He’s the man behind one of the most iconic children’s books of all time. And as the world celebrates Elmer Day, David McKee is urging fans of his beloved character to go to see him in his latest incarnation in Maidstone this summer.

The author and illustrator first created Elmer the Patchwork Elephant in 1968, but it wasn’t until 1989 the story was published by Andersen Press.

The book quickly became popular for its colourful artwork and prominent message - to accept who you are, as Elmer, the only multicoloured elephant in a grey herd, learns to do.

In the 32 years since, the series has sold more than 10 million copies, and the character is still just as important to young readers as he was then.

This summer, he is also set to be the inspiration behind a trail to raise money for Aylesford’s Heart of Kent Hospice.

The gigantic event will feature 51 unique elephant sculptures, designed by local and national artists and based on Elmer, that will be scattered around the County Town, its river path, countryside and parks.

The charity has teamed up with Wild in Art, Andersen Press and official presenting partner Westerhill Homes, to bring the free family-friendly parade to Maidstone for nine weeks from June 19 to August 22.

Speaking about the trail, Mr McKee, 86, said: “The fact Elmer is the theme in Maidstone is fantastic. Anything which brings us together working for a cause like the hospice is exactly what we need.

“Most people know someone who has been in a hospice or visited one and they all do fantastic, yet difficult, work, so they need all the help they can get.

“It’s a nice event and the trail idea is great.”

Once Elmer’s Big Heart of Kent Parade is over, the sculptures will be auctioned on September 9 to support the hospice.

Having seen some of the designs, Mr McKee added: “Whoever buys them will be pretty lucky. I can see them looking really good in school playgrounds.

"To think people have taken to Elmer like that is brilliant. I wish the trail all the luck I possibly can.”

The event will be supported by 31 baby Elmers which have been adopted by schools and community groups and which will be found gathered in small herds around Maidstone.

The parade was supposed to debut last summer but, because of the pandemic, the hospice had to make the difficult decision to postpone the celebrations.

But after months of planning to make it Covid secure, Elmer and his friends will return for the hospice's 30th anniversary year.

Elmer Trailmakers will be stationed at different locations along the trail and at two town centre Elmer shops to engage with visitors, provide information and directions, and to represent Heart of Kent Hospice.

Mr McKee hopes by going on the trail, children will embrace Elmer’s message, that we should all accept our differences.

“What keeps Elmer going is that the story has a traditional and strong message which is that you have to enjoy and accept who you are,” he said.

“It’s quite flattering that it continues but it’s also because the problems I deal with in the stories don’t go away.

“We look at different dogs and flowers, colours, trees and it’s fabulous to see all the differences they have but we have a problem with it when it comes to people which is crazy.”

This is the reason why Elmer Day is held each May. As in the first book, when the herd decides to honour Elmer and his colourful skin by painting themselves the same way, the event was created as a way for us to celebrate our own differences.

There are now 39 Elmer books, but Mr McKee is already planning another, and even hopes to share Elmer on the big screen with a film adaptation, something he has always refused until now.

He explained: “I started the new book because Elmer still tells me stories. I always have the impression he’s living in my garden and comes in and sits down for a cup of tea and says ‘Did I ever tell you about this?’ If I say no he tells me and then says, ‘Go on, draw the pictures’.”

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