Elmer and the Hippos

Elmer, the patchwork elephant, has been a favorite of children around the world since the first book debuted in 1989. In Elmer and the Hippos, the elephants are not happy. The hippos' river has dried up, and they have moved into the elephants' river. Some of the elephants don't like sharing. Elmer decides to investigate. He discovers the hippos' dry river could be fixedbut only if the hippos and the elephants drop their prejudices and work together.

School Library Journal

Gr 2—In this installment, the patchwork elephant uses his powers of negotiation to solve a conflict. The hippos' river has seemingly dried up, causing them to crowd the elephants' waterway and make everyone miserable. After discovering that fallen rocks are the problem, Elmer and his cousin Wilber rally the other animals to restore the river's flow. Job done, all the animals realize that working together is the best way to achieve a goal resulting in a splashy, happy, and satisfying ending for all. With its vibrant, eye-catching colors and engaging goings-on, this book is a visual delight.—Jasmine L. Precopio, Fox Chapel Area School District, Pittsburgh, PA

David McKee’s first book was published in 1964. He is the creator of Elmer the Patchwork Elephant, as well as both Mr Benn and King Rollo. His books are now published in many languages throughout the world, and many of them have been adapted for television. He is one of the leading contemporary children's book creators.