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.
Elmer the elephant Is different from all the other elephants because he is one of a kind. Elmer shows that you can be different and still be excepted by your peers. Even if you have patchwork done unlike the other elephants. The authors theme in Elmer is to accept others and to keep hope. Once Elmer was accepted by his peers the days were brighter. The illustrations in Elmer were digitally designed.
I felt the part where the birds make fun of Elmer because he's wearing sunglasses a bit unnecessary, especially after an elephant flying in the wind raises no suspicions at all. I think Elmer is high on mushrooms in this one...
My kid loved the patchwork elephant and all his crazy adventures... She was fascinated every time she turns the page. Learning about seasons was a bonus.
Very colorful book. Love the way Elmer is different and he is so happy with himself. The kids can learn that being him/herself is ok as long as you are happy.
Extension: Teach the kids about color they can use blocks, buttons etc., weather. Also that we are different but that is what make us special.
A canny little book about weather. What I liked about it was that Elmer wasn't afraid of any of the different types of weather i.e. he wasn't afraid of thunder storms. I wouldn't say it's bedtime reading, more a 'have it lying around for children to pick up themselves' book.
Elmer was the happiest and most colorful elephant I ever see. Mr. McKee called him the patchwork elephant. Thus explains the many colors in rectangular shapes Elmer has on its body.
This is a cute little book that introduces the vocabulary of weather - in Spanish and English. Great for pre-schoolers, and even older kids who are learning Spanish!