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Young readers will delight in the rhyming couplets, balanced meter, and heartwarming story found in this Christmas-themed picture book.
A story of friendship, determination, and a search to figure out exactly who you're meant to be...
In Santa’s Christmas Village, all young elves will learn their role.
They’re taught by Santa’s daughter, North, in classes at the Pole.
As Head Elf, North must help each elf fulfill their Elfie dream.
Except, this year, one elf’s left out—not part of any team.
It’s North who leads the way, reminding Santa’s newest elf:
“Your special talent lies within! I’ll help you find yourself!”
In Santa’s Christmas Village, it is North’s job to make sure that every new elf finds the role they are best suited for. Normally, fledgling elves’ names appear on a list next to their area of expertise; this year, however, Tess is an anomaly. Without a specific job at the outset, North decides to take Tess around the village to determine where her strengths truly lie. Candy making and baking are not Tess’s focus, nor are building or list-checking. However, after experimenting widely, North finally determines where Tess will do the most good for the children of the world.
Christmas is a season of wonder and excitement, often inspiring young children to imagine what life at the North Pole must be like, and this book showcases one possibility. As Santa’s right hand elf, North is critical to ensuring that the Christmas holiday takes place as expected. Cartoon-like illustrations depict North and the other elves in dynamic and expressive postures, representing several skin tones and genders among them. The Aurora Borealis crowns the village, which is made up of snow-frosted pine trees and houses that resemble gingerbread creations. Through these illustrations, the Christmas spirit is palpable for readers of all ages.
The writing is especially accessible to the target audience. Presented in rhyming couplets, North’s narration unfolds in a select few lines on each page. Their singsong rhythm and balanced meter make the story a joy to read aloud, and young children will be easily drawn in by the musicality of this design. Short phrases and accessible language connect readers to Tess’s story, building empathy while describing some of the many tasks that must take place for Santa’s annual journey to be successful.
Young readers with an interest in Christmas will happily embrace this unique approach to the holiday season. On its surface, this story describes both the magical world that is Santa’s village and the tasks that are completed there. Beneath that, however, is a journey of discovering both where one belongs in the world and what activities inspire the most joy. Delightfully executed, this is an enjoyable addition to the canon of picture books for young children that depict the Christmas holiday.
Reviewed by
I review books for kids, tweens, and teens and blog about them on my website. To date, I have over 500 published reviews. Sign up for my monthly newsletter at www.maryrlanni.com to get recommendations straight to your inbox! I primarily write reviews, but will create video reviews upon request.
Synopsis
A story of friendship, determination, and a search to figure out exactly who you're meant to be...
In Santa’s Christmas Village, all young elves will learn their role.
They’re taught by Santa’s daughter, North, in classes at the Pole.
As Head Elf, North must help each elf fulfill their Elfie dream.
Except, this year, one elf’s left out—not part of any team.
It’s North who leads the way, reminding Santa’s newest elf:
“Your special talent lies within! I’ll help you find yourself!”
About the author
Lindsay is a wife, mom to three spunky girls and two dogs, and a travel agent. Between school, dance classes, and soccer games, Lindsay works full time planning dream vacations for families all across the world. Plus she’s always ready to plan her own family’s next adventure! view profile
Published on October 12, 2021
0-1000 words
Genre: Picture Books
Reviewed by
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