Review: The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition

Have you ever wondered how Santa knows if you’ve been naughty or nice? How does he decide who deserves toys in their stockings and who deserves a lump of coal? All is revealed by one of Santa’s own Elves who, through exciting rhyming text, explains to her new family all about her job of watching for good deeds as well as bad, before reporting everything back the big guy in red.

This gift pack includes your very own little keepsake elf doll, made of a stiff felt body and plastic head, as well as the hardcover illustrated picture book. Readers are given the task of naming their little Elf, “What will you call me – Sparkle or Hart?”, before they can be privy to the big secret.

The story then goes on to share that each night as everyone sleeps, the little elf flies back to the North Pole to tell Santa about how her family members have behaved that day. Upon returning home she takes up a new position in the house, and so begins the game of finding the elf each morning when the family wakes.

Although the rhythmic flow of the story is a little stilted in places, the charm of this book is in the concept. It provides the beginnings of a fun family tradition, while at the same time giving Mum and Dad a bit of leverage for encouraging good behaviour – everyone knows that the Elf is watching! 

Title: The Elf on the Shelf
Author: Carol V. Aebersold and Chanda A. Bell
Illustrator: Coe Steinwart
Publisher: CCA & B, $51.99 RRP
Publication Date: 2012
Format: Gift Box
ISBN: 9780976990703
For ages: 4+
Type: Picture Book