Santa's Bully Elf

by Victoria Devine

Santa’s Bully Elf is a heartwarming story about bullying and the spirit of Christmas. When Sparky, a Golden Retriever who helps Santa Claus track bullies, looks into his magical telescope, he spots Isabella and Anthony. These two children are on the naughty list because they are mean and unkind to other kids at school. Sparky must leave his post at Lookout Tower to convince these two children to behave or Santa will fly past their home on Christmas Eve without stopping.
Of course, no one has EVER heard of a dog as an elf, so Isabella and Anthony take some convincing. When the children arrive at the North Pole, Santa plans a surprise visit to help them understand the effects of their bullying. One look through the magical telescope, and they are shocked by what they see!

Kindle Edition

Published February 29, 2016

Reviews

[Kid's Picture Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Santa’s Bully Elf, Sparky, a K-9 elf adopted by Santa, is in charge of stopping bullying with the help of a magical telescope. Sparky identifies siblings Isabella and Anthony, who are causing trouble both at home and school, by bullying their classmates and each other. Sparky intervenes, warning the children that their bad behavior has landed them on Santa's naughty list.

To show them the consequences of their actions, Sparky takes Isabella and Anthony on a journey to Santa’s village at the North Pole. There, they meet Santa and his elves, who help the children see how their bullying has hurt others. Moved by what they witness through Santa’s telescope, the siblings realize the harm they’ve caused. They return home determined to make amends, with a promise to change their ways.

Santa’s Bully Elf is a heartwarming and educational story that addresses the important issue of bullying in a creative and magical way. Victoria Ann Devine’s use of a magical elf and the North Pole as the backdrop for teaching a serious lesson adds a festive touch to the story, making it both engaging and meaningful for young readers.

The characters of Isabella and Anthony are realistic, showcasing the harmful consequences of their actions in a way children can relate to. Sparky, the lovable K-9 elf, is a charming hero who guides the children and readers through the journey of self-awareness and redemption.

Laura Doll’s illustrations complement the story beautifully, bringing the magical world of Santa's village to life with vibrant visuals. Santa’s Bully Elf is a great read for children, offering a valuable lesson about kindness, empathy, and the importance of changing negative behaviors. It’s a perfect holiday read that teaches children the significance of treating others with respect, while maintaining the joy and wonder of the Christmas spirit.

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both the illustrations and story of Santa’s Bully Elf are extraordinary. Victoria Ann Devine has written a clever tale which clearly shows the butterfly effect of bullying and how it not only makes a bully’s victim feel bad when they are being bullied, but also how they take their feelings of emptiness, inadequacy and self-loathing with them everywhere they go. Santa’s Bully Elf is wonderfully drawn and magically told, ensuring that children and tweens will be fascinated by this story which teaches a very valuable lesson. I enjoyed the fable-aspect of the story and feel that this book would do well in school and home libraries worldwide. I recommend Santa’s Bully Elf to children, tweens and young teens, in the hopes that this very important message is absorbed during a child’s social, learning years.

- Rosie Malezer for Readers' Favorite