The Elf on the Shelf facts for kids
| Author | Carol Aebersold Chanda Bell |
|---|---|
| Illustrator | Coë Steinwart |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Picture book |
| Publisher | CCA and B Publishing |
|
Publication date
|
2005 |
|
Published in English
|
2005 |
| ISBN | 978-0-9769907-9-6 |
The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition is a popular picture book published in 2005. It was written by Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell, with illustrations by Coë Steinwart. This rhyming story explains how Santa Claus knows who is naughty or nice each year. It describes special elves who visit children's homes between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. These scout elves then return to the North Pole until the next holiday season.
Contents
Understanding The Elf on the Shelf
The Elf on the Shelf is a modern Christmas tradition. It is based on a story about Santa's scout elves. These elves visit homes to watch over children. They report back to Santa each night. This helps Santa prepare for Christmas Eve.
How the Tradition Works
The tradition usually starts after Thanksgiving. A family adopts a scout elf. The elf comes with a storybook. The book explains the elf's job.
Elf's Daily Mission
Each night, the elf flies back to the North Pole. It tells Santa about the day's events. Before morning, the elf returns to the child's home. It hides in a new spot. Children often enjoy finding where the elf has moved.
Rules for the Elf
There are two main rules for the scout elves:
- Children cannot touch the elf. If they do, the elf might lose its magic.
- The elf cannot speak or move while children are awake. It only watches and listens.
The Elf's Journey Home
On Christmas Eve, the elf makes its final trip. It flies back to the North Pole with Santa. The elf stays there until the next holiday season. This marks the end of the elf's visit for the year.
The Story Behind the Book
The idea for The Elf on the Shelf came from a family tradition. Carol Aebersold started this tradition with her own children.
Creating the Book
Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell wrote the book together. They wanted to share their family's special elf tradition. The book was first published in 2005. It quickly became very popular.
The Illustrator's Role
Coë Steinwart created the pictures for the book. Her illustrations help bring the story to life. They show the elves in different fun and playful ways.
Why The Elf on the Shelf is Popular
The Elf on the Shelf has become a big part of Christmas for many families. It adds excitement and magic to the holiday season.
Building Christmas Excitement
Children often wake up eager to find their elf. This creates a fun daily game. It helps build anticipation for Christmas Day. The elf's antics can also encourage good behavior.
Expanding the Tradition
The popularity of the book led to more products. There are now elf dolls, clothes, and accessories. There are also animated TV specials. These help make the tradition even bigger.
