Elmer and the Hippos
Elmer Series
on Goodreads (222)
What’s inside...
The elephants are not very happy because the hippos have come to live in their river, which was caused by their own river drying up. When the elephants complain to Elmer about the overcrowding, Elmer sets off to find a solution. He discovers that the problem can be solved easily, but it requires cooperation between the hippos and the elephants. Elmer, the patchwork elephant, has been a beloved character for children globally since his first book was released in 1989.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-9
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Elmer
Discussion points
What do you think made Elmer the elephant a good friend to the hippos?
How did Elmer help solve the problem with the river? What would you have done in his situation?
Why do you think it’s important to help others, even if they are different from us?
How do you think the other animals felt when the river problem was solved?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the importance of teamwork and problem-solving by discussing Elmer’s actions and what they could learn from them.
Highlight the diversity among the characters, discussing how each animal’s unique traits contribute positively to their community.
Ask your child to imagine their own solutions to the river problem before revealing how Elmer resolved it, fostering creativity and critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: Elmer the patchwork elephant once again teaches the importance of accepting and celebrating differences among individuals. In this story, Elmer helps the hippos to integrate into the jungle community despite their differences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and embrace the uniqueness of each person they meet, helping foster a more inclusive environment at school and in their community.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Elmer demonstrates quick thinking and problem-solving skills when he finds a way to divert the river to create a new pool for the hippos.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think creatively and act decisively when faced with challenges, enhancing their cognitive development and resilience.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The story highlights how Elmer collaborates with other animals to help the hippos. This teamwork leads to a successful resolution of the habitat issue.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of working together to achieve common goals, which is a vital skill in school projects and extracurricular activities.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Kindness
Explanation: Elmer shows great empathy for the hippos' situation and goes out of his way to assist them. His actions are a great example of kindness and compassion.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to be considerate of others' feelings and situations, fostering a more empathetic and supportive peer environment.
Example Lesson: Adaptation to Change
Explanation: The arrival of the hippos represents change within the jungle community. Elmer's positive handling of the situation teaches the value of adapting to new circumstances.
Real-World Application: It helps children understand that change is a part of life and adapting to it can lead to positive outcomes.