The Grateful Elf
What’s inside...
The Grateful Elf is a heartwarming tale of a small elf who embarks on an enchanting adventure to save his village from a mysterious plight. Along the way, he learns valuable lessons about gratitude, friendship, and the true meaning of courage. In another story, Elfie, a mischievous elf known for unfairly judging children and causing chaos, is taught a lesson in gratitude by Santa. Santa sends Elfie to the home of Charlie and Angela West, where Elfie must write ten things he is grateful for each day. If he fails, he will be banished from the North Pole forever. The story explores whether Elfie can change his ways and see the good in people during the Christmas season.
Age
6-12
Length
122 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite part of the story, and why did it stand out to you?
If you were the Grateful Elf, how would you show gratitude to your friends?
What are some ways we can show thankfulness every day?
How did the Grateful Elf's actions make others feel?
Can you think of a time when you felt grateful? What happened?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing, maintain eye contact and show genuine interest in your child’s responses to create a supportive environment.
Encourage your child to think deeply by asking follow-up questions to their answers, such as 'Why do you think that?' or 'Can you tell me more about that?'
Relate the themes of the book to real-life situations in your child's experience to help them connect with the story.
Praise your child for their thoughts and insights, reinforcing their confidence in expressing themselves.
After the discussion, consider engaging in an activity that relates to the theme of gratitude, like writing thank-you cards or verbally sharing things you’re each thankful for.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Gratitude
Explanation: The story revolves around an elf who learns to appreciate the small blessings in life after several misadventures.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to say 'thank you' and acknowledge the support and love they receive from family and friends.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Despite facing challenges, the elf continues to persevere and overcome obstacles with a positive attitude.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of staying strong and optimistic even when things get tough.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The elf learns to understand and share the feelings of other magical creatures in the story.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to consider others' feelings and perspectives, fostering a kinder and more inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The elf encounters problems that require clever solutions, demonstrating the value of thoughtful decision-making.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and creatively when faced with their own everyday challenges.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the story, the elf collaborates with others to achieve common goals, highlighting the importance of working together.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to collaborate effectively, understanding that teamwork can lead to success in group settings like school projects or sports.