View source for Elmer's Special Day by David McKee

{{infobox2
|title=Elmer's Special Day
|author=David McKee
|reviewer=Jo Heffer
|genre=For Sharing
|summary=Elmer is a very special elephant. Whilst all of the other animals have dull rubbery grey skin, his is like a multi-coloured patchwork quilt. However, one day, each year is Elmer's Special Day when all of the elephants decorate themselves to be as bright and colourful as he is. Unfortunately, some of the other elephants find it all quite frivolous and annoying. That is until Elmer comes up with a great idea.
|rating=4.5
|buy=Yes
|borrow=Yes
|pages=32
|publisher=Andersen Press
|date=May 2011
|isbn=978-1842709856
|website=http://www.randomhouse.co.uk/catalog/authorcb.htm?authorID=1567
|video=sipEaOu28Og
|aznuk=1842709852
|aznus=1842709852
|cover=1842709852
}}

My daughter has grown up loving the Elmer the Elephant stories and even though she is now six, he still remains one of her firm favourites. His brightly coloured patchwork skin, along with his wise words and thoughts, is particularly appealing. In 'Elmer's Special Day', all of the elephants become as bright and colourful as Elmer, as this is their one opportunity to paint and decorate themselves as brightly as him. They do become rather noisy and excitable though which causes some of the other jungle animals to complain. Elmer is both wise and resourceful though and soon realises that the way to keep all of the animals happy is to invite them all to join in. He does this and the outcome is truly colourful with lions, monkeys, giraffes, as well as elephants and many more animals, all uniquely decorated and wearing elephant masks. All except one elephant that is. Because this is the day when all of the other animals can shine, Elmer goes and rolls in elephant coloured berry mud until he is the one that looks like an ordinary elephant. At that moment the parade begins and it is truly enjoyable and spectacular.

Elmer's Special Day is a simple but lovely story. Elmer often comes across as a selfless character and that is definitely true in this story when he gives all of the animals the opportunity to shine while he is prepared to fade into the background. It is also a great deal of fun watching the animals decorate their skins with all sorts of wonderful patterns and colours. Their excitement is almost tangible and would be felt by any small child sharing the story and the bright illustrations. It is definitely worth spending some time absorbing what all the different animals look like in their bright new coats. There are stars, stripes, leaves, squiggles, hearts, splodges and many more shapes in every colour under the sun.

The language used is nicely straightforward and, as there is not too much text on any page, it is ideal for children who are starting to read for themselves. It is equally a brilliant book for sharing with younger children or for getting your child to share with you. There is certainly lots to talk about and enjoy.

Elmer's Special Day is a truly special book, and Elmer fans, young and old, will not be disappointed. The story is lovely and the illustrations are perfect. My daughter and I both loved it.

I'd like to thank the publishers for sending a copy to The Bookbag.

If there is an Elmer fan in your family, you could also take a look at [[Elmer and Grandpa Eldo by David McKee|Elmer and Grandpa Eldo]], [[Elmer On Stilts by David McKee|Elmer on Stilts]], [[Elmer and Butterfly by David McKee|Elmer and the Butterfly]] or [[Elmer and Papa Red by David McKee|Elmer and Papa Red]]. All are most enjoyable.

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