The Oldest Elf - Hardcover

Stevenson, James

3.45

64 ratings by Goodreads

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0688137555 ISBN 13: 9780688137557

Publisher: William Morrow & Co, 1996

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There is so little interest in the old-fashioned toys made by Elywn, the oldest elf in Santa's workshop, that Santa's sleigh leaves without them. Blitzen, who tells Elywn what happened, is too old to go dashing through the snow, and has been replaced by a doe named Josephine. With wit and ingenuity, the author/artist solves the problem and adds a fresh touch to this original Christmas story.

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About the Author:

James Stevenson is an op-ed contributor to the New York Times. His popular column, "Lost and Found New York," has appeared regularly in the newspaper since 2003. He was on the staff of The New Yorker for more than three decades; his work includes 2,000 cartoons and 80 covers, as well as reporting and fiction. He is also the author and illustrator of over 100 children's books. He lives in Connecticut.

From Booklist:

Ages 4^-6. There's only a trace of Stevenson's humor in this gentle Christmas yarn, but the story is certainly in keeping with the season's spirit of selfless giving. On Christmas Eve, Santa's workshop is busy with elves putting finishing touches on assorted toys that walk and talk, wail and beep, and "go wherever they [are] told to go" --all the elves, that is, except Elwyn. The oldest one, Elwyn is stuck in time--he is not only a craftsperson of the old school, who fixes wind-up toys, tin soldiers, and the like (a far cry from the battery-operated stuff the younger generation works on), but he's also so slow in finishing his work that Santa's sleigh departs without his contribution. Luckily, Elwyn runs into reindeer Blitzen, recently retired, who shares his interest in making Christmas memorable. Stevenson's signature watercolor-and-ink-line art is as fluid and appealing as ever, and, as is usual for Stevenson, the story is touched with nostalgia. But because the good-hearted tale lacks his usual ebullience, it may be more appealing to wistful grown-ups than to the majority of kids. Warm and pleasant, but not a must purchase. Stephanie Zvirin

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