Children's books: Once Upon a Place, The Elf on the Shelf

Once Upon a Place compiled by Eoin Colfer (Little Island €16.90) As the title quirkily suggests, place has a profound significance for both characters and events.

The anthology is a who’s who of the best of Irish children’s writers with stories ranging from the wildly imaginative to the mildly horrifying. ‘The Bear’ by John Connoly is an outstanding tale of displacement, where a mother moves to Kerry after separating from her husband. Shortly after arrival in this new place a bear appears and is befriended by her children, David and Stephen.

Naturally the bear cannot speak to them, but he is a warm and enthusiastic being who inveigles his way into the house to watch television. That is, until the boys’ mother puts her foot down. A family home is no place for a bear — but all ends well of course.

Running in tandem with the narrative are hilarious snippets from a book the boys have found — 500 Fascinating Facts About Kerry. All of which are wrong — except one important fact. There are bears in Kerry! It’s worth the cover price to read this story alone.

Among some equally outstanding poems is ‘How To Feed A Stranger’s Donkey’ by Kate Newman.

You wouldn’t have thought that being bitten by a donkey would be a cause of jealousy, but that is what transpires when the attention-seeking Beverly is comforted by her mother and given the last precious winegum. Suitable for age 10 and up, and all adults.

The Elf on the Shelf by Carol V Aebersold and Chanda A Bell (€34.99) This boxed set includes a colourful scout elf, who has to be immediately named by his new owner. The accompanying book explains his function — to keep a watchful eye on the manners and behaviour of his tiny owner.

Magically, the elf hears everything said to him and tends to reappear in different places of the house every morning.

A good report to Santa is a must, though the elf is friendly and seeks to balance good behaviour with any slips from grace. An imaginative gift, best presented as an advent assignment, with fingers crossed for a return on the investment.