The Rise of Nicholas the Noble

Gr 2-5–The hugely popular Elf on the Shelf brand launches a middle grade book just in time for the holiday season. Fisbee the Scout Elf narrates the tale of young Nicholas, and he begins the story with the question “Does Santa Claus really exist?” He lets readers know that he believes, and that he will let the story speak for itself. Young Nicholas, shipwrecked in the Arctic Tundra with his dog Barry, is whisked into the enchanted world of One Truth North with fairies, gnomes, and elves who protect the powerful Lumistella Stone, part of the Christmas star that fell to earth many years ago. Unfortunately, the evil Gangleri seeks to steal the Lumistella Stone with his army of monsters. Nicholas finds himself at the center of a battle between good and evil and must find the courage to save the Stone. The content may be a bit dark for Elf on the Shelf fans; readers learn early on that Nicholas is an orphan, as his parents were murdered. And at over 300 pages, with few, though beautiful, black-and-white illustrations, it’s a long read-aloud. However, fantasy fans will be enthralled.