Ordinarily, we don’t connect elves and Hanukkah, but in a delightful new book by author Greg Wolfe and illustrator Howard McWilliam a definite connection is made.
Shmelf is one of the many elves who work for Santa at the North Pole. His thankless job is to check “The List” to see who has been naughty or nice. He loved his job, but was quite shocked when he discovered that many of the children on “The List” had been quite good, but would not receive any presents.
The head elf explained to Shmelf that some of the children on the list were Jewish and even though they didn’t celebrate Christmas they did celebrate Hanukkah, a joyful holiday.
Shmelf sets out to learn more about Hanukkah by visiting a family celebrating the holiday. He then goes to Santa with a plan. He will visit Jewish boys and girls and make sure that they too are rewarded for their good behavior.
Children of all religious traditions will enjoy this lighthearted story. The colorful cartoon-like illustrations help animate a story of happiness and giving.
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