Official Review: Where Elves Come From

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Azeline Arcenal
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Official Review: Where Elves Come From

Post by Azeline Arcenal »

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Where Elves Come From" by Santa, Edit Engel, Alan McBrearty.]
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4 out of 4 stars
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Where Elves Come From by Santa, Edith Engel, and Alan McBrearty is a children’s book that teaches young readers about moral values. It is a great book for parents or grandparents to read to their children during bedtime.

While Suzy is playing in a park, she notices a girl sitting all alone so she decides to introduce herself. She finds out that the other girl’s name is Anna and the two become fast friends while their parents, who were both single at the beginning of the book, marry each other. As the days past, Anna and Suzy get closer and closer to each other, but one day the family finds out terrible news. Anna has cancer that is incurable. At first, Suzy is devastated, but Anna cheers her up by telling her of a dream that she had of an Angel that told her that she will become one of Santa’s little helpers, an Elf, when she passes away. Suzy has doubts about it, but with Christmas just around the corner, Suzy is eager to see if Anna will prove that she is an Elf. Will Suzy receive her special Christmas gift that only Anna knows to get her, or will she find out on Christmas that Anna lied to her?

The book is broken down into 16 chapters and is narrated by Santa Claus. At the end of every chapter, Santa Claus discusses the main lessons that children can take away from the book. Some lessons include always telling the truth and not being afraid of the unknown. Also, after each summary, there are questions that pertain to the lessons and illustrations of a significant event that happened during each chapter.

Although it was an easy read, I teared up a few times due to some emotional scenes. While sensitive topics, like death and cancer, are included in the book, I think parents can use this opportunity to talk to their kids about it, especially with the help of the questions that are provided at the end of each chapter. This book also explores family relationships and the challenges that can strain those relationships.

Overall, I would rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. It was simple to read and provided a lesson that will greatly benefit young readers. Moreover, there were no grammatical errors or spelling mistakes. I would recommend this book to parents or grandparents who read to their children before bedtime.

******
Where Elves Come From
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Post by kandscreeley »

I'm not sure how I feel about possibly teaching someone that they might become Santa's elf after dying. I love that Santa teaches the lessons. But, these are certainly sensitive topics that need to be handled carefully. I'll think on this one. Thanks.
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Post by T_stone »

This children's book helps parents to teach their children sensitive topics like cancer and death, love and to be courageous. Thank you for the review
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Post by Tessa-hadassah »

Telling children about sensitive topics like death and incurable diseases are quite a task. It's a lovely book.
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Post by Sonya Nicolaidis »

Without bringing up too much controversy about an afterlife and what's more, the whole existence of Santa and elves, I am looking at this book at face value and seeing all the little gems of wisdom and learning that it can plant in a young child's mind. As they grow up, the storyline and characters will fade, but the principles will remain if taught properly, and that's what is important. It sounds like a lovely little book and just in time for the festive season. Nice review.
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Post by Mercelle »

A story narrated by Santa Claus and introduces children to the world's harsh realities. Sounds like a book that could benefit a lot of people.
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Post by JHuschle519 »

This book sounds amazing. Based on your review it sounds like the author did a great job of tacking a very delicate subject, and it sounds like they did it in such a way that children will still be able to enjoy the book. I will definitely add this one to my reading list. Thanks for the review.
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Post by OrlaCarty »

I know others may find the topic of becoming an elf in the afterlife unsettling and it is a controversial. However, I feel that it is a sweet thought that one child would have for another in this case. The innocence of the idea is so heartwarming. Thank you for the review.
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Post by blmacj »

I may not agree with the idea that a child will become an elf when they slip from this world; however, I do certainly like the premise that this book teaches many tough subjects and is a tool for parents or grandparents to instill a sense of moral values in children. While I would prefer a faith based book; This one fits the bill for those who do not ascribe to a particular faith. It is our children who need to be taugh moral and ethical values which will carry this world into the future without destroying each other and this book seems to have that idea in mind. Thanks for the review.
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Post by KarinaBordas »

What a unique way to approach, friendship, love, death, and faith! This seems like a fun Christmas season book to add to the collection!
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Post by Lexinerd2016 »

Where Elves Come From by Santa, Edith Engel, and Alan McBrearty.

The books has good messages! Some are great while others would probably make the kids ask their parents some questions. Parents need to read the book first to see if its okay with their kid pther than that I'd say its a good good.
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Post by Kendra M Parker »

It sounded like there are some great lessons to be learned, but I am concerned about some of the inadvertent ones that get passed along with the setting and premise of the book. I like the thought, but I think it may add extra confusion to already difficult topics.
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Post by melissy370 »

I have to applaud the author (or authors) on coming up with a creative storyline. Not sure if I particularly care for the plot, but hopefully, there will be someone who can enjoy it. Thanks for your review.
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Post by fredrick otieno »

Children too have the right to know about life challenges and other challenges such as cancer. And this book would give them that opportunity. Thanks for the review.
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Post by fredrick otieno »

Children too have the right to know about life challenges and other challenges such as cancer. And this book would give them that opportunity. Thanks for the review.
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