Elf: A Short Story of a Tall Tale

by Art Ruiz

This is the story of Buddy Hobbs, an elf who feels a little out of place at the North Pole. The clumsy 6'2" elf is constantly banging his head on doorframes, beams, and cabinets, missing his toy-creating quota and is the only baritone in the elf choir. But what Buddy lacks in elfin abilities, he makes up for in Christmas cheer! Will Buddy's unique personality help him discover his true place in the real world?

Genres: Christmas, Childrens

32 pages, Library Binding

First published October 13, 2003

Reviews

[☮ morgan ☮ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very cute. This is not the exact same as the movie, mostly about Buddy in the North Pole and him feeling different from the other elves.

[Sarah Herbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not the same as the movie but still slapped

[Gabrielle Warren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I personally love the movie ELF! I watch it when Christmas comes around. I think that this book isn't like the movie at all, but explains more of a kid friendly way then adding some of the not so kid friendly details in the movie. Overall, this book would be prefect around Christmas time in my classroom!

[Mac Edson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was in this musical, and I love it SOOOOO much. How do you not like Elf? If you haven’t watched this movie, this holidays, you should be dedicated to watching it. And while you’re at it, watch the musical. I was in it, it was really fun.

Overall, WATCH THE MOVIE!! Have a sparklejollytwinklyjingly day!!

[KF-in-Georgia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a seriously truncated version of the movie with Will Farrell. No trip to New York, nothing about his human family, Jovie, or any of that.

It's not what I expected--or wanted--but it's not actually bad, so it gets 3 stars.

[Sam Vadasy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s ELF. Simple as that

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice short read lovely illustrations and just a nice book

[Savannah C · Rating 5 out of 5]

The was based on the film and it was super cute

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Despite the cover this book is not a condensed version of the movie Elf starring Will Ferrell, nor is it a replica of the book pictured at the end of the movie. This tiny (7.1 x 5.1 x 0.3 inches) book is more of a prequel to the movie which takes place completely at the North Pole. During the course of its 26 pages Elf: A Short Story of a Tall Tale tells a story about Buddy who realizes that he is not like the other elves, he is special. This is, at its heart, a children's tale with a message of learning that being different is not something to be ashamed of, but rather we should embrace that everyone has their own unique talents that make them who they are. Elf would make a nice addition to a book collection for the young or the young at heart, or as a companion to the movie. It takes only a few minutes to read and has simple, but cute illustrations. If you are a fan of the movie, then you will appreciate this simple book for what it is and enjoy its message that being special doesn't have to be a bad thing.

[Jabari Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The movie is about an elf who found out that his real father is a human. Since he was raised around elves and around Santa Clauses he acted like one. So he later had to find his real father. Santa then told him that his father is on the naughty list. So elf came around and made the father really angry. The father really wanted him away from his family. Elf was not wanted anywhere. Elf wanted too come to New York because his father was on the naughty list. He saw a girl who he liked. Elf loved too eat sugar. When he went to his dad job he loved it. It turned out that people in New York were losing Christmas spirit. So Santa needed elf help. But he didn't think he could do it. Santa new he could do it. So the girl he liked started too sing. Then everyone started too get the Christmas spirit.

[Christine Mendoza]

Good

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another cute read for the book/movie combo my sister and I are doing. It was a cute story, but appeared to take place before the movie.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buddy the elf - what’s you’re favorite color? My sons favorite Christmas book and movie!