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The Elf on the Shelf A Christmas Tradition
Adopt a new family tradition this holiday season!
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2007
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2427 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 269 reviews
January 3, 2024
Elf Rules
1. Please do not touch me or I will lose my magic
2. I cannot talk but I can listen very well
3. Each night I will report back to Santa. I can deliver letters!
4. Be kind to everyone.
The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition ~~ Carol V. Aebersold
So, I got an Elf on the Shelf tonight for Christmas. It’s actually pretty cool. I read the book and I can see why kids love it. It’s charming in its own way and I understand why kids and parents are enchanted with it.
I love the message of being kind to everyone. I wish there would be an adult version out there sharing this message too.
I think I’m going to have way too much fun with this!
1. Please do not touch me or I will lose my magic
2. I cannot talk but I can listen very well
3. Each night I will report back to Santa. I can deliver letters!
4. Be kind to everyone.
The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition ~~ Carol V. Aebersold
So, I got an Elf on the Shelf tonight for Christmas. It’s actually pretty cool. I read the book and I can see why kids love it. It’s charming in its own way and I understand why kids and parents are enchanted with it.
I love the message of being kind to everyone. I wish there would be an adult version out there sharing this message too.
I think I’m going to have way too much fun with this!
November 15, 2017
It's funny the things we do for our children. My sons named their elf "Elfie." I know, sooo original. Granted, they were only 5 and 2 at the time. Indisputably, there is something to this tradition that brings them so much joy.
November 2, 2013
Two things:
1. The Elf follows you everywhere. Everywhere. The little darling reports on your every move to the Big Red Guy, akin to McCarthy-era witch hunts or modern-day N.S.A. tactics. I can't think of a faster way to give your child a complex than to break this stinker out year after year.
2. I cannot support the idea of extrinsic motivations for moral development. If children are being decent, kind, generous citizens just because a tiny humanoid is watching their every move, then they're not thinking critically about their actions and their effects on others. Children don't internalize the value of altruistic behaviors from this book; they are left with no need to be good for the sake of being good. Instead, children are presented with an insincere meritocracy as tempering their otherwise irresponsible and sociopathic tendencies. This book is a disservice to children for insisting that they are incapable of compassion and responsibility, and a disservice to parents for assuming that they cannot imbue their children with any sense of personal accountability.
Bonus: The Elf is terrible. Seriously. Take, a good, long, hard look at the bastard. Then try to fall asleep.
1. The Elf follows you everywhere. Everywhere. The little darling reports on your every move to the Big Red Guy, akin to McCarthy-era witch hunts or modern-day N.S.A. tactics. I can't think of a faster way to give your child a complex than to break this stinker out year after year.
2. I cannot support the idea of extrinsic motivations for moral development. If children are being decent, kind, generous citizens just because a tiny humanoid is watching their every move, then they're not thinking critically about their actions and their effects on others. Children don't internalize the value of altruistic behaviors from this book; they are left with no need to be good for the sake of being good. Instead, children are presented with an insincere meritocracy as tempering their otherwise irresponsible and sociopathic tendencies. This book is a disservice to children for insisting that they are incapable of compassion and responsibility, and a disservice to parents for assuming that they cannot imbue their children with any sense of personal accountability.
Bonus: The Elf is terrible. Seriously. Take, a good, long, hard look at the bastard. Then try to fall asleep.
July 11, 2024
After reading Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever to my nephew, I learned how the Elf on the Shelf actually was designed to watch children’s behavior during the holidays and report news to Santa every day. Creepy is how Greg, the main character, describes Elf.
I had heard about Elf on the Shelf but did not know the Elf’s true purpose. The book, The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition, shares in a poetry format how the elf is a Santa spy.
The book has gorgeous artwork and the poetry rhythm and rhymes are well done. However, I agree with Greg that the whole concept is creepy and it is an interesting way to attempt to get children to behave.
I had heard about Elf on the Shelf but did not know the Elf’s true purpose. The book, The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition, shares in a poetry format how the elf is a Santa spy.
The book has gorgeous artwork and the poetry rhythm and rhymes are well done. However, I agree with Greg that the whole concept is creepy and it is an interesting way to attempt to get children to behave.
December 8, 2016
2.5 Stars
Look, my students ate this up, so points for that, but I found it a bit creepy - stalker elf alert! I also felt it conveyed a misguided message about good behaviour - like children should only be good just before Christmas because that's the only time theirstalker elf would be reporting back to Santa. Yeah, no. I get that this is a Christmas themed story, and as such it was cute and whimsical, but I'd rather a children's story, one which is trying to promote good behaviour, take a more broad (all year round) approach to the topic.
Look, my students ate this up, so points for that, but I found it a bit creepy - stalker elf alert! I also felt it conveyed a misguided message about good behaviour - like children should only be good just before Christmas because that's the only time their
November 29, 2016
This is a really great book that really explains the purpose of the elf. This would be perfect to read to your child before you do the Elf.
My students really enjoyed this book and had never heard of having an elf in your house before.
My students really enjoyed this book and had never heard of having an elf in your house before.
December 31, 2019
I have read this ever year since 2014 to my daughter and hope to continue to do so for many years to come.
December 14, 2025
My youngest son loves his elf on the shelf and he enjoyed this book! 🎄
December 8, 2024
My little sister used to have an elf on the shelf but I never really read the book before today. Now while I think the actual concept is kind of innocent and cute, in practice I will not be bringing an elf into my own home anytime soon. Maybe it’s just a bunch of odd coincidences but once I started hearing about the elf being a fae that we make pacts with to give it power, I was kind of out of it. If you don’t believe me, give it a little research yourself it’s quite shocking.
December 11, 2012
Am I the only one who thought that this book was poorly written and that the central concept was kind of creepy? Shouldn't kids be taught to do good for the sake of doing good, not because a creepy elf is spying on them and reporting back to Santa all the time? Also, the rhyming was forced and awful.
July 31, 2012
This Amazing book is a must buy for your family this holiday season. We received the book set (comes complete with an adorable elf) last year. The whole premise is that Santa sends each family around the world a special elf that helps him with the large task of keeping track of who has been naughty and nice. The family elf then flies to the North Pole to report back to Santa each and every night about what he saw and heard during the day. When you first open the book set, you get to to name the elf, ours is known as Oscar. Every morning Oscar must be moved to a new location in the house and when he is settled he must not be touched, or he could lose his magic and wouldn't be able to report to Santa of all the great deeds from our day.
This wonderful book and elf incorporates the element of Christmas magic into the house and is fun for 'everyone'. After Christmas is over, the elf and book must be put away until the next season. It is a fun tradition that we look forward to each year. Oscar just made his entrance and my older son is very taken with our family elf and takes it all quite seriously. I highly recommend everyone go get their own family Elf on the Shelf. The story is well-written in rhyme and is very catchy. They also have an excellent website you can visit and watch clips of the elves in the north pole and at elf training school - it is all very sweet and fun! These books are very popular, you can visit their website (see link above) to find a list of retailers. They are available on Amazon and at most well known bookstores.
This wonderful book and elf incorporates the element of Christmas magic into the house and is fun for 'everyone'. After Christmas is over, the elf and book must be put away until the next season. It is a fun tradition that we look forward to each year. Oscar just made his entrance and my older son is very taken with our family elf and takes it all quite seriously. I highly recommend everyone go get their own family Elf on the Shelf. The story is well-written in rhyme and is very catchy. They also have an excellent website you can visit and watch clips of the elves in the north pole and at elf training school - it is all very sweet and fun! These books are very popular, you can visit their website (see link above) to find a list of retailers. They are available on Amazon and at most well known bookstores.
July 6, 2015
I found this book creepy. A elf who stalks you where ever you go does sound creepy.. Doesn't it? That is not a way to teach a way for your kids to behave themselves. I didn't really like this book but if your in the fantasy genre maybe you might like this book. I gave this book 1/5 stars because I thought it was lame and creepy.
December 6, 2014
Hey, parents! If your discipline methods are as abominable as a certain snowman, maybe you can make up a story involving bribery to get your kids to behave.
Kate doesn't believe in any of this silliness, but we do enjoy moving "Noel" around each night.
Kate doesn't believe in any of this silliness, but we do enjoy moving "Noel" around each night.
June 22, 2020
A colorful easy to read chidrens book regarding the elf on the shelf Christmas tradition featuring a small stuffed doll that is moved around to different locations in the house. The text is in rhyming form.
December 25, 2018
Finally starting this tradition at our home. Happy Christmas Eve Everyone 🎄
December 16, 2020
For those who think this is a marketing scheme, you are absolutely right - a brilliant one. I bought the elf years ago for my kids, and we've been hooked ever since. I'm not one of those parents that just moves it halfheartedly from one spot to another when I feel like it. My elf is sneaky, fun, and brings presents. I constantly scour Pinterest and Facebook for new elf ideas. We've used them all, from turning our milk green and labeling it "Grinch Pee" to having him use toothpaste to replace the cream in Oreo cookies. We have cute little snowmen my husband made out of rice and socks years ago - one to represent each member of our family - and our elf and the snowmen are constantly at war. They use everything they can get their hands on in the house, from lego minifigures to our toilet paper. The snowmen will be tied up one day, being herded by our elf on a rooster with a knife, and the next day, our elf will be in a homemade candy cane jail surrounded by the snowmen.
You can't look at this book as a stand alone story. It's all about the elf. If you enjoy doing these things with your family and don't see it as a chore, this elf is for you. The elf comes with the book. The story is cute and typical, but the marketing scheme is brilliant. I'd like to have been the guy that thought this one up.
You can't look at this book as a stand alone story. It's all about the elf. If you enjoy doing these things with your family and don't see it as a chore, this elf is for you. The elf comes with the book. The story is cute and typical, but the marketing scheme is brilliant. I'd like to have been the guy that thought this one up.
August 6, 2021
Este es un libro que está sobrevalorado
January 25, 2010
You know, the book itself didn't really knock my socks off (to me it reads more like the rules to a game written in a fun way), but it's such a great, fun idea that I had to give it 5 stars. Happy (our elf) came to our home from Grandma only 3 days before Christmas and the kiddos had so much fun each morning trying to find where he'd decided to land when he had returned through the night. It will be even more fun next year when he can return the morning after Thanksgiving! Tried to use the website that's set up to use with the book, but either our computer was having a hard time that day, or the site was. It looked like a fun site, though. We'll try again next year.
December 4, 2011
Every year on December 1st our family opens a new Christmas book to add to our collection. This year it was Elf on the Shelf...and it was received with very mixed reactions. One child thought the elf was extremely creepy and didn't want it sitting around the house, another child spent the evening examining the little elf doll and wondering how it could fly and what would happen if it got wet and what if a bird ate it, and the last child was indifferent about the whole thing. The actual writing is not very remarkable and I didn't care for the illustrations at all. The concept is cute and would probably work best for young children. Not sure what all the big hype is about...
November 5, 2016
Elf on the Shelf
By Carol V Aebersold
Santa has a spy and he's making children all over the world behave. Love this idea.
The Elf on the Shelf, is a Christmas activity the entire family will enjoy, this cleverly rhymed children’s book explains that Santa knows who is naughty and/or nice because he sends a scout elf to every home. During the holiday season, the elf watches children by day and reports to Santa each night. When children awake, the elf has returned from the North Pole and can be found hiding in a different location. This activity allows The Elf on the Shelf to become a delightful hide-and-seek game.
Great Incentive to make children behave between now and Christmas.
By Carol V Aebersold
Santa has a spy and he's making children all over the world behave. Love this idea.
The Elf on the Shelf, is a Christmas activity the entire family will enjoy, this cleverly rhymed children’s book explains that Santa knows who is naughty and/or nice because he sends a scout elf to every home. During the holiday season, the elf watches children by day and reports to Santa each night. When children awake, the elf has returned from the North Pole and can be found hiding in a different location. This activity allows The Elf on the Shelf to become a delightful hide-and-seek game.
Great Incentive to make children behave between now and Christmas.
December 23, 2010
Finally! 1 night left. Running out of places to hide this Elf :)
November 28, 2013
Why anyone would do this to their child is beyond me. A 'sentient' puppet that moves around your house and watches your children? There are horror movies based on that.
December 1, 2020
Bah, humbug!
November 27, 2021
Eliana’s review: “I’m excited to meet her. I want to called her Heart.”
December 20, 2024
Such a cute book and tradition!
December 2, 2025
12/1/2025 - Given to Madison by her visiting elf, Brooklyn. Great rhymes and explanation about our new friend.
December 3, 2011
Elf on the Shelf™ by Carol Aebersold
*This book is part of my personal library*
Elf on the Shelf is a book the whole family will enjoy. Each set comes with a book and a cute little Elf. Each Elf will gain his magic once he/she has been given a name. The names are as individual as the kids that the elves belong too and naming them is half the fun.
Each night the elves travel home to the North Pole so they can report in to Santa. Will their child be on the naughty or nice list? With the help of their magic, they return each morning and find a new place to sit and watch. It’s important that the children don’t touch their Elf or he will lose his magic.
My granddaughter will be three in a couple of months and she received her elf this holiday season. Naming our Elf was an adventure. Every name we suggested she said “No” to so we asked if she wanted to name is “No” and she said YES!! So our Elf’s name is Knowie. He travels home every night and finds a new place to perch the next morning. Each morning it’s a game to find out where he is sitting and she loves it. We have to tell him goodnight every night and make sure that she knows he’s watching and will report to Santa so she’d better be good.
This is a fun book/activity for the whole family to enjoy. Finding out where the Elf will show up next the best part, along with the threat of the “naughty” list (for parents). Lilly and I give Elf on the Shelf 4½ Flaming Hearts.
*This book is part of my personal library*
Elf on the Shelf is a book the whole family will enjoy. Each set comes with a book and a cute little Elf. Each Elf will gain his magic once he/she has been given a name. The names are as individual as the kids that the elves belong too and naming them is half the fun.
Each night the elves travel home to the North Pole so they can report in to Santa. Will their child be on the naughty or nice list? With the help of their magic, they return each morning and find a new place to sit and watch. It’s important that the children don’t touch their Elf or he will lose his magic.
My granddaughter will be three in a couple of months and she received her elf this holiday season. Naming our Elf was an adventure. Every name we suggested she said “No” to so we asked if she wanted to name is “No” and she said YES!! So our Elf’s name is Knowie. He travels home every night and finds a new place to perch the next morning. Each morning it’s a game to find out where he is sitting and she loves it. We have to tell him goodnight every night and make sure that she knows he’s watching and will report to Santa so she’d better be good.
This is a fun book/activity for the whole family to enjoy. Finding out where the Elf will show up next the best part, along with the threat of the “naughty” list (for parents). Lilly and I give Elf on the Shelf 4½ Flaming Hearts.
December 7, 2014
I believe that Elf on the Shelf is a book that the whole family will enjoy and specially little kids. Each set comes with a book and a cute little Elf. Each Elf will gain his magic once she has been given a name. The names are as individual as the kids that the elves belong too and naming them is half the fun.Each night the elves travel home to the North Pole so they can report in to Santa. Will their child be on the naughty or nice list? With the help of their magic, they return each morning and find a new place to sit and watch. It’s important that the children don’t touch their Elf or he will lose his magic.This is a fun book and activity for the whole family to enjoy. Finding out where the Elf will show up next is definitely the best part.I absolutely recommend this book for any age the illustrations are amazing and the message of the story is really cute.
December 5, 2012
Just spent way too much money on this little elf for my daughter. Tried to get her the plush one that comes without the book, but was informed that since kids are touching the elf on the box, that it simply will not work, if you touch the elf she loses her magic. Sooooo, I had to spend double on the cheaper made elf that comes with a book. Reguardless of how upset I am at the price of this cheap toy & book.... It has absolutely made my daughter's Christmas! Not having one was going to ruin her Christmas because Santa doesn't know how good she's being. IT didnt' matter what I said, she wasn't having it.
Cute story... Cute idea... Not too cute on the price!
Cute story... Cute idea... Not too cute on the price!
September 29, 2013
I really wanted to like this book, however I found the humor somewhat snarky where I would have preferred either laugh out loud funny / inappropriate or charming. I'm not sure I would read this book a second time.
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