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Top Elf
The elves can't be kept on shelves in this hilarious middle-grade debut about what happens when Santa opens a contest to find his successor.
Ollie is a very happy elf -- happy to work in Santa's workshop, happy to invent new games with his best friend Celia, happy to be a part of Christmas. Never in a million years would it have occurred to him that he'd have a chance to be the next Santa.
Yes, the competition is on -- and Ollie is far from the only person vying for the Big Red Suit. There are the Claus children (including the unfortunately named oldest, Klaus Claus). There is Buzz, an elf who loves to taunt Ollie. There's Ramp, who insists he's a kid . . . but looks and smells like an adult. Even Celia has thrown her hat into the race.
Where can a few extra reindeer be found? Who will sweep the chimney-climbing event? Whose ride will sleigh the competition? All these questions (and more) are answered in this hysterically funny, deeply adventurous tale of elves and Clauses vying for Pole position.
Ollie is a very happy elf -- happy to work in Santa's workshop, happy to invent new games with his best friend Celia, happy to be a part of Christmas. Never in a million years would it have occurred to him that he'd have a chance to be the next Santa.
Yes, the competition is on -- and Ollie is far from the only person vying for the Big Red Suit. There are the Claus children (including the unfortunately named oldest, Klaus Claus). There is Buzz, an elf who loves to taunt Ollie. There's Ramp, who insists he's a kid . . . but looks and smells like an adult. Even Celia has thrown her hat into the race.
Where can a few extra reindeer be found? Who will sweep the chimney-climbing event? Whose ride will sleigh the competition? All these questions (and more) are answered in this hysterically funny, deeply adventurous tale of elves and Clauses vying for Pole position.
279 pages, Hardcover
First published September 28, 2017
72 people are currently reading
413 people want to read
About the author
Caleb Zane Huett
22 books37 followersCaleb Zane Huett is a playwright, undercover reindeer, and independent bookseller at Avid Bookshop. He's a graduate of the University of Georgia and currently lives in Athens, Georgia where he plays a lot of video games.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
May 25, 2017
TOP ELF is a zany, heart-warming, adventurous Christmas extravaganza. Huett's imagination for Christmas-y in-jokes is endless, and his ability to create sincere, dynamic characters knows no bounds. So, don your Santa hats, and get ready for: a terrifying Frosty the Snowman, reindeer nuggets ("chicken nuggets shaped like reindeer, not made of reindeer, obviously"), science!, The Gingerbread Woman ("She was known throughout the North Pole for being exactly who you call when your gingerbread house is a fixer-upper"), true friendship, and lots of crying. It's the North Pole like you've never seen it before. Get HORSE . . . get set . . . HORSE!
March 30, 2017
Emerging author, Caleb Zane Huett, is an absolute joy. I can't remember the last time a book made me laugh and smile as much as Top Elf did. Packed full with lessons on team work, friendship, and self-love (and so so much more), this book warmed my heart and soul. It is such a pleasant divergence from the typical cookie-cutter Christmas story, while still maintaining a high level of Christmas cheer. I can't wait to read this story to my kids during the holidays (and I don't even have kids yet).
TIP: For maximum enjoyment, try reading Top Elf out loud. I promise you won't regret it.
TIP: For maximum enjoyment, try reading Top Elf out loud. I promise you won't regret it.
December 13, 2019
What a fun, Christmassy romp!
July 11, 2017
Move over Elf-on-the-Shelf, a more modern Christmas star is born!
Top Elf is a magical new work of “list-erature” for middle grades from a clever and dynamic young author. Caleb Zane Huett has created a kind spirited and pun-loving hero in protagonist Ollie Gnome.
Twelve year old Ollie finds himself among a diverse crew of contestants in a sometimes dangerous competition to become the next Santa. Rollicking adventure ensues. You will find yourself reading on the edge of your seat to see what comes next. Along the way, some hard lessons are learned and lasting friendships are forged.
Sprinkled with fairy dust, goodness, and powdered sugar, the humor in Top Elf is infectious. You will be smitten with Huett’s gift for word play.
And in spite of Ollie’s advice, I really do wish I could try his dad’s flavored ice cream “Pining for a Lost Love. It tastes like chocolate, but also tissues.”
Read Top Elf before it hits the big screen. This book has family blockbuster written all over it.
Top Elf is a magical new work of “list-erature” for middle grades from a clever and dynamic young author. Caleb Zane Huett has created a kind spirited and pun-loving hero in protagonist Ollie Gnome.
Twelve year old Ollie finds himself among a diverse crew of contestants in a sometimes dangerous competition to become the next Santa. Rollicking adventure ensues. You will find yourself reading on the edge of your seat to see what comes next. Along the way, some hard lessons are learned and lasting friendships are forged.
Sprinkled with fairy dust, goodness, and powdered sugar, the humor in Top Elf is infectious. You will be smitten with Huett’s gift for word play.
And in spite of Ollie’s advice, I really do wish I could try his dad’s flavored ice cream “Pining for a Lost Love. It tastes like chocolate, but also tissues.”
Read Top Elf before it hits the big screen. This book has family blockbuster written all over it.
July 14, 2017
It’s the Triwizard Tournament meets Christmas with fewer casualties, and the winner is crowned Santa. It has jokes in spades to keep you in stitches, with enough heart to warm the North Pole. Ollie and Celia are my favorite friend duo since Obama and Biden, and their quest to fill in Santa’s shoes (suit?) only gets more entertaining with each page turned. Caleb Zane Huett’s debut novel is a Christmas miracle--his humor and penchant for storytelling have made Top Elf an instant classic. This book is all you need for Christmas, so buy a copy for each and every little elf in your life.
June 17, 2017
TOP ELF is pure magic. It will have you doubled over in laughter as it thaws even the most cold and Grinch-y of hearts. Huett's witty, genuine voice shines through, and his true-blue characters will remain with you long after you finish the book. This is one to keep on hand to brighten dreary days, to bring a little holiday spirit alive at any time of year. Love, love, HORSE (ahem, LOVE).
January 16, 2023
The kids weren't excited about this book originally but loved it by the end
December 16, 2023
my students loved it and that’s all that matters to me 🫶
November 20, 2020
I was ready to be charmed with a fun Christmas themed story, but this one simply did not work for me. Santa, who apparently hates his job, has all his kids and any interested elf compete Hunger Games style for the role of next Santa. The main character and his best friend are both pretty adorable, and I loved all the Christmassy jokes, but somehow the whole story was just not very engaging. I've read and enjoyed middle grade fiction before, but probably I'm just the wrong audience for this.
Audiobook, borrowed from my public library. DNF at 51%
Audiobook, borrowed from my public library. DNF at 51%
December 1, 2017
This book is so much fun! I had such a great time with it.
In TOP ELF, we follow an elf named Ollie. Santa has announced to the residents and workers of the North Pole that this year will be his last in the famous red suit. Instead of him handing the reins over to his oldest son (named Klaus Claus), he's decided to do something a little different. Ollie, his fellow elves and the Claus children are offered the opportunity to compete to become the next Santa.
Welcome to the Santa Trials, a series of competitions that will test each competitor to see who is worthy of handling this centuries-old title. But will the competitions be more than any of them signed up for?
This book is a fun middle-grade story packed with action, humor and heart. I really enjoyed reading about Ollie and Co. The comps reminded me a lot of both the Hunger Games and the Triwizard Tournament minus the casualties. Seriously, some of these comps were scary. Scary awesome! ("Santa is that you?") I had a lot of laugh-out-loud moments and found myself often cheering for Ollie and Celia as the book went along. And how about those revelations at the end?! Talk about a treason for the season. ;)
I repeat: I really enjoyed this book. A lot! Huett has a spot-on skill in storytelling. I enjoyed his humor and creativity. The pacing is great, and the plot is highly entertaining (made even more so with the audiobook which I definitely recommend). TOP ELF is the perfect Christmas read. (I'd honestly read it anytime during the year though.) I'd love to have more stories about Ollie and Co. but I'll be happy with anything Huett throws our way next.
TOP ELF is an automatic fave for me. I loved it, and I encourage anyone and everyone who comes by this review to pick it up this Christmas season.
In TOP ELF, we follow an elf named Ollie. Santa has announced to the residents and workers of the North Pole that this year will be his last in the famous red suit. Instead of him handing the reins over to his oldest son (named Klaus Claus), he's decided to do something a little different. Ollie, his fellow elves and the Claus children are offered the opportunity to compete to become the next Santa.
Welcome to the Santa Trials, a series of competitions that will test each competitor to see who is worthy of handling this centuries-old title. But will the competitions be more than any of them signed up for?
This book is a fun middle-grade story packed with action, humor and heart. I really enjoyed reading about Ollie and Co. The comps reminded me a lot of both the Hunger Games and the Triwizard Tournament minus the casualties. Seriously, some of these comps were scary. Scary awesome! ("Santa is that you?") I had a lot of laugh-out-loud moments and found myself often cheering for Ollie and Celia as the book went along. And how about those revelations at the end?! Talk about a treason for the season. ;)
I repeat: I really enjoyed this book. A lot! Huett has a spot-on skill in storytelling. I enjoyed his humor and creativity. The pacing is great, and the plot is highly entertaining (made even more so with the audiobook which I definitely recommend). TOP ELF is the perfect Christmas read. (I'd honestly read it anytime during the year though.) I'd love to have more stories about Ollie and Co. but I'll be happy with anything Huett throws our way next.
TOP ELF is an automatic fave for me. I loved it, and I encourage anyone and everyone who comes by this review to pick it up this Christmas season.
Read
December 14, 2021Cute book for kids of all ages. Starts off with Santa retiring and holding a competition for elves and his children to become the next Santa. Told from the point of view of Elves as they compete using Christmas magic to compete in trials of sleigh making, Santa suit design, holiday cookie eating and more. This is a nice middle grade for 10-12 year olds.
January 28, 2022
This is an easy fun read for me that has became a tradition for me. Each year during the holiday season I read this book. Each time I discover something new and I love to read with my siblings.
This book is about two elves who are living in the North Pole. This year however it is not a normal Christmas. This year, Santa is stepping down and holding a contest to find the next Santa. Celia and Ollie enter the contest for fun but are not in store for what is ahead of them. They have no clue have far they will go, the people they with meet and the adventures that are in front of them.
This book is about two elves who are living in the North Pole. This year however it is not a normal Christmas. This year, Santa is stepping down and holding a contest to find the next Santa. Celia and Ollie enter the contest for fun but are not in store for what is ahead of them. They have no clue have far they will go, the people they with meet and the adventures that are in front of them.
December 6, 2022
Oh my goodness! This is such a cute story! It’s about a Christmas and friendship and honesty and teamwork. The humor is great for all ages and made me laugh out loud a few times! If you’re looking for a fun holiday read, this is it!
December 16, 2017
Such a fun book for upper elementary and middle school, but with enough geeky references to make this adult clap her hands with joy and delight. And Ollie and I share the same birthday so I think this book is just about perfect! The audiobook is great too!
December 18, 2017
Aah this was a perfect christmassy read! Fun, flimsy, corny and cute!
Read
January 17, 2022We snagged the audiobook for our road trip and my kiddo loved it. It took us a little longer than I expected for us to finish it, but once the games began, we almost listened without stopping!
January 1, 2023
It was fine, but I didn't love it (it was definitely better as an audiobook).
December 9, 2024
A cute adventure story about a bunch of North Polers competing to become the next Santa. It would be a great read alouds for my fourth graders. Maybe next year…
March 24, 2017
This book is the literal definition of heart-warming, and is the first middle grade book I've read (since I was in middle school myself) that's made me laugh out loud. Huett weaves together old legends, engaging quips, and refreshing lessons in an all together fascinating Christmas tapestry. He world-builds like he's been doing it for centuries, and won't ever leave you behind floundering in the details. This is a book I want to recommend to all my twenty-something year old friends (and not just to be ironic), because it gave me all the plot satisfaction found in a book for older readers, while letting me enjoy the hilarity and adorableness of a typical middle-grade novel. I read this book in March and let me tell you -- I've never felt more Christmas-y in my life.
December 4, 2022
Fun Christmas story for kids and adults! Legend, science and technology, a lot of puns, and great natration make for an entertaining read or listen. We would love to see this made into a movie.
.
.
March 2, 2024
I read this out loud to my class and we enjoyed it. It took us awhile to finish but that was my fault not the book’s.
December 21, 2017
I loved the story line to this book.
February 15, 2018
Amazing how everyone can come together in the spirit of Christmas.(Almost everyone!)
January 5, 2021
it was fun to raed good for cristmas
June 30, 2017
This wonderful read truly brought my inner child (or rather, elf) out. With all of the unique words and inventive phrases, I found myself reading aloud without the realization that I was doing so. Huett's premiere work was intelligent, captivating, and magical. Get reading!
December 26, 2017
I did it, I finally finished this book. I found this one really difficult to get into...kind of thought of it as Hunger Games for Elves. I'm glad I finished but it isn't going to be an annual tradition to read it.
October 29, 2017
I purchase a Christmas book almost every year and this is my 2017 choice, and well worth it. Lots of fun and would be a great family read.
December 17, 2017
My goodness this was one of the most adorable books I've ever read!!!! Real review to Come!
*Edit 12/17/17 -You can find more of my reviews here at my blog: Take Me Away... **
I added this book because I went to an event called Tweens Read and while there, I noticed that ALL the kids there were reading it in some way. They had either picked it as a prize or purchased it. And of course, working at a library, I decided I needed to check it out too. And cliché as it sounds, I’m so glad I did!
Christmas is coming as usual, but a couple days before Santa says he has an announcement. His announcement is: Santa is no longer going to be run by the Klaus family, instead there will be a competition to find the next Santa. To some, this is a great opportunity. To others, not so much. Ollie finds the competition interesting and enters it with a host of others. Can he really win and become the next Santa?
I’ve had this on my shelf for a couple months now, but I wanted to wait until I was more in the Christmas spirt before I read it. And that was the right call. This book is extremely cute and features elves, Santa, Snowmen, Gingerbread Women, and so much more. It was one big Christmas adventure full of Christmas action.
However, the best part of this book was the writing style and the humor. I don’t remember going more than 5 pages without laughing. Normally with MG books I find the humor to be not really funny, and it was nice to finally read something that actually made me laugh. (But nothing got me like LDB and “Come through they told me!” I haven’t laughed that hard in ages!) I also loved that Huett’s writing style showed his true love of Christmas. I had the chance to listen to him speak at Tweens Read and his love for Christmas was obvious from even a young age. I’m glad his love for Christmas turned into this book.
After reading this I was so into the holiday spirit that I binge watched Christmas movies on Netflix. This book will most definitely put you in the mood to surround yourself with more Christmas things. It was absolutely adorable, and I will definitely send this to my little sister to read!
*Edit 12/17/17 -You can find more of my reviews here at my blog: Take Me Away... **
I added this book because I went to an event called Tweens Read and while there, I noticed that ALL the kids there were reading it in some way. They had either picked it as a prize or purchased it. And of course, working at a library, I decided I needed to check it out too. And cliché as it sounds, I’m so glad I did!
Christmas is coming as usual, but a couple days before Santa says he has an announcement. His announcement is: Santa is no longer going to be run by the Klaus family, instead there will be a competition to find the next Santa. To some, this is a great opportunity. To others, not so much. Ollie finds the competition interesting and enters it with a host of others. Can he really win and become the next Santa?
I’ve had this on my shelf for a couple months now, but I wanted to wait until I was more in the Christmas spirt before I read it. And that was the right call. This book is extremely cute and features elves, Santa, Snowmen, Gingerbread Women, and so much more. It was one big Christmas adventure full of Christmas action.
However, the best part of this book was the writing style and the humor. I don’t remember going more than 5 pages without laughing. Normally with MG books I find the humor to be not really funny, and it was nice to finally read something that actually made me laugh. (But nothing got me like LDB and “Come through they told me!” I haven’t laughed that hard in ages!) I also loved that Huett’s writing style showed his true love of Christmas. I had the chance to listen to him speak at Tweens Read and his love for Christmas was obvious from even a young age. I’m glad his love for Christmas turned into this book.
After reading this I was so into the holiday spirit that I binge watched Christmas movies on Netflix. This book will most definitely put you in the mood to surround yourself with more Christmas things. It was absolutely adorable, and I will definitely send this to my little sister to read!
March 19, 2018
Keep this book reserved for the next Christmas holiday season since it's funny, packed with fast-paced adventures and a little bit of intrigue. Plus, it just might remind you and your listeners should you decide to share it with others as a read aloud of the true meaning behind this particular day. The story focuses on a competition started by the current Santa Claus who is ready to retire after this year. Although he has youngsters who could inherit his job, he's concerned that the eldest boy, Klaus Claus, doesn't have much heart and lacks the compassion that a good Santa needs to have. To Klaus's disappointment, Santa decides to hold a series of competitions he calls the Santa Trials to determine his replacement. After this announcement, it is on, and a no holds barred competition among all the eligible inhabitants of the North Pole is off and running. Best friends and likeable characters, Ollie and Celia, are determined to win, but they aren't willing to hurt others to do so. Readers will be amused at the elf's proclivity to become emotional and sentimental, and they will get a kick out of Celia's fondness for science and inventions. The competitions are crazy while also making sense given Santa's job--squeezing down a chimney, consuming inordinate amounts of cookies, and convincing the reindeer to stay in line. There's even a chance for the competitors to be creative and to design their own Santa suit. Things go off the rails when Santa turns up missing, and Ollie and his friends must undo the damage done by someone determined to wreck Christmas. There are many passages that made me laugh as I read them, including a pesky reporter who keeps popping up, reading to reveal the latest scoop of bad news.
January 18, 2018
Ollie Gnome is an elf. His best friend is Celia Pixie and he makes toys in the Games & Puzzles department of the North Pole. That's how his life has always been, and that's how it always will be...right? Nope, because Ollie hadn't counted on Santa Claus completely changing the North Pole. Santa has decided to host the "Santa Trials" in order to find the next Santa. And anyone can apply, Human or elf. Ollie and Celia decide to take part in the contest, but they have no idea what lies ahead. After all, being Santa can't be that hard... right?
I was skeptical when I first decided to read this book. It's just another Christmas book, I had thought. But I was so wrong. This book has everything, whether you're looking for a surprisingly sweet friendship, swashbuckling adventure, unforgettable characters, cool technology, talking reindeer, or even a century old villain! It's very well written, which quite honestly surprised me.
At times (a lot of times), Ollie can be naïve, and you just want to jump into the book to warn him of the danger he's getting into. It frustrated me at first, but then I realized that the whole idea was to gain the reader's empathy so that the tiny bit of angst in this book hits you even harder. The characters themselves are deeply developed, except for the boy no one can remember (that's the point, though). Complete with clever nods to pop culture, this book was surprisingly interesting, gripping, and refreshing. It doesn't matter if it's Christmas Eve or the middle of July, you should definitely give this book a try!
Salonee V., 12, Metropolitan Washington Mensa
I was skeptical when I first decided to read this book. It's just another Christmas book, I had thought. But I was so wrong. This book has everything, whether you're looking for a surprisingly sweet friendship, swashbuckling adventure, unforgettable characters, cool technology, talking reindeer, or even a century old villain! It's very well written, which quite honestly surprised me.
At times (a lot of times), Ollie can be naïve, and you just want to jump into the book to warn him of the danger he's getting into. It frustrated me at first, but then I realized that the whole idea was to gain the reader's empathy so that the tiny bit of angst in this book hits you even harder. The characters themselves are deeply developed, except for the boy no one can remember (that's the point, though). Complete with clever nods to pop culture, this book was surprisingly interesting, gripping, and refreshing. It doesn't matter if it's Christmas Eve or the middle of July, you should definitely give this book a try!
Salonee V., 12, Metropolitan Washington Mensa
Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews