Award-winning animation studio, Factory and one of the leading independent children’s publishers Andersen Press, today announce a co-production partnership to produce a brand new animated TV series of David McKee’s iconic children’s brand ‘Elmer the Patchwork Elephant’.
Based on the timeless bestselling picture books by David McKee, ‘Elmer the Patchwork Elephant’ will follow the adventures of the colourful, fun loving, unique elephant who is finding his place in the herd.
Animated by the BAFTA-winning animation studio Factory, based in Altrincham, the new series will be visually stunning with a funny, light narrative that is deceptively poignant to today’s diverse pre-school audience, celebrating what makes people different and encouraging little ones to be kind to one another.
Phil Chalk, Managing Director of Factory comments: “Elmer is one of the most iconic and widely read children’s book series of all time and we are so excited to be teaming up with Andersen Press and David McKee in bringing Elmer to life for a brand new generation of children.”
Written and illustrated by celebrated children’s author and artist David McKee, the Elmer books have sold over 10 million copies worldwide since it was first published by Andersen Press in 1989 and has been translated into more than 50 languages and now new books, toys and clothing add to the world of Elmer the Patchwork Elephant.
David McKee has written and illustrated over 50 picture books for Andersen Press and has penned a number of children’s classics including King Rollo, Mr Benn, Not Now Bernard and Elmer the Patchwork Elephant.
Commenting on the partnership, Klaus Flugge, Chairman and Publisher at Andersen Press said, “Publishing David McKee’s Elmer books for the past 30 years has been one of the greatest achievements of my career. As we see Elmer continue to grow in success in the UK and internationally, David McKee, myself and everyone at Andersen Press are excited to partner with Phil Chalk and his prize winning team at Factory to bring Elmer to a new audience through what promises to be fantastic animated films celebrating the very things at Elmer’s core; friendship, inclusivity and celebrating your own true colours.”
In addition to the new animated series, Andersen Press is currently in the middle of a whole year of celebrations for Elmer the Patchwork Elephant as the brand celebrates its 30th anniversary. Plans have so far included the first ever retrospective of David McKee’s illustration at Seven Stories, The National Centre for Children’s Books; Elmer family sculpture trails in partnership with Wild in Art across the country, partnerships with anti-bullying charity Kidscape on ‘Friendship Friday’ and Empathy Lab on Empathy Day.
2019 will see the beginning of the biggest investment ever in Elmer. Plans are in place, not only for the 30th celebrations, but also to support retailers and partnerships, which will continue far beyond this year.
