Elmer's Special Day

September 7, 2009
In this latest story to feature Elmer “the patchwork elephant,” McKee subtly instructs readers on the making and keeping of friends. Deep in the jungle, the elephants are preparing for Elmer's Day, painting their hides in kaleidoscopic patterns (Elmer, in contrast, rolls around in brownish-gray “elephant-colored” berries “until he looked just like an ordinary elephant”). Although Elmer's Day sounds self-indulgent, the herd is enthusiastic—so enthusiastic that a lion, tiger, giraffe and other animals request peace and quiet. The jubilant elephants promise to hush, but like excited children, they can't help getting louder. Elmer solves the problem very simply: he invites all the animals to participate. Soon, “the other animals were just as messy and noisy as the elephants,” and they even wear elephant masks to participate in the elephant parade. McKee illustrates in a loose, folk-art style. Elmer visually clashes with the foliage and his friends, and the whole enterprise exudes cheery, unassuming goodwill. The elephants' nonexclusive event provides a model for any peaceable kingdom. Ages 4–8.

October 1, 2009
PreS-Gr 2-Elmer the patchwork elephant is back. Once a year the gray elephants decorate themselves and have a parade, and this story takes place on that day. The other animals are complaining about all of the noise made by the excited elephants as they prepare for the big event. Elmer recognizes the feelings for what they really are, jealousy, and he invites them to join in the celebration. McKee does a great job of creating the jungle environment and the festivities in vibrant, exciting colors. The textures and the patchwork-quilt look of the jungle will invite readers to take a closer look. The impact of the creatures coming together as a community to celebrate is a satisfying conclusioneveryone is having a great time and no one feels left out. A strong addition to the popular series."Susan E. Murray, Glendale Public Library, AZ"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2010
Colorful patchwork elephant Elmer learns an important lesson in neighborhood relations when the jungle animals complain that the elephants are making too much noise as they prepare for Elmer Day. Elmer solves this problem by inviting everyone to take part in the festivities. The illustrations are vibrant, but the lesson about inclusion is heavy-handed.

(Copyright 2010 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)