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Elmer

Элмер и Дед Мороз

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Наступило время новогоднего праздника, и слонята с нетерпением ждут в гости Деда Мороза…
Элмер устроит слонятам настоящее новогоднее приключение! Только для этого они должны хорошенько спрятаться.
В этой новогодней книге про Элмера читателей ждет сюрприз - "Альбом для творчества", в котором можно будет найти игры, рисунки для раскрашивания, наклейки. А еще с помощью материалов "Альбома" можно написать письмо Деду Морозу и сделать поздравительную открытку для своих друзей!

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1993

8 people are currently reading
81 people want to read

About the author

David McKee

622 books110 followers
David McKee was a British writer and illustrator, chiefly of children's books and animations. He also used the pseudonym Violet Easton. He is frequently referenced as David (John) McKee. He has been commended for his gentle, playful but insightful stories.

For his contribution as a children's illustrator he was UK nominee for the biennial, international Hans Christian Andersen Award in 2006.

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5 stars
78 (26%)
4 stars
78 (26%)
3 stars
104 (35%)
2 stars
30 (10%)
1 star
4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Metodi Markov.
1,726 reviews434 followers
August 19, 2025
Историите за малкият кариран слон дълго време бяха любими на племенниците ми.

Като се замисля - и на мен също. :)
Profile Image for Martina P.
452 reviews11 followers
September 16, 2025
Teach them while they're young about the life that should be lived - that is the point of every Elmer's book.
This one talks about how we should help others and not to expect anything in return. And it's said with such a simple story.
Profile Image for Aisha Khan.
13 reviews2 followers
July 2, 2013
I'm sure many will recall Elmer, the distinctive patchwork elephant from their own time in primary school, and in this instalment of the popular series the focus is on Papa Red - essentially the elephant version of Father Christmas. This is made quite clear to the younger children reading the book through the bold illustrations of not just Elmer but the large red elephant with a snowy white beard, both of whom stand out from the other grey elephants.

The book begins with Elmer being given the responsibility to look after the younger elephants in the run up to Papa Red's visit and presumably Christmas. The younger elephants clearly excited by the visit bombard Elmer with questions about Papa Red and Elmer hatches a plan to allow the young elephants to see Papa Red the next day. Unbeknown to the small elephants, Elmer gathers them the next day with the intention of seeing Papa Red but are told they must be quiet and remain hidden . The younger elephants abide by this and are rewarded with the sight of seeing Papa Red in action gathering presents.

Elmer uses this opportunity to impart an important message on the young elephants about the importance of giving to those in need, and the story ends with the young elephants asleep, tired by the events of the day and Elmer leaves a small present for each of the youngsters.

In my opinion, the appropriate age range for this book would be 3-7 year olds. I chose this book because of my own affinity to the Elmer books and fond memories of reading the books , and also the suitability for young children. The book is full of vivid and bright illustrations which are excellent at engaging younger readers and the use of elephants to impart the traditional seasonal message of giving to those less fortunate provides a fresh twist.

This book can be used in the classroom for class storytelling in particular in the weeks before Christmas break, and would perhaps be useful in leading arts and crafts activities in writing a letter to Papa Red or making a Christmas stocking. Due to easy accessibility of the book it is also suitable for independent reading. In addition the book can be used for citizenship/PSHE lessons to bring attention to the act of charity.
Profile Image for Sophie Crane.
5,199 reviews178 followers
January 1, 2023
In Elmer's Christmas it's all about the little ones as Elmer tells them all about Big Papa (a very Santa Claus-esque elephant) and the little elephants set about trying to catch a glimpse of him. Love a spin-off of a classic story like Elmer!
Profile Image for Meredith.
4,207 reviews73 followers
December 15, 2020
Elmer helps arrange the visit from Papa Red for the young elephants in his herd.

On the day before Christmas Eve, Elmer takes the young elephants up into the mountains to fetch a Christmas tree. Then on Christmas Eve, they decorate it and place the presents beneath it.

Later that evening, Elmer instructs the young elephants to hide where they can see but won't be seen. And then they all settle down to await a visit from Papa Red.

Papa Red (Santa Elephant) arrives in a sleigh drawn by moose. He and Elmer load up his sleigh with the presents from beneath the Christmas tree. Papa Red thanks Elmer for all his help and then flies off to distribute the presents.

The young elephants were very excited about getting to see Papa Red, and after they fall asleep, Elmer places a present next to each one.

This story puts a slight twist on the traditional Christmas celebration. Instead of bringing gifts, the Santa Claus figure receives gifts to take to those in need because "this is the season for giving."
Profile Image for Книжни Криле.
3,601 reviews202 followers
December 12, 2017
"Разказвам истории с думи и картини – ето с какво се занимавам." Ето така представя себе си Дейвид Маккий, създател на емблематичното кърпено слонче Елмър, гейро в над тридесет детски илюстровани книжки. От своята първа поява през 1989 година приключенията на Елмър са превеждани на десетки езици и симпатичното слонче, съшито от разноцветни квадратчета се е сдобило с приятели по целия свят. Няколко от книжките за издадени и у нас от „Жанет 45” и днес ще ви разкажем за една от тях, при това тъкмо в духа на Коледа! Ако оше не сте написали писмата си до добрия старец, то можете да добавите в списъка „Елмър и Дядо Червенушко”. Прочетете ревюто на "Книжни Криле":

https://knijnikrile.wordpress.com/201...
Profile Image for ✨️ Louise  Allen ✨️.
159 reviews
April 30, 2025
Just finished *Elmer's Christmas* and I honestly loved it! David McKee's vibrant illustrations and warm storytelling really hit the spot. Elmer’s cheerful personality and the way he brings everyone together for the festive season feel so genuine and heartwarming. It’s perfect for getting kids (and adults!) into the Christmas spirit, reminding us all about kindness, friendship, and the joy of sharing. Definitely a five-star read in my book—it's become a festive favourite I’ll be turning to year after year. Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Carolyn Wilhelm.
Author 16 books47 followers
December 1, 2021
sweet story of giving

The “youngster” elephants are happy to give all the presents to Papa Red. They help him fill his sleigh at night when the adults are sleeping. Papa Red will distribute them where the are needed most. Twist on the usual story. So nice!
Profile Image for Jordan Barnes.
76 reviews
November 16, 2022
A pretty flawless story is full of curiosity and excitement.

Although, I would avoid reading this around Christmas night as it might invite children to stay up and be sneaky and ruin the surprise. As a teacher, I would be scared to read it as parents might blame me for their sneaky children.
Profile Image for Kristina.
551 reviews30 followers
August 25, 2025
Елмър е едно добро слонче, което играе с малките слончета, докато големите опаковат подаръците за раздаване, след това ги води за първи път на снега, а накрая ги запознава с добрият старец.
Една мила история за даването и получаването.
Profile Image for Peacegal.
11.7k reviews102 followers
December 28, 2017
Not much here for those above preschool age, but the colorful illustrations and unique characters will amuse the tots.
163 reviews5 followers
February 11, 2020
Holds no interest for my almost two year old
Profile Image for Pam.
9,814 reviews54 followers
June 15, 2023
The young elephants go with Elmer to find a tree and later to hide and see Papa Red when he comes to pick up the presents to take to others. Sweet Christmas story.
Profile Image for Vesna Filipovic.
57 reviews3 followers
November 30, 2024
It's a beautiful book for kids. The idea of patchwork elephant as a story character is quite fun. Illustrations are lovely.
Profile Image for Theodore.
105 reviews2 followers
April 8, 2025
Good book for younger children! I like the creativity!👍
Profile Image for Happy LittleReaders.
115 reviews
December 22, 2025
It's two days before Christmas Eve, the night Papa Red visits, 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.
Reason for recommendation: This book is part of the classic Elmer Series, and shows that other animals also have Christmas.

Welcome to my community—where kids know kids best. Stay tuned for regular book reviews, creative insights, and themed recommendations!
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Profile Image for Suzanne Lorraine Kunz Williams.
2,598 reviews13 followers
March 21, 2021
I love the pictures in this book. I love how even the very youngest of children can point to the multicolored elephant. I love

* Talking Points - It's a tradition for the elephants to get and decorate a Christmas tree. What Christmas Traditions does your family have? Which Christmas traditions do you wish your family had? Everyone helps each other in this book. How do you help your family? Who do you think helps most in your family?

** Essential Oil Pairing Tips: My favorite essential oil blend to diffuse at Christmas Time is doTERRA's Holiday Joy. I think you'll love how it makes your home smell more like Christmas.
Profile Image for Randie D. Camp, M.S..
1,197 reviews
April 28, 2013
Papa Red (the elephant equivalent to our Santa) will be visiting soon, so Elmer helps occupy the younger elephants while the older elephants prepare gifts. Elmer has a surprise for the young ones and their generosity is further rewarded.

In tune, with the Christmas message of giving rather than receiving.
Profile Image for Ana LibrariAna.
418 reviews9 followers
December 18, 2013
Another cute adventure with Elmer. It is Christmas Eve and Elmer is taking care of the young elephants who are anxious to see Papa Red. My favorite parts are the the details, such as them choosing a tree that would be easy to put back later, or elephants preparing gifts not for one another, but for whoever needs them the most.
Profile Image for Susie.
1,906 reviews22 followers
December 9, 2016
I guess I was not up on who Elmer was, but my students thoroughly enjoyed this book. Because we had no idea why Elmer was a patchwork elephant, I guess we will need to read the first book! Students liked the idea that the young elephants gave toys to Papa Red to distribute. They loved the combination of Elmer and Papa Red, very striking!
Profile Image for Beth.
1,390 reviews
March 3, 2012
Elmer teachers his young elephants the spirit of giving for Christmas. They are excited to hide and see Papa Red. The illustrations are very lively and there's tons of joy in the faces of the animals.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews

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