TWO beloved children’s books are being brought to the stage in Warrington.

Elmer the Patchwork Elephant will be trumpeting into town on March 31 to mark the 30th anniversary of David McKee’s creation.

The tale, which offers an exploration of the themes of diversity and acceptance, has been adapted for the stage with 21 puppets by Suzanne Maynard Miller, with songs by Allison Leyton-Brown, and is coming to the Parr Hall.

Elephants are big, have trunks, and are grey but Elmer is different, he is made up of a patchwork of brilliant colours.

His fun-loving and cheerful personality keeps everyone in a playful mood, until the day he gets tired of being different and tries to blend in with the herd.

But he ultimately learns that his friends have always valued his unique characteristics.

Timeless classic, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, will then follow in Elmer’s elephant-sized footsteps at the Parr Hall.

Author and illustrator Eric Carle’s book has been delighting children for almost half a century.

First published in 1969, The Very Hungry Caterpillar has sold more than 43 million copies worldwide and the story’s 50th anniversary theatre tour is coming to Warrington on July 21.

Created by Jonathan Rockefeller, the critically-acclaimed production of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show features a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets in a faithful adaptation of four of Eric Carle’s stories.

They include Brown Bear, Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, The Very Lonely Firefly and of course, the star of the show, The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

Becki Mundy, from Parr Hall, said: “Eric’s well-known books captivated readers with his iconic colourful hand-painted tissue paper illustrations and distinctively simple stories.

“As a result, generations of children were introduced to a bigger, brighter world, and to their first experience of reading itself.

“Now the classic has made its way off the page and onto the stage.”

Elmer the Patchwork Elephant is on stage on March 31 and The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show is on July 21. Tickets are on sale now. Visit pyramidparrhall.com or call 442345.