17 Best Christmas Elf Books for Kids

Add us as a preferred source on Google »

Christmas elf books are a fun addition to December storytime, whether you’re reading at home or in the classroom.

We’ve read plenty of elf stories over the years, from funny picture books and Christmas read-alouds to stories that go along with our Elf on the Shelf antics. This list includes our favorite elf books for kids, with plenty of choices for preschool and kindergarten as well as a few for older children.

Christmas elf books for kids including Elf on the Shelf and How to Catch an Elf

**This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and a participant in other affiliate programs, I earn a commission on qualifying purchases.**

Christmas Books About Elves

From mischievous elves causing Christmas chaos to sweet stories about Santa’s helpers, these books offer a good mix of humor, adventure, and festive storytelling.

I’ve included interactive picture books, funny read-alouds, and quieter stories, so there are plenty of options for December storytime.

The Elf on the Shelf

This is the book that kicked off our Elf tradition. It introduces the story behind why the elf visits and how they report back to Santa. When my son was younger, this book helped him understand the “rules” of the elf and got him genuinely excited for December 1st. It’s best for kids around 3–8, especially if you're just starting the Elf on the Shelf routine.

Use our free Elf door under construction printable to get the kids excited early!

The Elf on the Shelf: Search and Find Festive Finds

A new addition for 2026, this search-and-find book is a fun choice for kids who enjoy spotting hidden details as much as reading Christmas stories. Each festive scene gives them things to find alongside the Scout Elves, making it more interactive than a traditional picture book. It looks like a particularly good option for younger Elf on the Shelf fans who enjoy seek-and-find activities.

The Elf on the Shelf: Meet the Scout Elves

This Level 1 early reader is a great choice for kids who are starting to read independently. It takes readers on a trip around the North Pole to meet the Scout Elves and learn more about what they do. The short sentences and familiar words make it particularly suitable for kindergarten and early elementary readers, while the Elf on the Shelf theme keeps it feeling like a Christmas book rather than reading practice.

The Elf on the Shelf: Don’t Touch That Elf!

This is a fun one to have on hand for the inevitable moment when someone accidentally touches the Elf on the Shelf. The story explains what to do after an elf mishap and turns it into part of the Christmas fun rather than a disaster. It also includes more than 25 punch-out gifts and a foldable gift box for the elf, so there’s an activity element too. A good choice for ages 4–8, especially for families who already have a Scout Elf.

There’s an Elf in Your Book

This interactive book got a lot of laughs in our house. The kids are asked to tap, shake, and flip the pages to help the elf behave. If your child liked “There’s a Monster in Your Book,” this one has a similar feel. It's perfect for high-energy preschoolers or early readers who like being part of the story.

The Elf on The Shelf: Letters to Santa

If your child likes writing letters to Santa, this one adds a fun twist. It includes a paper set and instructions on how to shrink the letter for your elf to take back to the North Pole. We used this in our house around age 6 or 7, right when my son was learning to write, and it made the whole process feel magical and real.

Grab our free Elf on the Shelf arrival letters

How to Trick a Christmas Elf

This one pairs well with How to Catch an Elf but adds a creative, hands-on spin. It includes ideas for building your own elf traps, which turned into a whole afternoon project at our house. Definitely a hit for crafty or imaginative kids, ideal for 5–9 year olds who like books they can interact with.

The Elf on The Shelf Night Before Christmas Book

This is a great Christmas Eve read if your family does Elf on the Shelf. It’s a retelling of the classic poem but with the scout elf woven in. We like to read it the night our elf leaves, so it feels like a wrap-up to all the December fun. The illustrations are bold and festive, my son used to point out our elf’s look-alikes on every page.

Use our free Elf on the Shelf goodbye letter

How to Catch an Elf

This one always gets giggles. It’s fast-paced, rhyming, and full of creative elf traps. It works well as a read-aloud, even for preschoolers, but older kids will enjoy the silly setups too. We ended up building our own “trap” after reading it one year, and it became a fun hands-on activity during the last week before Christmas.

Use our free Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt clues

Elf Pets A Reindeer Tradition

This is a sweet choice for kids who already love the Elf on the Shelf tradition. The story introduces a reindeer pet that children can adopt and care for while helping build the Christmas spirit needed to make Santa's sleigh fly. It's less mischievous than some of the other elf stories on this list, with more of a focus on kindness and giving. A good choice for ages 3–8, especially if you want to add an Elf Pet to your December traditions.

Pig the Elf

This one is pure chaos in the best way. If your kids already know Pig the Pug, they’ll love seeing him get into trouble as an elf. My son thought Pig’s gift list was hilarious, and it sparked a good chat about greed vs. gratitude without feeling like a lecture. It’s short, funny, and great for ages 4–8.

Related: Easy Elf on the Shelf antics

The Littlest Elf

This story is sweet and reassuring, especially for kids who feel small or overlooked. It follows Oliver, a tiny elf who struggles to find his place at the North Pole. I found it helpful when my son was in kindergarten and sometimes unsure of where he fit in. The message is gentle but clear: everyone has something special to offer.

Silly Sam the Elf

This one leans into the silly side of Christmas. Sam’s mischief reminded my son of what our elf might do at night, so it tied in nicely with the Elf on the Shelf fun. It’s not too long and works well for kids who prefer humor over sentiment. Good for winding down in the evening or adding to a December book basket.

Elfie the Elf

Elfie is curious, a little clumsy, and full of heart, which made him an instant favorite here. The story is about him finding the true meaning of Christmas, but it’s not preachy. We read this one after a rough morning, and it actually helped spark a conversation about giving and patience. Great for ages 4–7.

The Little Christmas Elf

This one’s a classic feeling story with warm illustrations and a message about perseverance. Small the Elf can’t quite finish her toy in time for Christmas, but her determination pays off. I liked reading this when we needed a quieter moment during a busy week. It’s gentle, thoughtful, and ideal for ages 3–6.

Elf: The Classic Illustrated Storybook

This beautifully illustrated version of the Elf movie follows Buddy from the North Pole to New York. We read it after watching the film, and my son enjoyed spotting all the familiar scenes. It’s longer than most picture books, so better for older kids or reading in chunks. A fun choice if you want to extend the movie magic into storytime.

Parker’s Elf: A book about Managing Emotions

This book stands out because it actually helps kids understand big feelings, which can definitely come up around the holidays. Parker the elf learns to manage frustration and sadness with help from a trusted grown-up. It’s not your typical light holiday read, but it’s been helpful here for navigating December meltdowns.

Last Updated on 16 September 2026 by Clare Brown

Best Christmas Elf Books

Christmas Books About Elves

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Hi! I’m Clare!