Five Little Elves

PreS-Gr 1—"Five little elves sitting on a sled./The first one said, 'Where's the man in red?' " Yaccarino's elves have green skin, wear green clothes, and could almost be mistaken for Martians. Rendered in a sharp, graphic style, they are distinct and jolly individuals, of varying heights and genders. Two wear glasses, and two are bald. All are eagerly anticipating the joy that children around the world will experience when they open their gifts on Christmas morning. Each elf has a turn to say something in accordance with the rhyme structure, which works well most of the time. They are concerned that Santa may be behind schedule, as the reindeer are harnessed and the presents have been stuffed in the delivery sack. There is no glimpse of Santa until he's shown silhouetted against the full moon, flying his team across the sky as the five little elves wave to him and shout, "Merry Christmas Eve!"