Elmer Day 2023
Image Credit: Amazon.co.uk
Elmer Day is celebrated each year in the last week in May. In 2023 it was celebrated on Saturday 27th May 2023.
The date for Elmer Day 2024 is expected to be Saturday 25th May.
What is Elmer Day?
Image Credit: Amazon.co.uk
Elmer Day is a celebration of reading, of elephants and of accepting yourself and others, just like Elmer the Patchwork Elephant, star of the Elmer books by David McKee.
It is celebrated with events in libraries, schools and bookshops across the UK. Kids are invited to dress up in bright colours, take part in craft events and of course, read the Elmer books.
You can celebrate Elmer Day in the classroom, at your local library or bookshop, at home or online by downloading a free Elmer Day Activity Pack at the Elmer Day website. This will be available from April 2023, but you can sign up now to be notified when it is available.
Then share your photos on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram using #ElmerDay.
Why Elmer?
The first Elmer book was published in 1968. Author David McKee was inspired by an incident in which his mixed race daughter was verbally abused. His stories are an inspiration for everyone to be both accepting of those who are different to ourselves and accepting of our own unique qualities.
McKee was also the creator of much loved TV characters Mr Benn and King Rollo. He wrote and published over 30 books about Elmer and his friends.
David McKee sadly passed away in 2022. You can hear him read his own book Elmer in this video.
More Ways To Celebrating Elmer Day
The first Elmer Day was celebrated in 2016 with schools taking part as well as bookshops and libraries, with stories, games and craft activities.
You can find an Elmer Day event near you by visiting the official Elmer Day Website.
You can have your own Elmer Day celebration at home with some lovely Elmer Printables from publisher Andersen press, including colouring pictures and a Pin the Trunk on Elmer game.
We also have our own Elmer Day Wordsearch which is a free printable to download.
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