#1044 – How to Catch an Elf by Adam Wallace and Andy Elkerton

How to Catch an Elf
Written by Adam Wallace
Illustrated by Andy Elkerton
Sourcebooks Jabberwocky 10/01/2016
978-1-4926-4631-0
32 pages 8” X 8” Ages 4+

Children’s Book Club Title
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“It’s Christmas Eve! Hip, hip, hooray!
I’m sure your traps’ are SCARY!
I’ll do my best to dodge them all
and leave you feeling merry!

“You’ve been waiting all year long, and now it’s finally Christmas Eve! Is this the year you’ll finally catch an elf?

“In the past, children have tried (and failed) to catch Santa—so now they’re after his elves instead! Similar to The Elf on the Shelf tradition, this fun read-aloud encourages creativity and engagement. Parents and children will share this book for many holidays to come!” [INSIDE JACKET]

Review
Okay, you have not caught the tooth fairy, a leprechaun, or the grandest prize of all: Santa Claus, so this year you lower your sights, just a tad, and try to catch Santa’s elf. Why anyone would want to capture an elf bringing toys is bey—oh, the toys. Now I understand, but this will not be an easy task. Good luck, kids. You’re going to need it. This year Santa has a feisty elf, ready for all your traps and trickery. If by chance you take the elf for your very own, will Santa be the bonus in this odd game?
Narrated by Elf (no name or gender, making this Elf open to every reader wanting to join the tale), it becomes clear that even the most advanced traps are no match, with Santa by his side. Decked out in Christmas colors and bright, expressive eyes, Elf, is a secret service force of one. He finds himself in the lead, checking out each location before Santa enters, Elf dodges the “Elf Snatcher 3000,” double-sided tape, and luscious irresistible candy canes guarded by a fierce-looking Cheshire cat (yep, he’s still smiling). Elf does his best to protect Santa and outwit the traps before him. Kids will need to think more creatively if they are going to catch this elf. What traps can you set for this year’s lead elf?
The bright, cartoonish illustrations enhance the story, making it come alive for young readers. Each double-space spread contains one rhyming verse plus a colorful Christmas scene. Young children will enjoy following the pair around to various houses, dodging traps to safely deliver toys to even kids not especially good this year.
The rhyming text is a fun read aloud, although there are a few bumps along the way: an occasional odd meter traps a reader’s tongue faster than the double-sided tape Elf avoids, and rhyming word-pairs offering more slant than rhyme.
Overall, How to Catch an Elf is a great holiday read-aloud for any story hour. Recommended for Christmas Eve reading when kids can stay busy by stretching their own creativity and imagination, trying to catch an Elf.

Part of the “How to Catch” series (How to Catch the Tooth Fairy, How to Catch a Leprechaun, How to Catch the Easter Bunny [2017]).

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Reprinted with permission from HOW TO CATCH AN ELF © 2016 by Adam Wallace, Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, an imprint of Sourcebooks. Illustrations © 2016 by Andy Elkerton.

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Copyright © 2016 by Sue Morris/Kid Lit Reviews. All Rights Reserved

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How to Catch an Elf
Written by Adam Wallace
Illustrated by Andy Elkerton
Sourcebooks Jabberwocky 10/01/2016
9781492646310