How To Catch an Elf
The first feature of December is here with How to Catch an Elf by Adam Wallace (Author), Andy Elkerton (Illustrator).
There is a reason this series, “How to Catch a…” is a favorite among children. The rhyme is fun, the illustrations are bright and colorful, and the whole concept of how to catch a mythical character is thrilling! These will be enjoyed for many years to come and I knew I needed to feature another Christmas one this year. Be sure to check out How to Catch a Reindeer from 2023’s features in older posts!
It’s Christmas Eve, and a certain elf is trying to dodge all the traps set out for him by the children. With several creative traps, this elf is in for a chaotic Christmas! Will he and Santa make it out of each home? Enjoy this read aloud to find out!
After reading this story, I hope your kiddos enjoy these FREE printables below.
Have kiddos reflect on the story with this sequence of events worksheet.
Copy and paste into a word document or download the printable here.
Kids will enjoy finding the matching elves and coloring the pairs the same color.
Copy and paste into a word document or download the printable here.
Have kids work through the maze to help the elf get back to Santa’s sleigh.
Copy and paste into a word document or download the printable here.
Have kids think back to ways they set traps in the story or come up with their own trap. Finish the sentence and draw a pictrure.
Copy and paste into a word document or download the printable here.
As with every picture book, I also like to offer a fun hands-on activity as an extension of the book.
This picture book is all about setting a trap for an elf, so of course we need to allow the kiddos to make one themselves!
Even if your home/classroom doesn’t have an “Elf on the Shelf,” this is still a story about catching an elf on Christmas Eve. Kids can create a trap that can just be for fun, catch their “elf on the shelf,” or an elf for Christmas eve night.
Soooo many ways to go about this. Depending on the ages of the children, you could 1. give them various objects and allow them to be creative. 2. have them completely explore objects around the home or classroom to think of their own or 3. come up with a plan together and decide what items are needed and then work together to create a trap
Possible items to use:
- cardboard boxes
-candy, candy canes, chocolate
-nets
-yarn/string
-bowls/tubber ware containers
Have fun with it and allow children to be creative!
AND if you are looking for ideas for that pesky Elf on the Shelf, they go PERFECT with this story.
My plan with my own kids, is to read How to Catch an Elf one day, do the printables, and hands-on activity of creating an “elf trap.” Then the next morning when they wake up, the elf will be zip lining on a candy cane through the room with a note that reads: “I saw what book you read. You think you can trap ME?! Good luck!” or something similar to that :)
I hope your kiddos/students enjoy this story, How to Catch an Elf, the printables, hands-on activity, and if using, the Elf on the Shelf idea!
Please considering purchasing this book using links above or checking it out at your local library. After reading this story, PLEASE leave a review on Amazon or Goodreads. :)
Stay tuned for more Picture Books, Printables and Play!—OH MY WITH Elf on the Shelf for December! THREE more Christmas picture books to come!
