Five Little Elves

In this companion to Five Little Bunnies and Five Little Pumpkins, a group of all-green elves help prepare for Santa’s flight, taking turns wondering where Santa is, reflecting on their toy-making, and otherwise making sure that everything is in order. The (uncredited) rhymes can be rhythmically rocky (“Santa hopped in the sled and said, ‘Now it’s time to leave.’/ And the five little elves shouted, ‘Merry Christmas Eve!’ ”), but the crisp shapes and vivid colors of Yaccarino’s graphics make this a brief but diverting tribute to Santa’s sometimes overlooked helpers—in fact, the Man in Red is only seen in silhouette as his sleigh sails into the night. Up to age 4. Illustrator’s agent: Rebecca Sherman, Writers House. (Sept.)