FICTION

There’s No Such Thing as... Elves

by Lucy Rowland (text) & illus. by Katy Halford
Scholastic. (No Such Thing: Bk. 2). Oct. 2023. 32p. pap. $7.99. ISBN 9781338812565.
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 1–A young boy’s friend tells him, “There’s no such thing as elves, you know,” as they decorate a Christmas tree. This sets off his search for elves, from kitchen to garden shed, sweet shop, toy store, and Christmas fair. And while there are no elves to be found by the boy, readers are invited to search, too, and those with keen eyes will find an elf on every page. Rowland keeps the story playful with jolly verse, a curious cat, and talking reindeer. The cartoon-style illustrations in vibrant colors are full of detail and supporting characters. The boy and his mom have dark skin, his dad and friend have light skin, and this diversity is echoed throughout the book, including all the elves that appear in full view at the end.
VERDICT For fans of the “How To Catch” series and libraries that need a lighthearted addition to their Christmas collection.
Reviewed by Lynn Van Auken , Sep 01, 2023

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