Tributes paid to Elmer author
David McKee, the author of Elmer the Patchwork Elephant which featured prominently in Maidstone with the writer’s blessing, has died at the age of 87.
The news was announced by his publisher Andersen Press, who said he died at his home in the South of France after a short illness.
Author and illustrator Mr
McKee first created Elmer in 1968, but it wasn’t until 1989 the story was published by Andersen Press.
The book quickly became popular for its colourful artwork and prominent message to accept who you are, just like
Elmer, the only multi-coloured elephant in a grey herd.
The series has sold more than 10 million copies.
Last summer, Mr McKee was also the inspiration behind a trail to raise money for Aylesford’s Heart of Kent Hospice.
The event featured 51 unique elephant sculptures, designed by local and national artists, that were scattered around Maidstone. They were joined by 30 smaller Elmer sculptures.
Last year, the latest story in the popular children’s series titled Elmer and the Bedtime Story - was being sold exclusively in Maidstone to start with.
Tributes flooded in on social media, with Mr McKee described as “a genius” who played a big role in many a fan’s childhood.
A statement from Anderson Press continued: “All at Andersen Press hope his spirit lives on for many more generations through his joyful, heartfelt stories.”
His debut book, Two Can Toucan, was published in 1964
by Klaus Flugge while he was working at Abelard-Schuman.
He said: “I am devastated by the sudden death of my best friend, David McKee. He was as close to Andersen Press as I am.
“He was there from the very beginning and essential to the origin of the company. He became great friends with everyone he encountered – staff, authors and illustrators alike.
“His was a singular voice and a shining light in children’s books that highlighted inclusivity, diversity and parts of our world that are not always present in publishing for children.
“His classic books include Elmer, Two Monsters and Not Now, Bernard, amongst many, many others, have become part of the canon of children’s literature, and we hope will be enjoyed by children for many more generations to come.”
Speaking about the trail, Mr McKee last year said: “The fact Elmer is the theme in Maidstone is fantastic. Anything which brings us together working for a cause like the hospice is exactly what we need.”
At the end of the Elmer trail in the County Town, the Elmer sculptures were sold at the Mercure Great Danes Hotel, raising thousands of pounds for the Heart of Kent Hospice.
Mr McKee also illustrated some later Paddington Bear books as well as created Mr Benn which became a huge hit as a BBC TV series in the 70s.