Book Review - Memoirs of an Elf

Memoirs of an Elf

By: Devin Scillian
Illustrated by: Tim Bowers
Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press
Publication Date: September 2014
ISBN: 978-1585369102
Reviewed by: Deb Fowler
Review Date: September 11, 2014

Spark Elf was all excited because it was Christmas Eve. Yeah! He was feeling extra short and extra excited so he stood beside Santa’s sleigh and took an elfie with Bobbin and Nutshell. Click, click! They were looking good. It was only an hour before they’d take off and the reindeer were all harnessed and ready to go. It was time to text Santa “Time to fly, big guy!” It wasn’t long before Santa was in the doorway kissing Momma Claus. Kiss, kiss! The sack of toys was in the back of the sleigh and Bobbin was making sure it was tied tightly while Nutshell was checking that list and checking it twice.

A “crack of the whip” and they were off. Spark started the timer. They only had 24 hours to deliver all those toys. Would they make it? The sleigh floated above the clouds with Santa at the reins. Guam and Figi were behind them and they moved right along, but there was a little problem. The fact that “Santa always wants to stop and pet EVERY dog” was slowing them down. Tugboat was awfully cute, but Spark shouted, “Santa, we gotta go!” Ho, ho, ho! There was only “18 hours to go.” The dogs, the cookies (yum!), and playing with all those toys was holding them up. Just when they thought they were all done, there was one little extra in the toy bag. It was Tugboat! Was someone’s Christmas going to be ruined or could they get him back in time?

This is a delightfully hilarious Christmas tale that children will love. This is a modern-day twist on Santa and his elves’ big night. It is one tale that little ones will relate to as Spark texts, snaps elfies (selfies), and keeps time on his smart phone. The tale is the perfect blend between the classic Christmas tale and the high-tech world young children see around them. There are several little-known facts about Santa scattered throughout the book. For example, “When Santa is serious about something, he bets you a candy cane.” The artwork sparks with excitement and is wonderfully appealing. This is definitely one tale that should be added to the list of Christmas classics!

Quill says: If you're interested in a modern-day Christmas classic, this is a perfect choice!