NELL’S ELF

A rainy, dull day for this preschooler inspires imaginative play with her very own elf creation made from paper and crayons, complete with “pointy ears and fluffy hair” / wearing polka dots . . . and stars . . . and a rainbow . . . and curly-toed shoes . . . and a pointy hat with a feather!” “No feather!” roars her elf, as he comes to life and gives Nell an idea for a party. Grabbing chocolate chips and inviting more elf guests, creations artistically made with crayon and paper, the rainy day is filled with dancing, singing and chocolate-chip eating “right out of the bag!” Soft drawings reminiscent of earlier 20th-century artwork in pastels, colored pencil and gouache delineate this little girl’s sweet innocence and self-assurance balanced against the bright, peppy imaginary friend she has invented to make a boring day fun and playful. Simply whimsical, yet completely plausible for little ones with fanciful thoughts. (Picture book. 2-5)