Not Now Bernard
David McKee
Ages 3–6
Not Now Bernard
David McKee
Not Now Bernard, a picture book by David McKee, is selected for children aged 3 to 6. Compare it with other books exploring family and humour.
Picture Book1980
Picture Book · ages 3–6
Elmer
by David McKee
Elmer is a brightly patchworked elephant in a herd of ordinary grey elephants. He disguises himself to look like everyone else, but the herd misses his presence and a rainstorm reveals the colours he had tried to hide.
FormatPicture Book
First published1989
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Why choose this book
Choose this for a direct, visually clear story about belonging without requiring a child to sit through an abstract lesson. Elmer’s difference is connected to his humour and relationships, so acceptance grows from who he is rather than from a slogan.
Reading it together
The disguise invites children to notice how colour changes the page and how the herd changes when Elmer is absent. It works well before conversations about fitting in, individuality, and the difference between being noticed and being valued.
The related shelf below offers nearby choices if the age fit, tone, or reading experience is not quite right.
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Ages 2–5
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Can't You Sleep, Little Bear?, a picture book by Martin Waddell, is selected for children aged 2 to 5. It is illustrated by Barbara Firth. Compare it with other books exploring family, kindness and courage.
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Ages 3–6
Giraffes Can't Dance
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Picture Book1999
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Ages 3–6
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Rob Biddulph
On the shelf for children aged 3 to 6: Odd Dog Out, a picture book by Rob Biddulph. It connects with self-reliance and courage.
Picture Book2016