.

Event Materials
Includes Event Tips, Press Release, Event Poster, Display Poster and Event Pennants.
DOWNLOAD Elmer: Event Materials US (PDF)

Craft Projects
Includes Coloring Sheets, Elephant Mask, Elmer Ears, Elephant Garland, Milk Bottle Elmer and Paper Plate Elmer.
DOWNLOAD Elmer: Craft Projects US (PDF)

Games
Includes Dice Game, Hide & Seek Game and Pin the Trunk on Elmer.
DOWNLOAD Elmer: Games US (PDF)

Classroom Activities
Includes Celebrate Kindness, Celebratory Assembly, Communal Display, Lesson Plans
DOWNLOAD Elmer: Classroom Activities US (PDF)
 

ABOUT THE BOOK

Elmer’s Special Day
By David McKee
Illustrated by David McKee
Published by Andersen Press
Distributed by Lerner Publishing Group
ISBN-13: 9780761351542
Age Range: 4-8 Years

Elmer, the patchwork elephant, has been a favorite of children around the world since the first book debuted in 1989. Elmer’s Special Day is the latest book in this classic series. It’s almost Elmer Day again for the elephants, and they are getting their colorful parade outfits ready. But in their excitement they are making an awful lot of noise and upsetting the other animals. So Elmer changes the rules and invites every single animal to join in the parade. And they have a surprise in store for Elmer…

Explore all the Elmer books available in the US!
DOWNLOAD Elmer: Title List US (PDF)

“McKee does a great job of creating the jungle environment and the festivities in vibrant, exciting colors. The textures and the patchwork-quilt look of the jungle will invite readers to take a closer look. The impact of the creatures coming together as a community to celebrate is a satisfying conclusion—everyone is having a great time and no one feels left out. A strong addition to the popular series.”
—School Library Journal
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“Deep in the jungle, the elephants are preparing for Elmer’s Day, painting their hides in kaleidoscopic patterns…the whole enterprise exudes cheery, unassuming goodwill. The elephants’ nonexclusive event provides a model for any peaceable kingdom.”
—Publishers Weekly