By David McKee (author) , Marysia Milewski (illustrator) Part of the Elmer Picture Books series
"This poignant posthumous work carries a vital message reminding us of the importance of caring for our planet."
Paperback In Stock £7.99 £7.19
Hardback In Stock £12.99 £11.69
View All Editions (2)
Elmer and the White Bear is David McKee's final gift to young readers.
After his passing in 2022, David's family discovered a manuscript and some early sketches for a picture book, along with rough thumbnail illustrations. However, no colour artwork had been started. Marysia Milewski, a close friend and fellow artist, was entrusted with bringing the book to life.
To honour David's legacy, his children packed up the paper he typically used for Elmer, along with his pencils and paints, and delivered them to Marysia. She then used all of David’s materials to create the artwork in his distinctive style.
This gentle story introduces young readers to the impact of climate change. It follows a polar bear stranded far from home after the ice sheet he was fishing on broke away, drifting and slowly melting, ultimately delivering the bear to a green and tropical jungle. With the help of Elmer and his friends, the bear is returned to the snowy north. However, he leaves behind the troubling news about the warming of the Earth and the urgent need for action.
This poignant posthumous work carries a vital message from the beloved author and illustrator behind the Elmer series, reminding us of the importance of caring for our planet.
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!
Read the full description
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) Elmer story with artwork by his dear friend and fine artist, Marysia Milewski.
On the book, David’s children Chuck, Brett and Chantal have collectively said, “We’re really excited that Andersen Press are able to bring Elmer and the White Bear to the world, and continue to share dad’s stories. This one was obviously an important book for Dad, he was concerned to get the environmental message right, and being illustrated by his dear friend Marysia. It’s a beautiful story that has been gorgeously and sensitively completed.”
Marysia Milewski, the illustrator of Elmer and the White Bear adds, “I am so grateful and deeply moved to have had the special honour of illustrating Elmer and the White Bear. I am humbled by the trust and confidence in my illustrations shown by all in the Andersen team, but above all, I treasure my close and enduring friendship with David McKee.
What an extraordinary journey it has been walking in David’s footsteps! May Elmer continue to resonate with tomorrow’s children the way he has with all of ours.”
"The eco-message of this posthumous book is simply and eloquently expressed, while McKee’s friend Milewski provides illustrations that perfectly capture his unfussy, colourful style. A heartfelt, thought-provoking treat" Financial Times, Best books of 2025
David McKee (1935 - 2022) was the creator of well-known characters including King Rolo, 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 Colege, where he had a traditional training. On leaving co lege he drew regularly for Punch, Reader’s Digest , and The Times Educational Supplement . His drawings were influenced especia ly 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.
The LoveReading4Kids Best Children's Books of the Year 2025
Our Top Children's Christmas Gift Book Recommendations for 2025
the best picture books · the best bedtime stories
The Tale of the Whale
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.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed Elmer and the White Bear and determined it is suitable for children aged 0-4 years old
Elmer and the White Bear features in the following genres: Books for Babies and Toddlers, Featured Books for 3+ readers, Recommendations, Star Books, Animal Stories, Ecological and Environmental Interest - Non Fiction, Personal Social Health Economic (PSHE), Picture storybooks, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Children’s / Teenage: Social issues / topics, Children’s picture books, Children’s: picture books, activity books, early learning concepts
Paperback, Hardback. £7.19, down from the £7.99 cover price. In Stock.
Elmer and the White Bear was written by David McKee and published by Andersen Press an imprint of Andersen Press Ltd
Elmer and the White Bear has 32 pages
Yes it is part of Elmer Picture Books series
£7.19, reduced from £7.99. In Stock.
©PTC International Ltd T/A LoveReading is registered in England. Company number: 10193437. VAT number: 270 4538 09. Registered address: 157 Shooters Hill, London, SE18 3HP. Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer
The National Year of Reading starts here. Join thousands of families and schools supporting reading for pleasure across the UK.