How did the elves first meet Santa? When they were driven away from their forest homes by men seeking lumber, the elves wandered the world until they stumbled on Santa’s home at the North Pole. Mr. and Mrs. Claus took the elves in and helped them build their own houses, and in return, the elves assumed the toy-making duties when Santa became sick. The believable story reads like a traditional tale, and the detailed paintings of the large group of elves at work and play are filled with tiny details that make their world convincing. The final spread shows their first Christmas Eve together as Santa takes off into a foggy evening in his loaded sleigh with the elves below holding lights to guide his way. Kids will enjoy this view of the North Pole’s shortest residents. (Picture book. 3-7)
