Elmer the multi-coloured elephant is one of the best-loved characters of children’s fiction. Now it is nearly time for the visit of the magical Papa Red and, always kind and thoughtful, this time Elmer helps to make Christmas magical for all the young elephants – and to get presents to children who need them most. David McKee’s elephant world and especially the charming Elmer are as delightful as ever.
It's two days before the annual visit of Papa Red and the young elephants are very excited. They choose a tree to decorate and prepare the presents for Papa Red to collect during the night to take to those who need them. But this year Elmer has a special treat in store for the young elephants, if they can keep quiet and out of sight...
David McKee (January 1935 – April 2022) 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 wrote and illustrated over 50 picture books for Andersen Press and penned a number of children’s classics including King Rollo, Mr Benn, Not Now Bernard and of course, Elmer the Patchwork Elephant.