This was a great story about not being afraid to be yourself!!! It was a great lesson on accepting people as they are - especially if they look different from you.

I'm not always a fan of classic children's books, or "life lesson" books, but this 1968 book is a keeper. It's a fable about being different. It's also just a good, interesting story. Elmer is patchwork and not grey like the other elephants, and although he's popular, he's not entirely convinced it's for the right reasons. A little... experiment is enough to reassure him about his place in the community, though. Cute and funny.

This is a lovely story about an elephant who is not like the others. In time it worries him so he seeks to cover himself and look just like everyone else. But the other elephants miss Elmer and wish him back as himself. This story was published in 1968, but it is a timeless classic. The message about being yourself still applies. The illustrations are full of fun and color. And at the same time the story teaches about size, color, and animals which is wonderful for the little ones. The ending made smile!
The language of the story is a bit awkward at times. Some of the sentences are too long. I think this books is better suited as a read-a-loud than for a student reading books for the first time.
Would I recommend this book? YES. Especially for ages 1-5