He enjoys the anonymity and joins the herd only to realise that his friends miss his presence. Once covered in the grey berry juice, he isn’t Elmer anymore, but just another elephant. So, one day he sneaks out at the crack of dawn to cover himself with the grey coloured juice of a berry found outside the jungle.
He’s lively, cracks jokes, and is well-loved. He’s famous and stands out because he’s not grey like the rest of his herd, instead, his skin is a patchwork of bright colours. Every time I read it to my first grader and preschooler, I find Elmer’s story a charming exploration of identity, diversity and acceptance- topics that are close to my heart.Įlmer, the elephant’s story is set in an idyllic jungle, where the animals appear to live in harmony. A few years ago, I chanced upon this endearing piece of children’s literature. Given the trajectory of my personal journey, it’s no surprise then that Elmer by David McKee remains an exciting discovery for me.
