1
of
1
Elmer and the White Bear
Series: Elmer Picture Books
Brief Description
When the ice starts to melt at the North Pole, a polar bear sets off on an adventure that takes him all the way to Elmer's jungle!When a mysterious white bear appears in the jungle, Elmer and Wilbur are keen to hear his story. He has...
Read More
Format: Hardback
$3299
Unit price
/
Unavailable
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER
Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 4-6 weeks
Found a better price? Request a price match
Elmer and the White Bear
$3299
Unit price
/
Unavailable
Latest News
The Book Briefing - September 1st
Welcome to this week's Book Briefing where we round up the news for the week!...
Screen Time for Tamariki - the books you need!
Finding the task of navigating screen time and the digital world for children incredibly complex,...
Shirl's Road Trip Reads and Board Game Picks
I recently spent a couple of weeks road-tripping with whānau visiting Aotearoa from overseas showing...
The Story to Screen Report - 01/09/2026
Sacha has rounded up all the biggest Story to Screen news from the past week,...
Books Our Dads Gave Us
For Father’s Day, we asked some of the team to share the books their Dads...
See more
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
still learning, it may not be perfect - your
feedback is welcome!
Description
When the ice starts to melt at the North Pole, a polar bear sets off on an adventure that takes him all the way to Elmer's jungle!
When a mysterious white bear appears in the jungle, Elmer and Wilbur are keen to hear his story. He has come all the way from the north pole on a floating scrap of ice, and now he can’t find his way home. Luckily, Elmer and Wilbur have an idea! But what caused the white bear’s icy home to melt in the first place? That’s a much more puzzling question.
With a gentle introduction to the themes of climate change, this is David McKee's (1935–2022) 31st Elmer story with artwork by his dear friend and fine artist, Marysia Milewski.
Series: Elmer Picture Books
View all-
Elmer
Elmer, the colourful patchwork elephant, has been a nursery favourite since this first book was published in 1989. A modern classic, this picture book is known to millions and continues to be the strongest seller of the whole series, having sold over 2 million copies around the world. The subtle message is that it is OK to be different, and...Paperback$1600Elsewhere:$1899Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Elmer and the Rainbow
Elmer and the Rainbow follows Elmer and the other elephants as they wait for the storm to end, eager to see the beautiful, colourful rainbow. However, something dreadful has occurred— the rainbow has appeared too soon and lost its colours! Elmer decides to give his own colours to the rainbow, but in order to do that, he must find where...Paperback$1899Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Elmer Book and Toy Gift Set
Cuddle in with your very own Elmer soft toy and read the family-favourite picture book together with this Elmer Book and Toy Gift Set. Including a mini gift hardback edition of the classic story and a colourful cuddly Elmer toy, this makes the perfect gift to inspire your little one to celebrate their colours! Elmer is different. Elmer is patchwork....Box Set$3499Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Elmer and the Gift
The 30th and final Elmer storybook from BookTrust Lifetime Achievement Award winner David McKee, about caring for elderly family members, featuring a reading guide and a link to online resources from Alzheimer's Research UK. Aunt Zelda has a gift to give to Elmer from his Grandpa Eldo, but she can't remember what it is or where it is. Zelda's memory...Paperback$1899Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Elmer and the Race
The young elephants want to prove who is the fastest, so Elmer and Wilbur organise a race. Each decorated a different colour, the racers set off around the course and discover things about themselves. Blue may be first and Orange second, but White is kind, Pink and Violet are funny, and Yellow is a cheat. Luckily, Yellow also learns he...Paperback$1899Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Elmer
David McKee's first book about Elmer turned this adorable patchwork elephant into a nursery favourite. Deservedly a modern classic, with over two million copies sold worldwide, Elmer's subtle message, that it is ok to be different, resonates with children across the world. The Elmer book and CD pack features the classic story with a special edition cover and a story...Paperback$2199Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Elmer: A Classic Collection
A collection of five of Elmer’s best-loved tales, bound together in a beautiful hardback with a stunning gold and green foiled cover. The perfect gift for fans of Elmer and his colourful adventures, and an ideal introduction for the very youngest readers. This treasury contains: Elmer Elmer and the Rainbow Elmer and the Lost Teddy Elmer in the Snow Elmer’s...Hardback$3999Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Elmer and the Bedtime Story
The latest Elmer story from master picture book maker, David McKee - winner of the BookTrust Lifetime Achievement award, and the 2020 British Book Awards Nibbies Illustrator of the Year. It's bedtime, and Elmer's looking after two baby elephants. But how will he get them to sleep? A good walk will do it, Elmer thinks. But as they walk past...Paperback$1899Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Elmer's Christmas
It's two days before Christmas Eve, the night Papa Red visits, and the young elephants are very excited. They choose a tree to decorate and prepare the presents for Papa Red to collect during the night to take to those who need them. But this year Elmer's Christmas has a special treat in store for the young elephants, if they...Board book$1999Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Elmer's Birthday
The elephants decide it’s their turn to play a trick on Elmer: all of the animals must pretend to forget his birthday tomorrow! But when the day comes, the trick doesn’t quite go according to plan. The elephants should have listened to Elmer’s friends… This delightful story from David McKee showcases the charm and humour of Elmer's Birthday, where forgetting...Paperback$1899Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Elmer and the White Bear
When the ice starts to melt at the North Pole, a polar bear sets off on an adventure that takes him all the way to Elmer's jungle!When a mysterious white bear appears in the jungle, Elmer and Wilbur are keen to hear his story. He has come all the way from the north pole on a floating scrap of ice,...Hardback$3299Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Elmer's Special Day
Elmer's Special Day is the stunning 17th story in the beloved Elmer series, now available in paperback edition. It's almost Elmer's Day again for the elephants, and they have begun their preparations already. However, in all the excitement, they are making an awful lot of noise and upsetting the other animals. So, Elmer decides to change the rules and invites...Paperback$1899Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781839134654
Publisher: Andersen Press Ltd
Format: Hardback
Date Published: 28 August 2025
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Andersen Press Ltd
Contributors:
- Illustrated by Marysia Milewski
Audience: Children
DIMENSIONS
Width: 243.0mm
Height: 281.0mm
Weight: 300g
Pages: 32
About the Author
David McKee (Author)
David McKee (1935 - 2022) was the creator of well-known characters including King Rollo, Mr Benn and Elmer the Patchwork Elephant, which is now published in more than 60 languages and has its own successful global merchandise programme. David was born in Devon and went to Plymouth Art College, where he had a traditional training. On leaving college he drew regularly for Punch, Reader’s Digest, and The Times Educational Supplement. His drawings were influenced especially by Saul Steinberg and Andre Francois. In 2020, David won the British Book Awards Illustrator of the Year Award and BookTrust’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Marysia Milewski (Illustrator)
Marysia Milewski is a painter and illustrator of polish descent, born in London. She studied at L’Ecole Freinet in Vence, and went on to work with many renowned artists including Cecily Sash at the Granary Painting School in Mountford, UK. She now illustrates children’s books and magazines and participates in workshops for youth creativity. Her friendship with David McKee and a shared love of intuitive and engaging art makes her the perfect illustrator to continue the legacy of Elmer’s world. Marysia lives and works at her gallery in Vence, France.
Also by David McKee
View all-
Elmer
Elmer, the colourful patchwork elephant, has been a nursery favourite since this first book was published in 1989. A modern classic, this picture book is known to millions and continues to be the strongest seller of the whole series, having sold over 2 million copies around the world. The subtle message is that it is OK to be different, and...Paperback$1600Elsewhere:$1899Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Elmer and the Rainbow
Elmer and the Rainbow follows Elmer and the other elephants as they wait for the storm to end, eager to see the beautiful, colourful rainbow. However, something dreadful has occurred— the rainbow has appeared too soon and lost its colours! Elmer decides to give his own colours to the rainbow, but in order to do that, he must find where...Paperback$1899Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
My First Elmer Rainbow
Some things you can give and not lose any, like happiness, love, and colour. In Elmer the Patchwork Elephant's chunky, rainbow-shaped board book, Elmer helps the animals put the colours back into a mysterious pale rainbow by giving some of his own colours away in an act of kindness and love. A perfect introduction to the classic Elmer and the...Board book$1600Elsewhere:$1899Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Elmer Search and Find Animals
Learn amazing animal facts, and have fun spotting all of Elmer the patchwork elephant's friends in his colourful world! In this big and busy search and find board book adventure, discover incredible animal facts. Did you know that giraffes' tongues are black? Or that baby rabbits are called kittens? And crocodile mums carry their babies in their mouths? Jam-packed with...Board book$2799Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
The Marvellous Land of Oz
Return to Oz with Tip and his strange new friends as they embark on a magical adventure to find old friends, defeat General Jinjur, and reclaim the Emerald Kingdom. Tip is sick of being bossed around by his guardian, Mombi. When she threatens to turn him to stone for using magic to bring Jack Pumpkinhead to life as a prank,...Paperback$2400Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
My First Elmer Bedtime
It's time to snuggle down for a bedtime story with Elmer! In this chunky shaped board book, Elmer helps Baby Elephant find his lost teddy just in time for bed. Everybody needs their own special teddy bear at bedtime... have you got yours? My First Elmer Bedtime is a perfect introduction to the classic Elmer and the Lost Teddy story...Board book$1899Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
My First Elmer
Elmer is different. Elmer is patchwork. The grey elephants all love him, but he soon starts to wonder what it would be like to be just the same as them... Full of colour, wisdom, and pathos, this classic tale has been abridged for the very youngest readers in this tactile shaped board book edition. With its sturdy shaped pages for...Board book$1900Elsewhere:$2199Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Elmer Search and Find Numbers
Learn to count to ten and have fun spotting all the animals with Elmer the patchwork elephant! The theme of every scene is a number from one to ten in this large and busy search and find board book adventure. Help a hungry monkey find his 3 bananas, or count to ten to help Elmer cross the river! Jam-packed with...Board book$2799Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Elmer and the Race
The young elephants want to prove who is the fastest, so Elmer and Wilbur organise a race. Each decorated a different colour, the racers set off around the course and discover things about themselves. Blue may be first and Orange second, but White is kind, Pink and Violet are funny, and Yellow is a cheat. Luckily, Yellow also learns he...Paperback$1899Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Elmer's Birthday
The elephants decide it’s their turn to play a trick on Elmer: all of the animals must pretend to forget his birthday tomorrow! But when the day comes, the trick doesn’t quite go according to plan. The elephants should have listened to Elmer’s friends… This delightful story from David McKee showcases the charm and humour of Elmer's Birthday, where forgetting...Paperback$1899Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Elmer and the Gift
The 30th and final Elmer storybook from BookTrust Lifetime Achievement Award winner David McKee, about caring for elderly family members, featuring a reading guide and a link to online resources from Alzheimer's Research UK. Aunt Zelda has a gift to give to Elmer from his Grandpa Eldo, but she can't remember what it is or where it is. Zelda's memory...Paperback$1899Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Goodnight, Elmer Puppet Book
It's Elmer's bedtime, but he still needs to find the perfect place to sleep. Bring the adventure to life as puppet-Elmer splashes in the lake with the hippos, tries to climb a tree with the monkeys, yawns, snuggles and waves goodbye. The cuddly puppet fits both big and little hands, making this interactive hand puppet book perfect for sharing between...Board book$3500Elsewhere:$3799Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks
More from Children's Books
View all-
New ReleaseThe Neverfear
A world of richly-imagined wonder Cressida Cowell It’s the Midsummer Feast on the Islet of Glimt and on this magical moonlit evening, the word on everyone’s lips is bandits. Reports of masked men burning villages are spreading throughout the Archipelago, but worse is still to come: Christopher and Anya are ambushed and one of the people they love most is...Paperback$1999Elsewhere:$2299Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseMatihe! Achoo!
What happens when a grumpy tupua has to sneeze? Matihe! Achoo! is a bilingual story about the tupua Mataoho and his connection to the volcanoes of Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland. It comes with an action song to engage young readers! He pūrākau e pā ana ki a Mataoho me ngā puia o Takamaki Makaurau. He tupua pukukino a Mataoho e noho...Paperback$1899Elsewhere:$2100Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleasePocket Observology
Pocket Observology is a practical field guide designed for those who love to explore and understand the natural world around them. Slip this guide out of your pocket to identify, measure, compare, or find clues to the things you encounter every day in nature. This pocket guide is a useful tool and a fun reminder of how to engage with...Paperback$2399Elsewhere:$2799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
Pre-orderNew ReleaseMinecraft Annual 2027
The official Minecraft Annual 2027, full of updates, builds, activities, and more! Discover all there is to know about the past year of Minecraft in this exciting annual. Stuffed to the brim with updates, activities, step-by-step builds, and tips and tricks for the game, this book is a must-have for any minecrafter. This year’s annual includes: Mob guides on happy...Hardback$1999Elsewhere:$2499Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
Buy to WinNew ReleaseGiant Heart
Meet Jonah Lomu, one of the greatest All Blacks of all time. His speed and strength on the rugby field made him famous around the world, and his fun and generous personality made him beloved, but all the while he faced a big battle with his health. “[David Hill’s] stories are wonderful, full of action and are always teaching the...Hardback$1999Elsewhere:$2500Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseProtector of Beyond 1
Experience fierce magical creatures, perilous trials, and a heroine to root for in this 1st instalment in a new blockbuster fantasy series. The moment you enter the Arbiter, your fate is sealed. If you spark, you fight! And 12-year-old Elder Triss produces a spark like no other. Transported to the mysterious Beyond, Elder has no choice but to train for...Paperback$2199Elsewhere:$2400Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseAnimalia 40th Anniversary Edition
A beautiful, foiled collector's edition to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Graeme Base's classic and bestselling Australian picture book, Animalia. Embark on a fantastical alphabetic adventure where each turn of the page unveils a rich tapestry of intricate illustrations tied to a unique letter of the alphabet. More than 5 million copies sold worldwide Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA)...Hardback$2999Elsewhere:$3500Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseThe Little Kiwi Builder
Oh no, the little kiwi builder's house is falling down! His screws have all come loose - what can he do? When the brickie, the plumber, the roofer, the sparky and the painter all come to help, it's looking good! Until, that night ... uh-oh! Perfect for: Anyone who likes fun and silly rhyming stories Reading aloud with little ones...Paperback$1899Elsewhere:$2199Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseYou Choose Party Time
It's time to celebrate - Party Time is a brand new You Choose adventure! It's Party Time and you choose what happens! What kind of party will it be? Who will you invite? Which cake would you like to eat? Will you dance to a steel pan band or bagpipes? The possibilities are endless in this magical storytelling toolkit which...Hardback$2599Elsewhere:$3400Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseWhen Nature Calls (Duck #2)
New in 2026, the latest story from Duck, the quirky new children's series by million-copy bestselling author Matt Stanton. Do you ever wonder what animals think about humans? Do they feel they could do a better job running things? Would they ever try and take over? Duck, Mouse and Dog are alarmed that the adults in Redhill are being brainwashed...Paperback$1700Elsewhere:$1999Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseThe Case of the Viral Video: Violet and the Velvets 3
Violet and the Velvets can hardly believe they've come so far in the BandChamps competition with only hard work, a smidge of talent, and a whole lot of thinking outside the box. This time, they get to record their new song in a proper recording studio and star in their very own music video! But Violet is letting her perfectionism...Paperback$1600Elsewhere:$1899Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseRoyalslinger
K Pop Demon Hunters fans will love this! Graci Kim is back with the second book in her exciting and fantastical Slinger series where dragons and phoenixes roam the skies of Seoul; meals magically appear based on your mood; and dreams literally come to life. Praise for Dreamslinger: “A mind-blowingly original fantasy adventure—Graci Kim has done it again!”—Rick Riordan, New York Times #1...Paperback$1999Elsewhere:$2400Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today
Why buy from us?
Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!
Service & Delivery
Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.
Auckland Bookstore
We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.
Our Gifting Service
Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.
