The Shelf Elf

by Jackie Mims Hopkins

Skoob the Shelf Elf learns all about the proper way to handle books and behave in the library.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Books About Books, Christmas, Librarianship, Nonfiction

48 pages, Hardcover

First published August 30, 2004

About the author

Jackie Mims Hopkins is a storyteller, a school librarian and a former teacher. She is the author of several children's books, including The Three Armadillies Tuff and The Gold Miner's Daughter. She lives in Texas.

Reviews

[kaitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book to K–2 to begin a discussion about the rules in our library. It covered all of the main things I needed to discuss with the students, so it was great to read a page with them and then clarify what the rules are in our library.

They loved the story of the shelf elf—the way it begins with the end of the story about the shoemaker and the elves really got them—and they enjoyed looking at all the details in the illustrations. Because there are so many cool little details, it was hard to get the kids to stay in their seats and not try to get up to point out all the things they saw. They liked the idea of winning the Golden Shelf Elf Award and the possibility that a shelf elf might live in our library. It might be fun to make a little elf to hide around the library for them to find, or a Shelf Elf Award to give to the best library class each month.

[Set · Rating 2 out of 5]

I gave it a 2 for the artwork but honestly, was this book written by a librarian? No one likes to read about rules, rules, rules. I understand that rules should be explained to children before being introduced to a library but a full book about rules rubs me the wrong way.

[Julie Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well this is the best book for librarians EVER. Teaches littles about behavior, procedures, and book care in a library in the most adorable and endearing way, and it would work in ANY library for kids (use a shelfmarker, walk quietly, etc.). I was so in love with this book that even though I'm not teaching elementary, I want it. I want it at home, I want it in my middle school, I want it under my pillow. I'll take 10, please.

I'm horrified to find that it is not only out of print, but becoming impossible to find even in libraries, as librarians are keeping their only copies under lock and key. If I want to purchase a used copy, it is $185. Librarians....don't.ever.weed.this.book.

Out of print books, our weeding behaviors....all of this is becoming increasingly alarming. Something's got to give, soon. (Side rant, sorry).

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked Scoob-- you know the elves from the shoemakers shop? It's about how to take good care of books at a library. Since I'm new at this job, this book will help share with students the need for certain rules.

[JadeShea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was good, although it feels a little bit outdated now. It was pretty enjoyable, and a fun way to review rules of a library.

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great book for teaching children about the library. It's really a one on one type of book. Not really great for storytime as the pictures are so intricate you really want to sit with the child to make sure they see the pictures. Fantastic illustrations.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing, detailed, beautiful, clever art. how should you behave in a library as told by one of the elves that made shoes in the fairy tale.

[Bethe · Rating 4 out of 5]

classic book care rules book - read it to K every year, have the bulletin board set and action figures on display in the library. We love Skoob!

[Deborah Schultz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this to my library classes. None of them knew the story of the cobbler and the elves, so the tie-in was meaningless to them and I had to explain it before continuing. It came up in a search for careers, but wasn't great for that. It would be okay to introduce rules of the library, but I think other stories may do it better. I actually have large cards about Five little monkeys reading in the bed that's better. But, I read this and then the kids told me what they wanted to be when we grew up.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I totally would have given this book a 5 if it was a little more “fun” or had some more rhymes… for young kids it’s just a little dry…

With that being said I did really appreciate the story and how to introduce library rules to kiddos. The illustrations are cute and I think what really makes the book fun are all the little hidden objects you can find. It’s a book and eye spy all in one. My rule follower 5 year old really enjoyed this book!

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ironically, my library's copy had something sticky all over the cover. . . I guess the reader didn't take the lessons to heart! This is a cute way to teach kids how to treat books and behave in a library. I loved the names of the characters (Ms. Paige Turner and Stacks, the Grand Dewey Daddy).

[Sherrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have definitely found my read aloud for Kindergarten through 2nd grade library orientations! This book is a perfect introduction to using the library and book care for that age group.

[Hattie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent for an introduction to library etiquette.

[Jaime · Rating 3 out of 5]

Such a cute book. My first graders love looking for the shelf elf each time they visit the library.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yaaay!!! As a Shelf Elf, myself, I approve this book's message!!!!

[Maura · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'd seen this as a recommended "library orientation" book in many places, and I wanted to love it, but...eh. Didn't. Don't think I'll use it as a read aloud with younger library grades.

[Danielle Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story about book care and shelf care in a library. Adorable pictures and words throughout

[Heidi-Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute book to teach very young children the way to use and treat a library and its materials. The book is better used in library collections than a book to own at home. But it would be a great read to kindergarteners on their first day of school or trip to the library. Of course, nothing says a parent can't teach children even younger than that the proper way to use a library. My favorite part were the illustrations and all of the tiny book characters throughout the library and bookshelves. Even better that there was a "find it" list at the end to keep children more occupied for a time--and helps them practice "research" skills.

[Joan Oegema · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are reading this book to young children, I suggest reading the Elves and the Shoemaker first since The Shelf Elf begins where the Elves and the Shoemaker ends. Rather confusing? Well, try explaining the beginning to a group of kindergartners.

This is a good book for introducing proper library rules and procedures but it does get a little long if you want to keep the attention of little ones.

All in all, this is a wonderful book. Hopefully my students learn from the book and will be good shelf elves.

[Maria Burel · Rating 2 out of 5]

The purpose of this book is to use a library shelf elf, Skoob, to teach library rules and care of materials. I personally felt that it came off a little preachy. While I could see using something similar at the start of a school year, or with small children being introduced to the library setting, I think there are better texts that would achieve the same purpose and not make the books seem untouchable, or the libraries as places of silence and “off-limits” to exploring children.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for library orientation with the lower grades (k-2).
It reviews the expectations for the library and includes some interactive pages (looking for misplaced books).
I have an Elf Shelf trophy, and the kids are excited about it. With the popularity of the elf on the shelf at Christmas, the kids relate this book with that, which is great.
We now have a Skoob who shows up around the library!

[Lesley Looper · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a book about good library manners for children. It seems like a good read-aloud book, though in the back of the book it provides a list of things to look out for throughout the book. Other than looking for things on that list, I'm not sure it would be a book I would've checked out for myself as a kid.

[Nielson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most DARLING book! It is all about Skoob, the shelf elf, and library manners. It teaches in rhyme how to take care of books including using a book marker, a bookmark, keeping books away from food and water etc. What a fun way to teach students how to take care of books! It would be appropriate for all ages!

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary:
Now that the shoemaker and his wife don't need the elves anymore, Skoob (books spelled backwards) lives in a library helping straighten and care for the books. He hopes to win the prestigious Golden Shelf Elf Award, and instructs his readers in good library manners and book care to help him earn it.

[Mary Simmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect book to read aloud to reinforce the importance of keeping library shelves in order. The Shelf Elf works to keep the library shelves straight, and the books in order. Lovely illustrations, and cute rendering of age old library rules that we would love children to follow, I would love to give Shelf Elf awards!

[Teresa Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have used this book for several years to teach library manners and book care. Kids like helping read the rhyming advice offered by Skoob the Shelf Elf! I also like having the shelf elf character appear when reading this. There are others in the series but this is my favorite.

[Hillary Flatt · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a pretty good book talk about how to take care of books in the library and teaching children library rules along the way. It was in the voice of a little elf. It isn't a story but it is a non-fiction book on taking care of library books.

[Katie Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

My students love this book! It is a great way to explain library rules without rattling off a long list of "Do Nots". We now have our own shelf elf in our library and the kids love him! A great way to introduce expectations and monitor behavior.

[Andria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book out there to explain how a library works and the rules to make the library work. The kids love it as we refer to the book all year long in grades k-2, as well as the songs and activities.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice intro to library manners and how a library works. So-so illustrations.