Elmer Takes Off - Hardcover

David McKee grew up in Devon, England. Later, while a student at Plymouth Art College, he began selling his cartoon drawings to newspapers. Since 1964 he has published a number of successful books for children, including the King Rollo stories, which he helped animate for British television. His first book for Lothrop was Snow Woman, of which Publishers Weekly said, "It is McKee's superb humor--conveyed almost solely in the illustrations...that wins the day." Of his second Lothrop book, Who's a Clever Baby, Publishers Weekly had this to say: "Grandma's alliterative frenzies are fascinating and readers will find Baby's manipulative stubbornness vastly amusing."

Mr. McKee enjoys traveling and doing books that "leave things unsaid."

Kindergarten-Grade 2AOn a windy day in the jungle, fun-loving Elmer, the patchwork elephant, decides to trick his friends and pretend he is being blown away. The worried elephants form a chain, trunk to tail, to save him and laugh at themselves when they find out it's a joke. Bird, however, does not laugh, warning Elmer of the danger of a strong wind. The jovial character sets out once again to prove to Bird that elephants are too heavy to fly. To his surprise, the wind carries him off, with his ears acting as wings. Initially fearful, he begins to enjoy the flight and lands safely. Rejoining the others, he tells them about his experience. The effervescent elephant brings laughter and cheer to all around him in this fifth adventure. As in the others, his vibrant multicolored hide stands out among the lush pinks, warm oranges, and deep blues of the jungle. Each page is a feast of colors from the green windswept trees to the distinctively happy blue birds. The emotions of the elephants, ranging from worried to gleeful, are all portrayed beautifully in their eyes, mouths, and trunks. This pleasant story will not disappoint Elmer's fans.AAnne Knickerbocker, formerly at Cedar Brook Elementary School, Houston, TX
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