Will Poulter to read Elmer children’s book in support of Alzheimer’s Research UK

Actor Will Poulter is set to take part in a specially-filmed reading of children’s book Elmer And The Gift in support of Alzheimer’s Research UK.

Andersen Press, the publisher of the Elmer book series, has partnered with the dementia charity on a multi-year campaign to encourage discussion of dementia and memory loss among families.

British actor Poulter, 30, said: “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.”

Poulter rose to fame for his roles in Son Of Rambow and The Chronicles Of Narnia film series, and is set to star in Marvel’s Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 3.

Alzheimer’s Research UK has provided special notes to be included at the end of the paperback of Elmer And The Gift to help families discuss the difficult topic of dementia and memory loss.

The release of Poulter’s special reading of Elmer And The Gift will coincide with the release of both the paperback edition of the book and Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 3 in May.

The reading will be available on a special Elmer site, set up by Alzheimer’s Research UK to provide additional online resources.

Elmer And The Gift is the 30th book in the series following the much-loved Elmer the Patchwork Elephant, written and illustrated by the late David McKee.

The book is the last to be written by McKee before his death in April last year at the age of 87.

The story sees Aunt Zelda with a gift to give Elmer from his Grandpa Eldo, but due to struggling with memory loss she is unable to remember what the gift is or where she has put it.

Elmer and Aunt Zelda team up and set off on a journey to find Grandpa Eldo and discover the mystery of the forgotten gift.

Andersen Press, who first published the Elmer book series in 1989, and Alzheimer’s Research UK will continue their partnership into next year, which will mark the 35th anniversary of Elmer.

Speaking about the partnership, director of communications at Alzheimer’s Research UK Tim Parry, said: “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 will be released in paperback on May 4, with the reading from Will Poulter available online from early May.