Elf is part of our Starts With a Story Collection, which includes more than 550 picture book companions based on high quality children’s literature that support you in delivering highly-engaging interactive read alouds with follow up activities. Learn more about this children’s book below! - Jodi and the Starts With a Story Team
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SUMMARY
"Elf" by David Berenbaum is a heartwarming and humorous novelization of the beloved holiday film. The story follows Buddy, a human who was mistakenly raised by elves at the North Pole. When Buddy learns the truth about his origins, he embarks on a journey to New York City to find his biological father. In the bustling city, Buddy's childlike innocence and Christmas spirit bring both laughter and chaos as he tries to fit into the human world. Along the way, Buddy encounters a skeptical father, a kind-hearted love interest, and various humorous situations that highlight the stark contrast between his North Pole upbringing and the fast-paced urban life. Despite the challenges, Buddy's genuine kindness and unyielding belief in the magic of Christmas leave a lasting impact on those around him, ultimately rekindling the true spirit of the holiday season. Through Berenbaum's witty storytelling, "Elf" delivers a heartwarming tale about the power of love, family, and embracing one's unique identity.
 USE THIS BOOK TO TEACH:
Our read aloud lesson plans for this picture book come with reading comprehension questions (with sample student responses), 30 writing prompts, teaching ideas for grammar skills, social emotional learning discussion ideas, and more. Check out our list below to get a sneak peek at some of the skills this resource teaches.
- Discuss the different characters in the story and analyze their thoughts and actions.
- Cause and effect can be a difficult skill for students. This book is a perfect mentor text for teaching this skill.
- Analyze the setting of this book. Discuss where and when it takes place.
- Teach a lesson on making connections to enhance comprehension.
- Use examples of possessive nouns from the book to teach a lesson.
- Practice identifying and using articles.
- Lead a class discussion on the importance of individuality.
NO-PREP PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES:
If you are looking for “ready to go” activities for the first day of school, be sure to check out the book companion. With it you’ll receive all of the following resources to align with this specific book:
- comprehension questions
- 30Â writing prompts with themed paper
- vocabulary activities
- word study print & go activities
- ideas for grammar lessons with focus sentence printables
- social emotional learning discussion topics
- graphic organizers to target specific comprehension skills and strategies
This book is a must have for your school or classroom library. Your students are going to love completing these activities for the book and you will be impressed with how much they learn. You will want to read this book to your class every year.
GET THE PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES
ADDITIONAL BOOK SUGGESTIONS
You and your students will love the similar books listed below, which can all be found in our free picture book list.
- Memoirs of an Elf by Devin Scillian
- How to Catch an Elf by Adam Wallace
- Pig the Elf by Aaron Blabey
TRY OUT A SAMPLE COMPANION
It's hard to explain how amazing the Starts with a Story book companions are because there is just so much goodness included in each one. It's best if you experience using one for yourself. Sign up below & we'll send you an entire book companion to try out for FREE!
