Our jolly tips for early reading success will make learning to read as magical as a snowy sleigh ride. Ready to sprinkle some reading cheer? With our expert tips for boosting early literacy skills and the high-interest books we share below, you’ll have a winning strategy for reading cheer all year!
- Read Every Day: Just like Santa checks his list twice daily, make reading part of your everyday routine. Whether it’s a bedtime story or a fun book during playtime, daily reading boosts literacy skills and enhances vocabulary.
- Make Reading Fun: Reading can feel as energetic as a snowball toss on a snowy night! Choose books with colorful pictures, engaging characters, and exciting stories to make learning to read a delightful experience for children.
- Use Music to Enhance Literacy: Songs and rhymes are magical tools for developing early reading skills. They help with phonemic awareness and vocabulary building. Be sure to check out the newest song releases from The Elf on the Shelf artist channel wherever you get your music.
- Ask Questions About the Stories You Read: Encourage your child to ask questions about the stories they read. Questions like “What do you think will happen next?” help with comprehension and prediction, connecting their existing knowledge to new information.
- Practice Reading Regularly: Just as Santa practices flying his sleigh, regular reading practice is key to developing strong reading skills. Set aside time each day for reading practice to build confidence and fluency in young readers.
- Create a Cozy Reading Nook: Every child needs a special, inviting place to read. A cozy spot with comfortable seating and good lighting makes reading time more enjoyable and encourages a love for books.
- Celebrate Reading Milestones: Celebrate every reading achievement, no matter how small. Note progress and milestones, such as learning new words or finishing a book.
- Read Together: Take turns reading aloud or listen to your child read. Shared reading experiences strengthen your bond and support your child’s early literacy.
- Explore Various Book Genres: Introduce your child to different types of books—mysteries, adventures, fairy tales, and more. Exploring diverse genres helps children discover their interests and broadens their experiences.
- Encourage Patience and Positivity: Every reader develops at their own pace. Encourage patience and maintain a positive attitude toward learning challenges. Support and encouragement go a long way in fostering a love for reading.
With these North Pole tips for early reading success, you’ll be well on your way to helping your child develop strong reading skills.
Our Newest Titles
What better way to experience the magic of reading than with these Christmas books! The Elf on the Shelf has teamed up with HarperCollins Children’s Books to create a variety of titles that build early literacy and are sure to bring cheer and smiles each Christmas season.

The Elf on the Shelf: Don’t Touch That Elf!: Someone touched the elf. But not just any elf. The Elf on the Shelf. You’ve got an ELFTASTROPHE! Now what? This laugh-out-loud storybook provides essential instructions on how to properly care for one of Santa’s Scout Elves and includes over twenty-five punch-out gifts you can give your elf, along with a foldable gift box to wrap them up in!
The Elf on the Shelf: Welcome to the North Pole: Explore the magical realm of the North Pole alongside your favorite Scout Elf crew. Readers will delight in meeting not only charming animal friends but also Santa Claus himself! This book is a Level One I Can Read, perfect for children learning to sound out words and sentences.
Don’t Forget These Fantastic Editions
From books that stimulate creativity and fill hours with activity to delightful reads that beg for to be read on repeat, earlier titles in The Elf on the Shelf collection with HarperCollins introduce you to the characters of Santa’s enchanted North Pole and take you along on their epic adventures.
The Elf on the Shelf Stocking Stuffer Sticker Book: Fans can re-create festive scenes at the North Pole, add decorations and presents under the tree, or help the elves with some sticker activities! With over 200 stickers available, readers can enjoy countless hours of elf-rrific sticker fun!
The Elf on the Shelf: Night Before Christmas: When The Elf on the Shelf attempts to make his way back to the North Pole on Christmas Eve, things don’t go exactly as planned. This humorous retelling is told in beautiful rhyme and comes with three festive holiday surprises, including a letter to Santa, elf-themed wrapping paper, and elftastic stickers!
The Elf on the Shelf: Meet the Scout Elves: Discover new and old friends as you take a tour around the North Pole, meet the special Scout Elves, and learn about everything they do! This book is a Level One I Can Read, perfect for children learning to sound out words and sentences
Discover more elftastic products and ideas to make this Christmas merry and bright!