Everyone’s favourite multi-coloured patchwork elephant, Elmer, has been blessing our bookshelves for the past three decades and become a cheerful ray of sunshine for young children and families for generations. Whether you loved him as a child or your little one is a fan of his fun-loving adventures and cheeky personality, Elmer has inspired us to embrace our differences, accept who we are, and spread kindness and compassion.
We love the new and exclusive Elmer collection at JoJo Maman Bébé which is such to brighten up your baby or toddler's wardrobe. With a rainbow of colours and the iconic elephant featured throughout, you can find cotton tops, dresses, toys, dungarees, books, and more to shop.
What is the story of Elmer the Patchwork Elephant?
There are over 40 storybooks about Elmer and the original ‘Elmer the Patchwork Elephant’ has sold over two million copies around the world. A classic for the nursery bookshelf, it tells the story of Elmer, a colourful patchwork elephant, who lives happily in a herd of grey elephants.
One day, after being teased, he paints himself grey with mud in an attempt to fit in, but his plan fails as his friends no longer recognise him. When the rain washes the mud away and his true colours are revealed, Elmer’s friends encourage him that they love him for his differences and celebrate by painting themselves multi-coloured in his honour.
Exploring cultural diversity at an early age, David McKee told The Guardian that he wrote Elmer after witnessing a racist remark aimed at his daughter. Elmer has also become an icon in the LGBTQ+ community as a sign of acceptance and inclusivity and has collaborated with LGBTQ+ young people’s charity Just Like Us to help empower school staff and pupils to be more inclusive.
Celebrate Elmer Day!
As well as being a favourite for World Book Day, did you know there’s an official Elmer Day? Join in the celebrations on 27 May 2023 at home, in schools, or at your local library to spread the positivity of Elmer and everything that makes us different, special, and unique. Just like Elmer, little ones can proudly show off their true colours and take part in activities to celebrate with free resources available.