Elmer and the Rainbow

Elmer, the patchwork elephant everyone loves, faces a new kind of challenge here: the rainbow has lost all its color after a storm, and Elmer — the most colorful creature in the jungle — volunteers to share his own hues to restore it. What makes this installment quietly wonderful is the twist: giving away color doesn't dim Elmer at all. His checkerboard hide is as vivid as ever. It's a gentle, beautiful way to show young children that generosity doesn't diminish you — and the bright, familiar McKee illustrations make it a visual treat on every page. The honest note is that children who haven't met Elmer before may miss some of the emotional stakes. But as a values-rich picture book for the youngest readers, this one earns its place on the shelf.