The Oldest Elf

by James Stevenson

Terribly upset to learn that no one is interested in his beautiful old-fashioned toys and that they have been left off Santa's sleigh, Elwyn devises a plan, with the help of Blitzen, a retired reindeer, to help make a change in plans.

Genres: Picture Books, Christmas, Holiday, Childrens

31 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author with this name in the Goodreads databse.

Reviews

[Mir · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kids these days with their video games and their beep-boop electronics and their lack of patience! Back in my dad we waited months for one hand-carved wooden thingamabob and then we lost it in the snow as we walked to school, uphill both ways.

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this sweet tale of an elderly elf, and a retired reindeer who decide to celebrate Christmas eve together delivering some toys. Stevenson's cartoonish illustrations, softly watercolored, made a perfect compliment to this wonderful story.

[Diana Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really cute read aloud for around Christmas time. Shows the kids that even though some elves and reindeer get old, they still have it in them to push to get those toys to the kids!

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this story, Elwyn is Santa's oldest elf. Elwyn works by himself in the cellar. While all the other elves work on the latest toys, Elwyn works on classic toys. He paints, he sands and all the while, he hums. I really got a sense of him putting a lot of care, heart and love into his simple and old-fashioned, but timeless toys.

On Christmas Eve, all the other elves place their toys in Santa's sleigh and are done with their work. Elwyn is old and slow. When he is finally done, Santa is already gone. Instead of giving up, Elwyn decides to deliver the toys himself. He enlists the help of the now retired Blitzen and heads off to find Santa. Once he finds Santa, he is surprised by Santa who decides that Elwyn can deliver the toys to the children's homes.

This is a sweet and original story about Christmas and cherishing the new and the old. The illustrations are very cute and colorful. We really enjoyed reading this one aloud.

[Erin Sterling · Rating 2 out of 5]

A Christmas story about an old elf who is late finishing his Christmas toys and doesn't get a chance to ride in the sleigh. Luckily, Blitzen comes out of retirement to help him deliver the toys! The story is set-up well, but the ending peters out. I was hoping it would be a fun Christmas tale to learn, but it's not one of my favorites.

[Randi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun story, short, a new Santa story you haven't heard before. James Stevenson is almost always a good bet.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book. Perhaps the illustrations are the best part! What a wonderful job Stevenson does creating illustrations with just a few pen strokes and watercolors. So much detail and emotion is created for the reader. The story is a fine holiday classic.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not too saccharine. I do wander why the toys can't just be held until next year, but then we wouldn't have a story I guess. Too bad that the hardcover is oversize; it just isn't a good fit.

[Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clearly an older book, but satisfying in its message. Really sweet read, I'd love to reccomend!

[Luisa Knight · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ages: 4 - 8

Cleanliness: "Heck" and "my goodness" are exclaimed. Santa Claus is in the story.

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[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Elwyn is an older elf who works in the basement by himself. When he finishes his toys, he realizes he missed Santa already. It takes a retired reindeer to help him see that he could still help children by delivering his gifts. The ending was too flat for me.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

31 months - A sweet story a reminder to appreciate our elders and the simple hand crafted things without the bells and whistles. And "it's never too late for toys!".

[Alexandria K · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has pretty pictures in it. The story is nice, and cute, too.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

A heartwarming story that lets us all know that it is never too late. There is always time for just one more ride. =)

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story addresses some of the magical things about Santa Claus and his reindeer.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful art, clever story, and wonderful to read aloud. This is a great book, I definitely recommend it.