Andersen Press, publisher of the Elmer the Patchwork Elephant books by David McKee, has joined forces with UK charity Living Streets to encourage children to discover the joys of walking.
The charity will launch a special Little Feet x Elmer activity pack for schools this month, which includes a set of colourful resources designed for children aged two to five to be used in nurseries and preschools to introduce the benefits of walking to young children and their families, inspired by Elmer’s story of inclusion and friendship.
Living Streets promotes walking to school as an easy way for children and their families to stay active and healthy, while helping to reduce congestion, road danger and air pollution for the whole community.
The partnership is part of Elmer’s 35th birthday celebrations at Andersen Press. Thirty books were written and illustrated by David McKee following the colourful elephant’s debut in 1989, and the series has sold more than 10 million copies in more than 60 languages around the world.
Paul Black, PR and brand director at Andersen Press, said: “2024 is a huge year for Elmer, and what better way to kick it off than to launch Living Streets’ amazing resource to encourage young children and their families to get out and start walking to school with Elmer.
“Elmer has always loved a walk to clear his mind, appreciate his surroundings and have a good think – and we hope that will inspire families around the country. This is just the start of Elmer’s partnership with Living Streets with much more to come throughout the anniversary year.”
The collaboration was facilitated by Louis Kennedy, the organisation behind Partnerships with Purpose, with more products to come including a limited edition version of David McKee’s Elmer’s Walk for sale exclusively in One Stop stores across the UK in aid of the charity. The book will go on sale during Living Streets’ National Walking Month in May ahead of Elmer Day on 25 May. Proceeds from the book will help Living Streets’ work for safer streets for people of all ages.
Stephen Edwards, chief executive of Living Streets, commented: “We’re really excited to be partnering with Andersen Press and Elmer the Patchwork Elephant to encourage children to walk more, while awakening their imaginations. The book and Little Feet resources will guide little ones on a journey with the beloved patchwork elephant, meeting lots of animal friends along the way.
“We know that nine out of 10 children aged two to five don’t meet the daily activity level recommendations. Walking to or from pre-school is a great way to help families spend quality time together, as well as helping everyone get more active. With Elmer’s help, we are sure we can help even more little ones enjoy the benefits of walking.”
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