The elves in this story are celebrating a holiday very different from Christmas: they’re traveling to Thailand in honor of Leon’s Day—the halfway mark to Christmas—with plans to assist endangered species at the Kaeng Krachan, Thailand’s biggest national park. Natale employs that decidedly unique elf activity to deliver a feast for the senses in this unconventional holiday picture book, the fifth in her Elf School Is Out! series, after Holly’s Rainforest Adventure. Because Sandy is visually impaired, readers get the chance to experience Thailand the way he does—by sampling its sweet durian fruit, racing through the streets in windy tuk-tuks, and catching the scent of perfumed soaps, all accompanied by his faithful dog, Titina, who guards Sandy’s collapsible cane and helps him navigate Thailand’s busy market streets.
Bailey’s bright illustrations reveal just how exciting life can be for Santa’s little helpers, as the elves and co. jaunt from their snow-topped houses to river boats with monkey guides to an extraordinary national park teeming with unusual animals—who are all more than happy to celebrate Leon’s Day with the group. Natale closes this fun holiday adventure with a list of vocabulary from the story and a Thai recipe for kids to try out with their adult readers.
Takeaway: Santa’s elves take an unconventional approach to summer vacation.
Comparable Titles: Kim Ann’s Where Do Elves Go On Vacation?, Trish Madsen’s 12 Little Elves Visit Colorado.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: B-
Illustrations: A-
Editing: B
Marketing copy: A
