Whimsical little creatures working day and night in Santa's workshop fill the minds of hopeful kids with long Christmas wish lists. Based in the North Pole, this crew of tiny people use a variety of miniature tools to build and create all the toys to be delivered around the world on Christmas eve. Some say they refer to Santa's "naughty or nice" list to figure out who deserves to have their favorite toys constructed, or whether coal will be substituted instead. Reading children books about elves gives them a sneak peak inside a place where all the magic happens. And maybe it will teach your kids to appreciate the effort that goes into the beautifully wrapped presents under the tree.
Oliver is an ambitious elf who can't wait to get to work. But, sadly, when he visits each of the locations where the magic happens, he is too small to get the job done. He fails miserably in the toy workshop, the bakery, the bike station, and everywhere else. His spirits are lifted when he meets a reindeer who is also struggling with her duties. They form a special bond and together find a place where they can contribute to the Christmas spirit.
Best Elf Stories to Read Kids This Christmas
Just like kids, elves are unique individuals who love to share their experiences and perspectives across the pages of these picture books. Almost all of them are proud of their work and the magical role they play at Christmas. Children will get a kick out of these books about elves that show the many moods, personalities, motivations, and other traits that make Santa's helpers so special. But that's not to say that their work is always rewarding and joyful! So grab your special little ones, snuggle up under a blanket, and take a behind-the-scenes tour of what life is really like for these little toymakers. Christmas is a special time of year for young children whose imaginations are overflowing with images of busy little helpers.
Never Touch a Grumpy Elf!
A board book about elves perfect for toddlers who sometimes don't listen. Throughout this rhyming story, readers are warned about all the dangers and consequences that will occur upon touching a grumpy elf. All of the touch-and-feel features on each page will encourage them to do exactly the opposite.
How to Catch an Elf
A clever, rhyming picture book about all the tricks and traps kids need to set in order to catch an elf. They are sneaky little creatures who easily evade even the most ingenious contraptions. Preschool kids will love the vibrant pictures and may even try to put some of these ideas into action Christmas Eve.
Pig the Elf
Pig is the greediest pug around. On Christmas Eve, he can hardly contain his excitement at the thought of getting all those presents. So he hatches a plan to stay awake all night and catch Santa in the act of delivering his gifts. After a funny turn of events, Pig finds himself aboard Santa's sleigh, disguised as an elf, and things turn disastrously funny!
Memoirs of an Elf
This popular picture book provide fantastic insight about life as Santa's helper. Spark Elf has the incredibly important job of keeping Santa Claus on track so he can make all his deliveries in time. Spark gets the GPS ready while all the other elves load the sleigh with presents. Over the course of the night, Santa and his crew get easily distracted by cuddly family pets and delicious cookies. Just in the nick of time, all of the presents of delivered and Santa is back home in the North Pole. But when he unloads the sacks, he finds that one has a furry puppy inside. Will he be able to return this little doggy to its rightful owner in time for Christmas?
The Elves and the Shoemaker
An enchanting retelling of the classic Grimm fairytale about a couple of elves with kind hearts. A poor shoemaker and his wife are baffled by the appearance of new shoes that appear every morning on the workbench. The craftsmanship is like none they have seen before and wealthy customers near and far come to buy the shoes. One day, the shoemaker and his wife catch the furtive little pixies and find a way to repay them.
Elf in the House
On Christmas Eve, every little noise in the house grabs the attention of kids trying to fall asleep. In a charming, cumulative rhyming book, a girl slips out of bed to investigate all the squeaks and creaks that are certainly coming from some visitors. She does run into an elf, but that isn't the only surprise guest she discovers. A few fun twists and really cute illustrations will keep your child's attention for many readings.
How to Trick a Christmas Elf
Kids always want to find out if they're on the naughty or nice list, for that will surely determine whether or not special presents will be left under the Christmas tree. This charming children's book about elves provides a strategy for getting a hold of the list before Christmas day. The method? Distract the little pixie who has come to watch the house, and then take a sneak peak at the list in his possession. Kids are encouraged to gather some shiny craft supplies and build a little sleigh that will catch the elf's attention. When the moment is right, kids can snatch the naughty and nice lists to find out where their names fall.
The Little Red Elf
This delightful elf book for children offers a clever spin on a classic fairytale. In this story, a little red elf begs her friends- a penguin, a reindeer, and a hare- to help her with Christmas preparations. But, alas, they are all too busy, too tired, or have other more important interests. So the elf plants a pinecone, brings the Christmas tree inside, decorates it, and lays out treats for Santa Claus. Throughout the whole process, he does not complain or show any signs of resentment. On Christmas Day, when the gifts are handed out, the elf's friends are in for a big surprise!
The Christmas Elf Countdown
An interactive, lift-the-flap board book about a bunch of elves hustling to get ready for Christmas. This merry crew is making Christmas treats, putting out the decorations, and making lots of toys. The countdown until Christmas is moving quickly and there is so much to do! Toddlers and preschoolers will love peaking under all the flaps (there are 35!) to see the Christmas surprises.
Elfie the Elf
A sweet story about an unlikely friendship that develops between a little girl who moved to the North Pole and a lonely little guy. Each of these characters finds themselves physically lost, and perhaps a little emotionally lost as well. But when they come together, both the girl and the elf help each other find happiness in this heartwarming Christmas story.
The Elf on the Shelf Search and Find
An interactive book to keep your kids busy over the holiday. More than 40 pages of seek-and-find activities across festive Christmas scenes. The Scout Elves and Elf Pets are not always so easy to find, and lots of bonus items to search adds to the fun of this activity book.
Mr. Getaway and the Christmas Elves
A group of students is in for the surprise of a lifetime when their substitute teacher takes them on a field trip to the North Pole. They are instructed to quietly observe the organized chaos as a bevy of elves works frantically on the Christmas toys. The message interwoven throughout this story is the power of giving. A fun, rhyming book with cartoonish illustrations that will appeal to young children.
The Littlest Elf: Marvin McGee and the Candle of Fate
Great things come in small packages. This is the lesson learned in this adorable book about the tiniest elf of the bunch. He zips around trying to help but his small stature prevents him from being of any assistance. Then one day a big problem develops on the North Pole, and it turns out that only the smallest of elves can fix it. An uplifting story about courage, heart, and perseverance.
What Are Santa's Elves Made Of?
Brighten up a toddler's Christmas day with this darling book about sugary sweet elves. Little ones know all the important jobs these miniature helpers do to get Santa ready for Christmas. But surely they are not made like ordinary people. Perhaps they are like gingerbread cookies with delicious frosting or maybe they taste like candy canes and taffy! Whatever the answer, these whimsical creatures are responsible for lots of Christmas magic.
Five Busy Elves
A group five elves is bustling about getting ready for the busiest day of the entire year. In this cute book, toddlers will learn all the important tasks these little helpers do to get ready. Rhyming verse and bold, festive colors will deliver holiday cheer to all who read this cute story
Santa's Elves Save Christmas
It's very important that there is a surprise for every girl and boy, but some have been accidentally misplaced by the forgetful elves. Tiny tots will love peaking under each of the flaps in search of the missing Christmas presents. This padded board book is just the right size for toddlers celebrating their first Christmas.
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