This Is an Elf is not only a fabulous Christmas book with a difference, it is also a companion to the bestselling book in the series Books That Drive Kids Crazy, This Is a Ball, in terms of style, concept and rhythm.
For the Grown-Ups: You know how you're right all the time? All. The. Time. Well, it's Christmas! Time to give the kids a turn. Which is why almost everything you read in this book will be wrong. You'll say it once and they'll check it twice. It won't be a silent night ... And the kids will love it!---from the publisher
32 pages 9780733344169 Ages 4-7
Keywords: humor, fun, Christmas book, elves, animals, 4 year old, 5 year old, 7 year old
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As that pesky little elf on the shelf starts to pop up in strange places overnight, watching who is naughty or nice and sending Santa daily reports, it's time to think about just what an elf is and just how much they know and do.
In this hilarious story from two who are dedicated to ensuring children see the fun and joy in reading, there is a trigger on the front cover that suggests it might not be what it says. For just like their classic, This is a Ball, the illustration does not match the title, and so doesn't predict what the story might be about as is the norm.
So, if the cover illustration is not an elf, it could be time to investigate what the children already known about elves so they are set for the dichotomies they are about to encounter. Like its predecessor, ‘misnamed’ objects are introduced accompanied by a “commentary” that suggests the interaction between child and reader. Designed with pages and illustrations that are reminiscent of the uncluttered style of Dick Bruna, preschoolers will love the opportunity to contradict and correct the adult, something they rarely get a chance to do legitimately. And, if the adult asks, “how do you know?” it also gives them a chance to consider what they know about elves, organising and expressing their thoughts to explain why the adult/book is wrong, offering an early lesson in presenting evidence to justify and argument.
Something special to bond child and grown-up as the silly season gathers pace.
This review can also be found here.
Recommended by: Barbara Braxton, Teacher Librarian, New South Wales AUSTRALIA
See more of her recommendations:
500 Hats http://500hats.edublogs.org/
The Bottom Shelf http://thebottomshelf.edublogs.org/
