Elmer and Snake

Elmer

by David McKee

The twelfth picture book to star the much loved multi-coloured elephant

Elmer and Snake conspire together to trick the other elephants into thinking Elmer is unwell. Elmer covers himself in pale berry juice to help the joke. It works, and the other elephants get rather worried about him. They ask Snake to give his advice – and he suggests spraying Elmer with lots of water! Of course the berry juice is all washed off, and the elephants realize that Snake has tricked them all. But they can’t souse Snake because he’s very sensibly gone on holiday!

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2007

About the author

David McKee was a British writer and illustrator, chiefly of children's books and animations. He also used the pseudonym Violet Easton. He is frequently referenced as David (John) McKee. He has been commended for his gentle, playful but insightful stories.

For his contribution as a children's illustrator he was UK nominee for the biennial, international Hans Christian Andersen Award in 2006.

Reviews

[Tapani Aulu · Rating 2 out of 5]

Elmerin kaverit huijaavat Elmeriä käärmeen kanssa ja tietenkin toisinpäin. Ei tässä mitään isompaa opetusta ole, mutta eipä Elmereissä muutenkaan.

[✨️ Louise Allen ✨️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading *Elmer and Snake* by David McKee, and I have to say, it’s a real gem. The story is charming and beautifully illustrated, with McKee’s signature colourfulness that instantly lifts your spirits.

What struck me most was the light-hearted humour sprinkled throughout — a perfect reminder that laughter really is the best medicine, especially when facing a little trouble. It’s a delightful read that will have children giggling and adults appreciating the gentle wisdom behind it.

I’d happily give this book five stars. It’s a wonderful, uplifting story that proves a good laugh can brighten even the most challenging days.

[Ladyblade89 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Elmer

Wonderful story for children !
I love the illustrations because the colors are so vivid and bright.
You can tell a lot of attention and care went into it.

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elmers’s friends all want to trick him and snake comes up with a way to trick them all. Cute story

Great illustrations.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glad the tricksters got tricked!

[Gail · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Fun April Fool's book to read.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Snake manages to trick all of the elephants by telling them how to trick Elmer. Then he tells Elmer how to trick the other elephants. In the end, Snake tricked everyone.

[ColumbusReads · Rating 2 out of 5]

Picked up this book from the library because it was big, colorful and had a patchwork elephant and rainbow colored snake on the cover. I started reading it to a 22-month old and he wasn't interested at all. Not a very good story but the pictures are colorful and it has some nice illustrations. Still can't give it more than 2 stars, however.

[Courtney Huskisson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another Elmer book -- cute, with a bit longer of a story.

It had an interesting line/idea: "If repeated often enough he'll believe it" -- maybe I'm reading in to deeply, but I think this is an interesting/accurate observation on a lot of human behavior/beliefs.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another vibrantly illustrated, entertaining tale featuring the patchwork elephant and a trickster snake.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elmer is always good for a chuckle, but this one was not my favorite.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The joke is on the elephants when they try to prank Elmer.