Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

The elves at the North Pole are busier than ever this year. There’s more toys to make because Santa’s nice list just got a little bit longer. The only problem is that three elves, Icing, Gift and Lights, are restless and want to find something different to do, like making cookies, playing with the reindeer and riding in Santa’s sleigh. In the process of doing what they want to do, they make a mess that others have to clean up and poor Santa is frantic that he won’t have enough gifts for all the children on his nice list. So, what can these mischievous little elves do when it’s already Christmas Eve and there’s not enough toys to fill Santa’s sleigh? On top of that, these mischievous elves have found themselves on Santa’s naughty list. Not a good place for a little elf to be.

David Smith’s picture book story, Elves on the Naughty List, is a charming tale for young readers to enjoy in the exciting days leading up to Christmas. It will help renew the spirit of Christmas and perhaps even make a few more believers out of those who don’t believe in Santa. The story is told in rhyming verse with a catchy lilt. Each part is like an excerpt from Santa’s personal diary. And, each excerpt of the diary is accompanied by a colorful illustration that adds to the action. The plot is full of funny, mischievous antics as the elves find one misdemeanor after another to keep them away from the task they really should be doing: making Santa’s gifts for Christmas Eve. A fun story for young and old alike.