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

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Benn character), Elmer’s resurgence shows that it’s not worth giving up on something just because it’s not popular immediately. Over the past few years children have become more and more involved in the environmental movement and now there are loads of fantastic eco-awareness books aimed at children. The point is that the other elephants become sad - they don't recognise Elmer and the atmosphere of the whole herd changes at not having Elmer there. David McKee is one of the world's best known illustrators of picture books, having created classics such as Not Now, Bernard, Elmer the Patchwork Elephant, and Mr Benn, Gladiator. Yet, one day, Elmer starts to feel like the odd one out and so leaves the elephants to go off on his own.

Children’s adults will be just as entertained as they are, and in my opinion that’s one thing that makes a great children’s picture book.In today’s world, it has become less common to know your neighbours and talk to people in your community, or on the street. With colourful watercolour illustrations and gentle humour, this charming tale is the perfect bedtime read. Its message of celebrating diversity and uniqueness is just as topical today as it was when celebrated author David McKee first created Elmer . Nevertheless, when the Andersen Press reprinted a shortened version of the original Elmer story in 1989, the gentle message of inclusion and acceptance was part of the book's immediate success, which spawned a series of subsequent books and wide range of popular merchandise about the patchwork Elephant.

Each decorated a different colour, the racers set off around the course and discover things about themselves – Blue may be first and Orange second, but White is kind, Pink and Violet are funny and Yellow is a cheat. Children will love joining in with the repeated phrase, ‘Tell them a story, that will do it’, which helps to propel the tale along.Of course this makes Elmer sad that he is no longer accepted and begins to understand how it feels to be treated like an outsider. However, when Elmer changes his appearance to fit in to his surroundings he is no longer recognisable by the other elephants.

These books are the perfect size for little hands to explore themselves making them feel independent whilst improving fine motor skills and encouraging a love of books. Of his many beloved quirky characters, Elmer the Elephant and Mr Benn are possibly the most well-known. They make fools of the other elephants, but when the laughter dies down, Elmer reassures them that a heavy elephant is safe in the worst of gales. At the end of the story Elmer makes the other elephants laugh like they have never laughed before which makes them decide to have a parade in honour of Elmer and they decorate themselves to become just like him. Frames are Fine Art Trade Guild accredited which means they meet strict conservation standards and are built to last for generations to come.

The first book in David McKee’s iconic series about a friendly, fun elephant and his adventures, Elmer is a true ambassador of inclusion, acceptance and celebrating difference. Furthermore, the book has vibrant and exuberant colours which also add to the unique aspect of the book.

His first story is also featured and animated in Anytime Tales, a storytelling animated programme narrating five of David McKee and Tony Ross' stories. Children and families will enjoy this calming lullaby of a book, with its gentle refrain, muted colours and fairy tale-like charm. When it begins to rain, the grey paint that Elmer has covered himself with starts to disappear, and Elmer's "true colours" are revealed, much to the delight of his friends, who preferred his multicoloured and fun loving personality. With lots of personalised gifts, including super-soft comforters and the classic hardback book, we’ve got something for everyone. Elmer teaches us that everyone has something unique to bring the table and there's no point trying to disguise your true self.Why not celebrate the birthday of everybody’s favourite patchwork pachyderm by revisiting his colourful, witty and wise adventures?