The Elf on the Shelf: Welcome to the North Pole

K-Gr 2–In this holiday-themed early reader, characters from the enduringly popular Elf on the Shelf universe introduce readers to different areas of the North Pole. Readers visit the stable where Santa’s reindeer dwell, Mrs. Claus’s Sweet Shop, Scout Elf school, and more. Familiarity with the lore goes a long way here; the phrase “Scout Elves” is used to describe the tour guides, but there is no further explanation (and they don’t do much scouting in the book). Illustrations appear computer-generated, like stills from an animated special, creating a glossy semi-realism. Santa is featured throughout, as is a glamorous Mrs. Claus. The cute factor is high, with a stable full of sweet-faced reindeer, arctic fox cubs, and Saint Bernard puppies frolicking about. The elves have a variety of skin tones and ages. This is essentially a straightforward tour of the North Pole, and the book’s strength lies in its basic, easy-to-read language and well-known characters, rather than any sort of plot. The illustrations are at their best when they pull back to depict just how tiny the elves are, as they have wholesome adventures like sharing hot cocoa and riding giant slides. Despite the frequent invocation of Christmas magic, this is ultimately a rather flat book, lacking warmth and sparkle, but fans of Elf on the Shelf will likely still enjoy seeing some familiar faces.