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Elmer Day at Living Paintings
22nd May 2026
May 23rd marks Elmer Day, a yearly celebration of kindness, diversity and creativity, all inspired by David McKee’s beloved series of Elmer books. This year, we’re adding 20 more copies to our free postal library in memory of our friend and long-time volunteer, Julie.
Julie was a volunteer at Living Paintings for many years, painting the tactile pages that went into our accessible picture books.
Sadly, Julie passed away last year, and is very much missed at the painting table in our production studio.
Due to Julie’s love of Living Paintings, her family very kindly set up a memorial fund for us in her memory. This fund has enabled us to create more copies of the fantastic Elmer book which always has a waiting list, so now more blind children can access this childhood favourite.
What’s Elmer about?
Elmer the patchwork elephant is ashamed of being different from the other elephants, so he disguises himself to blend in with the herd but he’s soon found out and to Elmer’s surprise and joy, he is loved anyway and all the other elephants decide to celebrate his uniqueness.
Our accessible adaptation includes three tactile images and clear braille inserts, all handmade by our team of dedicated volunteers, and an audio guide, read by Sue Pollard, that guides readers through all the illustrations in the book, helping them access the story in a way that works for them.
This Elmer Day, we’ll be celebrating Elmer and our wonderful friend Julie: kind, funny, and unapologetically herself, all values celebrated in the stories of Elmer.
We know she’d be thrilled that we’re helping more children who are blind or visually impaired to access these beloved stories just like their sighted peers.
“Mum loved her Wednesdays at Living Paintings and spending time with the LP family. We know that nothing would make her happier than knowing that all the money donated at her funeral has gone to giving even more books to even more children who are blind.Amy Daughter of Julie
“She really was the kindest and most caring person; she adored children and being around them. I have childhood memories of mum reading Elmer the Patchwork Elephant to us at bedtime and there couldn’t be a more fitting tribute to her. She would have loved it!”