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Elmer

Элмер и Уилбур

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Элмер - слон в разноцветную клеточку с очень веселым характером. Все любят Элмера и его забавные шутки. У него есть кузен Уилбур, он тоже в клетку, но черно-белую. Уилбур ? неисправимый проказник, под стать своему двоюродному брату, но у него есть один особенный талант: Уилбур ? чревовещатель. Кто же всех разыграл в этот раз, Элмер или Уилбур?

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1994

1 person is currently reading
126 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
122 (29%)
4 stars
141 (33%)
3 stars
127 (30%)
2 stars
23 (5%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Metodi Markov.
1,726 reviews434 followers
March 29, 2024
Историите за малкият кариран слон дълго време бяха любими на племенниците ми.

Като се замисля - и на мен също. :)
Profile Image for Chinara Ahmadova.
426 reviews122 followers
August 12, 2018
Vaqiflə oxuduğumuz bir hekayə, çox da sevmədim bir ana olaraq, həm Elmer, həm Uilbur qəribə obrazlardı, yazıçının nə demək istədiyini çox anlamadım. Bu seriyaya davam etməyəcəyik.
Profile Image for Francesca Lee.
237 reviews3 followers
October 10, 2018
I read this book to a class at the end of the school day. It was about a multi coloured elephant called Elmer and a black and white elephant called Wilbur. This book was good for discussion with the class about what the elephants did (leaving one of the elephants up a tree) was the right thing to do. I liked the fact that the illustrations were clear and colourful for the children to see.
Profile Image for Siobhan.
5,010 reviews597 followers
October 9, 2015
A wonderful read from my childhood, one I’d certainly suggest for other youngsters. Whilst it is not my all-time favourite childhood read I can still recall all the details of this one meaning it certainly left a lasting impression upon my young mind.

And isn’t that what we want with children’s books, for them to leave a positive lasting impression?
6 reviews
September 30, 2019
This is a picture book that is part of a series looking at an elephant who is completley different from everyone else. It's aimed at younger children (around reception, year 1). The main moral of the series is that is is okay to be different.
I would use these stories as a discussion point with children, thinking about is it okay to always play pranks on your friends? If you always prank them do you think they'll believe you when you really need help? How do they think Wilbur felt when no one believed he was really stuck. I would also try to get them to think about what they would do in the situation and do they think Elmer was in the right for saying he would leave Wilbur in the tree all night.
These books are a very good starting point for discussion within the classroom, my personal response to them is positive as they are also books that I grew up with and so have a strong emotional connection to them.
4 reviews
September 30, 2019
This picture book is one of a series of Elmer the elephant who is completely different from everyone else. It is suitable for children in reception and year 1. The main message of the story is that it is for children to be different. This story can be useful to discuss with children, whether it is acceptable to always play jokes on your friends? Do you think they will help you when you need help if you always do this? Can you imagine how Wilbur felt when nobody believed he was really stuck. You could also ask children whether they would have helped Elmer or not, and if think Elmer was correct to leave Wilbur in the tree all night.
60 reviews
Read
August 2, 2020
I really liked the first Elmer book and this was no different! Elmer the colorful elephant is a classic story about fitting in and being yourself. This book has a little lighter of a topic, Wilbur is Elmer's cousin and he is lost. The illustrations, just like the first book, are fantastically colorful and creative. I would highly recommend this book and the first one for grades k-1 because they are incredibly simple and entertaining for students to read both on their own and in a story time. I am not sure what I would use this book to teach, but I think that it is a good enough read all on its own.
Profile Image for ✨️ Louise  Allen ✨️.
159 reviews
April 30, 2025
I absolutely loved *Elmer and Wilbur*! As a big fan of David McKee’s work, I found this book to be just as charming and heartwarming as his other stories. Elmer’s colourful, patchwork appearance always makes me smile, and Wilbur’s shy but sweet nature is so relatable. The story has a lovely gentle humour that’s perfect for kids, but I think anyone young at heart will enjoy it too. It’s beautifully illustrated and has a lovely message about friendship and being yourself. I’d definitely recommend it – five stars from me!
Profile Image for Kristen.
526 reviews12 followers
June 1, 2018
This was another book my daughter picked out at the library. I was vaguely familiar with the book but had never read it before today.

There are ideas that one can discuss during and after reading the book but what sticks with me is the fact that the elephants are patchwork and black & white - not gray.
102 reviews
June 14, 2020
K-1st fiction
Wilbur, Elmer's colorful cousin comes to visit and chaos and silliness ensue. Engaging with the colorful characters and illustrations, we learn Wilbur's talent almost got him into some trouble with Elmer and the other elephants. A fun read for young children who will enjoy the colorful pages.
Profile Image for Anthony.
7,240 reviews31 followers
April 14, 2024
Elmer the patchwork elephant is meeting his cousin Wilber who is coming for a visit. Wilbur is a ventriloquist who likes to play practical jokes with his voice. After several times of making his voice sound as if it's coming from different locations, Elmer and his friends decide to leave and go back home, and Wilbur finds himself in a pickle.
39 reviews
January 25, 2018
Great sequel to the well loved Elmer books. The bright colours and easily recognisable elephants were great when working with a small group of SEN children, as they were able to follow the story by spotting the characters on the pages throughout, even if the text was slightly too advanced.
89 reviews
November 6, 2023
Genre: Fantasy
Grade: 1-2
This was a great book. I liked how they did not make the elephants look like elephants in real life. The illustrator gave the elephants different-looking patterns. I also liked how the book included some humor as well.
10 reviews
February 11, 2024
I bought a new copy of the paperback edition for only $5.99. I remember reading this to my boys when they were little. I love the illustrations and the fact that Wilbur is black and white checkered print. Book the right length and doesn't get boring. Would recommend it.
4 reviews
December 28, 2018
I love it and I have a lot of questions for you your story’s are good and cool.
I love you so much.
13 reviews
Read
March 11, 2020
Good book for ks1. Teaches helping those in need.
Profile Image for Samela St. Pierre.
78 reviews
Read
September 20, 2023
Read “Elmer e Alber” published by Caminho a Portuguese edition not listed on Goodreads, not sure how to add it but it was a cute read and good practice learning the language.
Profile Image for Lisa.
8 reviews
December 30, 2023
Daria cinco estrelas se dissessem como é que o Alber foi parar à árvore
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
352 reviews
June 7, 2025
Elmer matches wits with his chessboard-colored cousin Wilbur.
Sort of a "Boy Who Cried Wolf" moral, except not.
Profile Image for Pam.
9,814 reviews54 followers
August 12, 2025
Wilbur learns a lesson about tricking others. When he needed help, the other elephants didn't believe him.
Profile Image for Marit.
50 reviews1 follower
Read
November 8, 2012
I have read another Elmer book, and I find the books so amusing. Elmer and his friend Wilbur are very funny and jokes around all the time. This book can be used to talk to children about friendship and differences. Elmer and Wilbur are both very different looking from the other elephants, but they all are friends!
Profile Image for Randie D. Camp, M.S..
1,197 reviews
April 28, 2013
Elmer is expecting a visit from his cousin Wilbur. Wilbur is checkered in black and white but has even more humor than Elmer. Wilbur is also a ventriloquist so Elmer and his friends have a tough time finding him. When they do, Wilbur is in need of some help. Can he stop joking long enough for the elephants to help him?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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