Andersen Press to publish posthumous Elmer books by David McKee

Andersen Press has acquired two new Elmer books – discovered by author David McKee’s children after his death in 2022 – and will publish them posthumously.

Alice Milner-Watt, Andersen Press’ picture book commissioning editor, acquired world all language rights from the author’s family directly. The first title, Elmer and the White Bear, has been unveiled at Bologna International Children’s Book Fair and will be published in 2025. This will be followed by a further book with details to follow. 

Elmer and the White Bear aims to introduce the climate crisis to young children. The synopsis reads: “When a mysterious white bear appears in the jungle, Elmer and Wilbur are keen to hear his story. The bear has come all the way from the frozen north, floating on a tiny scrap of melting ice, and now he can’t find his way back. Luckily, Elmer and Wilbur hatch a plan! But what caused the white bear’s icy home to melt in the first place? That’s a much more puzzling question.”

The forthcoming titles are based on manuscripts and early sketches discovered by McKee’s children – Chuck, Brett and Chantal. A friend of the author, artist and gallery owner Marysia Milewski, has provided illustrations using McKee’s own paper, pencils and paint. Andersen Press said the resulting artwork “honours David’s style and the inclusive nature of his Elmer books, ensuring his beloved character lives on for future generations”. 

Chuck, Brett and Chantal commented: “We’re really excited that Andersen Press [is] 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.”

Milewska added: “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.”

Milner-Watt commented: “David felt strongly that young children live in a changing world now more than ever, and in our early conversations about the environmental themes in this book, he expressed how important it was for him that the story of the white bear would start conversations about climate change with them, without patronising or trying to offer a particular solution. So we were incredibly moved when we discovered his full text and sketches among his effects, and we knew immediately that we had to honour his intentions and finish this important book on his behalf.”

The announcement comes during Andersen Press’ Elmer 35 campaign, with more than 110,000 copies of the World Book Day £1 book Elmer and the Patchwork Story sold through Nielsen bookscan. Rights to Elmer and the White Bear are also being sold in foreign rights markets at Bologna International Children’s Book Fair.