Elmer by David McKee

Elmer by David McKee promotes a sense of identity, self-awareness, acceptance and open-mindedness.

“There was once a herd of elephants. Elephants young, elephants old, elephants tall or fat or thin. Elephants like this, that or the other, all different but all happy and all the same colour. All, that is, except Elmer.”

Elmer is a colourful elephant who stands out from her herd. Unhappy with being teased he changes his colour to fit in but discovers he enjoys being different. The other elephants accept Elmer for who he is and realise it is okay to be different.

Illustrator: David McKee

Publisher: Andersen Press (2007)

ISBN: 9781842707319

Teaching Resources: Elmer by David McKee

These resources relate to the book, author and illustrator. The number of resources varies book to book. Please check they are appropriate for your specific needs before using them with children. If you have any suggestions please get in touch!

Anderson Press: Teaching Guide
Anderson Press: Activities
BBC News: The Evolution of Elmer
Character: Celebrating Diversity with Elmer lesson plan
Early Learning HQ: Resources
The Guardian: Inspiration Behind Elmer
The Guardian: Elmer – Celebrating difference for 25 years
Reading is Fundamental: Elmer Activities
Teaching Children Philosophy: Guidelines for Philosophical Discussion
Teaching Ideas: Elmer Teaching Ideas and Resources
TES: Literature Resources KS1
TES: Topic ideas for reception
World Book Day: Teaching guides -Early Years Ideas
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Books by David McKee

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There's a Book For That!

Elmer by David McKee