How to Catch an Elf



Last updated Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Author: Adam Wallace
Illustrator: Andy Elkerton
Date of Publication: 2016
ISBN: 1492646310
Grade Level: 1st    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Dec. 2023

Synopsis: It's Christmas Eve and an elf is on the loose… in YOUR house! Do you have what it takes to catch him? Follow along in this fun holiday story as a mischievous elf causes chaos Christmas Eve! This Christmas picture book is filled with zany traps, vibrant illustrations, STEAM concepts, and even Santa Claus himself!

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What is your favorite Christmas /Holiday Snack? Gingerbread cookies? Egg nog?
•  What is one item on your Christmas/Holiday Gift List?
•  Has an elf made an appearance in house recently? What was it? What happened?

Vocabulary:

•  Merry: cheerful and lively.
•  Naughty: behaving badly
•  Prize: a thing given as a reward to the winner of a competition or in recognition of an outstanding achievement.
•  Trap: a device designed to catch and retain animals

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  What does Santa bring to the boys and girls in each town?
•  Who helps Santa with his delivery?
•  What the does Elf cannot resist?
•  What did Santa get at the grocery store?

Craft ideas:
•  Easy: The Holiday season is here! Create a holiday card wishing lots of Christmas cheer to one of your teachers today. Materials needed: Construction paper, slim markers, crayons, stencil, and scissors.
•  Easy: Create your own elf. Is your elf, slim or tall? Does your elf wear stripes or Polka dots? Does your elf drink hot chocolate or Orange Soda? Don’t forget to name your elf and share your elf picture with your classmates. Materials needed: Construction paper, slim markers, crayons, stencil, and scissors.
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/december-2023-family-the-spirit-of-giving/

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!