About Elmer
Elmer remains one of the most iconic and widely read children’s book series of all time, selling over 10 million copies worldwide since it was first published by Andersen Press in 1989. Written and illustrated by celebrated children’s author and artist David McKee, the Elmer books have been translated into more than 60 languages and now new books, toys and clothing add to the world of Elmer the Patchwork Elephant.
Since the first Elmer title debuted in 1989, Andersen Press has developed an internationally successful Elmer publishing programme which spans 30 original stories written and illustrated by David McKee and includes board books, activity books and novelty books. A beloved classic and firm family favourite, David McKee’s iconic and brightly coloured patchwork elephant has also inspired a branded merchandise programme which has proven success at retail and is popular in millions of households across the world.
Find out more
Elmer and the Gift
In 2022 Andersen Press published Elmer and the Gift the 30th Elmer picture book written and illustrated by David McKee. In the book Elmer’s love, patience and respect for his Aunt Zelda and Grandpa Eldo makes for a heart-warming depiction of family life with elderly relatives, and deftly deals with themes relating to memory loss with love and respect.
David McKee (1935-2022)
David McKee (1935 – 2022) was born in Devon, UK 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 200 picture books including a number of children’s classics including King Rollo, Mr Benn, Not Now Bernard and Elmer the Patchwork Elephant. In 2020 David was named Illustrator of the Year at the British Book Awards and was awarded the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from BookTrust.
About Andersen Press
Andersen Press is a leading independent children’s publisher, and home to some of the biggest names in the world of children’s books, including the much-loved picture book characters Elmer the Patchwork Elephant and the Little Princess. Andersen Press is the publisher of many award-winning authors and illustrators including Melvin Burgess, Rebecca Stead, Joseph Coelho, Julian Clary, Kwame Alexander, Phil Earle, David McKee, and Jeanne Willis. The company was founded in 1976 by Klaus Flugge.
Find out more