Text by Barbara Barbieri McGrath
Charlesbridge publishing, 2026 (first published in 2009)
ISBN: 978-1-62354-848-3
Paperback - 32 pages - 3/6 years - 22,9 x 22,9 cm / 9 x 9 inches
Once upon a time, there was a reindeer, a penguin, a hare, and a little red elf.
Everyone knows elves are industrious and always helping others. But the same cannot be said for reindeer who like to snooze in the straw, or penguins who like to relax in the bath, or hibernating hares. Still, when the Little Red Elf finds some pinecones, she asks for help planting them, watering them, and then decorating the tree that grows from them. Not surprisingly, her friends decline.
It isn’t difficult for the Little Red Elf to stay positive, but on Christmas Day, after she’s cleaned all by herself and prepared treats all by herself, young readers must wonder who will help her open all the presents under the beautiful tree.
Adorable illustrations by Rosalinde Bonnet are an abundance of cute and will put readers young and old in the proper holiday spirit.
Reviews
The Horn Book:
"Bonnet's more-than-helpful illustrations give an extra-festive boost to McGrath's already spirited version of a familiar tale. Even at their cheekiest, the reindeer, penguin, and hare look friendly and cuddly. The little red elf's "most positive of attitudes" shines through in the text and art, but the pictures also hint that, like her predecessor, she's no chump. Speaking of whom, the little red hen herself makes a cameo appearance in the poetically just ending."
" The story is solid and Bonnet’s illustrations are beyond perfect."
School Library Journal:
"This sweet version is simply told but includes plenty of funny asides (Well, I love being busy! the little red elf exclaims after yet another failed attempt to get help). The acrylic and ballpoint-pen illustrations are full of childlike humor, depicting cute North Pole characters who look like toys themselves. This is that rare beast an endearing holiday book without a hint of treacle." Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library
Kirkus Reviews:
"In a clever twist, the many presents for the lazy ones are all stuffed little-red-hen toys. Bonnet's illustrations are bright and cheerful, with a sweet elf and comical creatures as the non-helpers."
Publishers Weekly:
"Readers will giggle at the ne'er-do-well toys in Bonnet's sweetly amusing acrylic and pen illustrations (the reindeer floats Christmas ornaments in the tub)."
An Abundance of Books:
"This book is so stinkin' cute!! Bonnet's illustrations are just wonderful and really make this Christmas version of The Little Red Hen worth the read."
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