The Christmas Adventure of Space Elf Sam

by Audrey Wood, Don Wood, Bruce Robert Wood (Illustrator)

Illustrated with three-dimensional-looking, computer-generated artwork similar to that in Toy Story, a unique, affecting Christmas tale follows a space-age elf on his first spaceship mission for Santa Claus.

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Holiday, Science Fiction, Aliens, Childrens, Space

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Audrey Wood studied art and drama at the Arkansas Art Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. She has owned an operated a book and import store, taught chldren's drama and art, and traveled throughout Mexico and Guatemala studying Indian folk art. She now lives in Hawaii with her talented family (husband Don and son Bruce, who have both collaborated with Audrey by illustrating some of her books).

Reviews

[Mrs.Capuano · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is inventive and fun, but takes a really long time to read and isn't a fantastic read-aloud.

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

With all the talk about Elon Musk wanting to colonize Mars and such I feel that this book is particularly relevant for our time. In order for Santa to adequately meet the needs of an ever-expanding population of children increasingly interspersed throughout the galaxy, certain technological advancements will need to be made and the leadership structure of the North Pole will also need to evolve appropriately. Space Elf Sam was written in 1998 as a book well ahead of its time as it begins to explore these questions with a pleasing mixture of depth, lightheartedness, and Christmas cheer. I recommend it to all forward-thinking people, and children between the ages of 5 and 12.

[Suzanne Lorraine Kunz Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how generous Space Elf Sam was with the Goms and how generous they were in turn with him. Great lesson that what we do comes back to us.

[Ash]

Both the plot and the art style don’t interest me enough to even finish a short children’s book.

[Kristy Sikora · Rating 1 out of 5]

Published: 1998

Summary:
This book was not of interest to me because science fiction isn't something I ever enjoy reading. I chose this book to read for this genre because I love Christmas books.
Santa establishes the Space Elf Christmas Academy to train elves to deliver gifts to once-Earthlings who have moved to different planets. Space Elf Sam lands on the undiscovered planet of Gom, and he isn't received well by the aliens who live there. After being captured and the presents taken, he learns an important lesson about Christmas spirit.

Themes: Christmas spirit

Lesson ideas: This book could be used to talk about settings in the future. Students could point out the elements that show it's in the future.

[The Brothers · Rating 2 out of 5]

In a future world, Santa has to contend with the human race being on distant space colonies. A few days before Christmas he receives wish lists form children on Alpha One and sends Sam, his latest space elf cadet, to fill the order. Everything goes wrong for Sam, but even in the chaos of crash landing and being taken captive by aliens, he manages to teach them the true meaning of the Christmas spirit.

Illustrations are really rather creepy.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I admit I am a Star Trek fanatic so I guess I would be expected to enjoy this book. Audrey Wood's story is unique, there is a great moral to the story so what is there not to like. Bruce Robert Wood's illustrations are colorful and fun! A good book that children should enjoy and which would be great to see future sequels by Audrey Wood.

[Jillyholdy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jillian demanded a 5-star rating because we're doing the 'Elf Shelf' this Xmas, and she is on an elf-tear right now.

[Uriah · Rating 2 out of 5]

An okay book. Space Elf Sam teaches another planet about Christmas traditions (not the meaning of it). Some of the story bothered me but an enjoyable one time read.

[Little John · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Great. I loved it, but the Gom's Santa was a little different from ours. My favourite part was going deeper into the ground with Space Elf Sam."

[Leah]

Was more adult humor than child humor.