From School Library Journal Gr 3–5—A charming story starring elves from the North Pole. Ollie Gnome and Celia Pixie are entering into the first-ever Next Santa competition, where they will brave many holiday-themed challenges in an effort to replace the current iteration of Santa Claus. Members of the Claus clan—including one of Santa's children, Klaus Claus—and many elves are competing for the top spot. Huett has crafted a vibrant and lovable lead character in Ollie. The story is fast-paced with lots of action to counteract the sweetness. Numerous Christmas puns pepper the text throughout, adding humor. The messages of friendship and teamwork are admirable. VERDICT A light and funny read, perfect for children who celebrate Santa Claus's arrival each December and are interested in a can-do protagonist.—Chad Lane, Tulip Grove Elementary School, MD Read more Review rchBlurb Read more See all Editorial Reviews
J**D
A Fun Christmas Read!
This book is so much fun! I had such a great time with it.In TOP ELF, we follow an elf named Ollie. Santa has announced to the residents and workers of the North Pole that this year will be his last in the famous red suit. Instead of him handing the reins over to his oldest son (named Klaus Claus), he's decided to do something a little different. Ollie, his fellow elves and the Claus children are offered the opportunity to compete to become the next Santa.Welcome to the Santa Trials, a series of competitions that will test each competitor to see who is worthy of handling this centuries-old title. But will the competitions be more than any of them signed up for?This book is a fun middle-grade story packed with action, humor and heart. I really enjoyed reading about Ollie and Co. The comps reminded me a lot of both the Hunger Games and the Triwizard Tournament minus the casualties. Seriously, some of these comps were scary. Scary awesome! ("Santa is that you?") I had a lot of laugh-out-loud moments and found myself often cheering for Ollie and Celia as the book went along. And how about those revelations at the end?! Talk about a treason for the season. ;)I repeat: I really enjoyed this book. A lot! Huett has a spot-on skill in storytelling. I enjoyed his humor and creativity. The pacing is great, and the plot is highly entertaining (made even more so with the audiobook which I definitely recommend). TOP ELF is the perfect Christmas read. (I'd honestly read it anytime during the year though.) I'd love to have more stories about Ollie and Co. but I'll be happy with anything Huett throws our way next.TOP ELF is an automatic fave for me. I loved it, and I encourage anyone and everyone who comes by this review to pick it up this Christmas season.
D**N
Cute Book
Bought this for my 10 year old son who loves Christmas. He liked it!
N**B
DISAPPOINTED
Thought this was for a younger audience with maybe some pictures. Thought it would be a good bedtime story. It's neither.
Y**N
Well written.FUNNY. Inspirational.
Instant Christmas classic. Top Elf is a well written, FUNNY, and inspiration Christmas tale. Makes pretty good coffee table decoration to complement the Tis The Season feeling at home.
J**L
Cool
Very original take on Santa.
G**
Five Stars
excellent book what a fantastic story to read i think everyone should buy this book.
E**E
IT WAS AMAZING!
AMAZING I love Christmas and elves and the north pole. Even though it was a long book it was amazing. It took me a long time but it was great! Thank you.
M**O
Five Stars
My Granddaughter loved her Christmas present..delivered as promised
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