Will Poulter teams up with Elmer and Alzheimer’s Research UK

Andersen Press have partnered with leading dementia charity Alzheimer’s Research UK on a multi-year campaign with Elmer and the Gift, the 30th Elmer picture book written and illustrated by David McKee, at its heart.

Alzheimer’s Research UK has provided special notes for the back of the paperback, to be published in May, that can help families discuss the often sensitive and difficult topic of dementia and memory loss. Alzheimer’s Research UK will also house a special Elmer site with further resources online that will be the home of the premier activity; a specially filmed reading of the book by Will Poulter, the star of the latest Marvel Studios release The Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3, released in cinemas the same week as the book, in May.

Will Poulter, Hollywood actor and Alzheimer’s Research UK supporter:

“I loved reading the story of Elmer and the Gift in support of Alzheimer’s Research UK. Thousands of families are impacted by dementia and talking about it to friends and family of any age is incredibly difficult. David McKee’s Elmer the Patchwork Elephant is colourful, trusted, and nostalgic for many parents, making the story a great way to start these important conversations with little ones.”

Elmer and the Gift is the 30th Elmer picture book written and illustrated by David McKee, and the last completed before his death in April 2022. In the book, Aunt Zelda has a gift to give to Elmer from his Grandpa Eldo, but she can’t remember what it is or where it is. Zelda’s memory sometimes escapes her, and her hearing isn’t what it used to be, so they set off together to find Grandpa Eldo and solve the mystery of the forgotten gift.

In his 30th storybook, Elmer’s love, patience and respect for his Aunt Zelda and Grandpa Eldo makes for a heart-warming depiction of family life with elderly relatives, and deftly deals with themes relating to dementia with love and respect.

Elmer and the Gift Read by Marvel Star Will Poulter, Andersen Press partners with Alzheimer’s Research UK

Alzheimer’s Research UK is committed to changing the lives of everyone affected by dementia. Without action, one in three people born today will develop dementia in their lifetime, and sadly there are currently no treatments available in the UK today to slow or stop dementia. The charity supports scientific research into life-changing discoveries to prevent, treat and, one day, cure the diseases that cause dementia.

Will Poulter’s reading of the book will be available free online, and aims to raise awareness of dementia by helping to bring families together and open up a way to talk about the difficult subject.

Andersen Press and Alzheimer’s Research UK will continue their partnership into 2024, Elmer’s 35th Anniversary year with a multitude of special product launches, Elmer character appearances at special sporting events and more.

Tim Parry, Director at Alzheimer’s Research UK:

“We are excited to work with Andersen Press on Elmer and the Gift, a heart-warming story that celebrates the importance of love, patience and kindness when supporting people affected by dementia. Aunt Zelda’s story is familiar to many families, but it can be difficult to talk openly about dementia. With the help of Alzheimer’s Research UK’s advice, we hope the paperback book will allow adults to have important conversations with young people about the condition and its impact on our loved ones.

“Thank you to Andersen Press for helping us raise awareness and compassion around dementia, and for supporting our mission to bring about a world free from the fear, harm and heartbreak it causes.”

Elmer and the Gift by David McKee will be released in paperback, May 4th 2023, £7.99, the reading from Will Poulter will be available online from early May, more information available at: https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/campaign/elmer/