15 Best Christmas Elf Books For All Ages

If your kids are anything like mine, Christmas elf books become part of the magic every December.

We’ve built a little tradition around reading one each night leading up to the big day, sometimes it’s something silly, sometimes something sweet.

Over the years, I’ve found a mix of stories that actually hold my son’s attention (even as he’s gotten older) and still bring out that sparkly holiday feeling.

Whether you’re introducing the Elf on the Shelf or just love Christmas tales, these are the books we keep coming back to.

Collage of 9 Christmas elf book covers including The Elf on the Shelf’s Night Before Christmas, How to Catch an Elf, The Littlest Elf, and Silly Sam the Elf.

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Christmas Books About Elves

These elf-themed Christmas books are great for read-alouds, especially if you’re building holiday traditions at home or in the classroom.

Whether you’re reading with a kindergartener or a mix of ages, this list includes a range of playful, gentle, and silly stories that bring Santa’s helpers to life without overcomplicating the magic.

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!

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

Introduces a heartwarming tradition as families adopt a special reindeer pet that helps Santa's sleigh fly on Christmas Eve.

Fostering the spirit of kindness and the joy of giving in the holiday season.

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.

This is one of the best elf books for kindergarten

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.

The Story Orchestra: The Nutcracker

While this isn’t technically an elf book, we keep it in rotation because of the gorgeous interactive music buttons and festive feel. It’s a great way to introduce classical music during the holidays. My son loved pressing the notes during read-aloud time, and it held his attention longer than I expected for something more artistic. Best for ages 4–8.

Get creative with our free Nutcracker coloring pages too!

Last Updated on 8 April 2025 by Clare Brown

Christmas Books About Elves

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