To find out how Murfy The Littlest Elf helps ease the financial strain at Christmas, read the author's comments below.
When I tell people that, although this is a children's book, it's important for adults to read it, I'm always asked one of two questions. Does it contain an earth shattering moral aimed at adults? Or Does it tell how to raise children? The answer to both questions is....no. I've been told the book is full of morals. However, writing morals was not my intention. They accidentally slipped in sideways as a natural by-product of simply telling the story. As far as giving advice on raising children, I'll leave that to someone who has raised a dozen or more perfect children. So why is it important for adults to read this particular book? There is just one reason. They need to know about Murfy. They need to know who he is and what he does.
Most of us, sooner or later, will experience financial difficulties. While this is never pleasant, it's worse if you're a parent with small children and facing the Christmas holidays. What if Santa misses your house or fails to bring the expensive toys they want? Since Santa only goes to good little boys and girls, how will you convince those disappointed little faces that they aren't bad? Before such a terrible thing happens...you need to know about Murfy.
When my two sons were 5 and 7, my husband was in college and money was tight. We weren't starving, but Christmas was approaching and my sons wanted to find radio controlled cars under the tree. At that time they cost around $150.00 apiece. I told my 7 year old not to set his heart on something so expensive because we did not have that kind of money. Looking up with his innocent eyes, he said, "Don't worry, Mama. Santa will bring them."
I simply nodded.
That year jolly old St. Nick missed our house by mistake. Fortunately, Murfy came in his place. This little elf left a tiny note explaining that since he is only 12 inches tall and carries a very small sack he couldn't bring big radio controlled cars. He brought little remote controlled cars instead. He said he was sorry and hoped they wouldn't be too disappointed. Disappointed? No, my sons were thrilled! The fact that a tiny elf had come to their house was so exciting they really didn't care he only brought small toys.
Santa never missed our house again, so Murfy never came back. You see, Murfy only tries to find the houses that Santa has missed by mistake. You have to read the book to find out how such a tiny woodland elf ended up at the North Pole and how he gets inside your house. Hint...he doesn't come down the chimney.
Quite often I'm asked by children if Murfy is real. My answer is always the same. "He's every bit as real as Santa!" Remember, 'Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus'? Well there is also a Murfy, and he will steal your heart as he did mine.
Charlette Clemmer
Now you know how Murfy came into the author's life. However, the book is not about her family nor their experiences with Murfy. It is about Murfy and how he traveled all the way to the North Pole in search of elves. There, he not only found elves, but also discovered a wonderful life helping Santa. His story is so interesting, well written and illustrated, third and fourth grade teachers are using it to improve their students reading skills. While the writing is a bit advanced for younger children, it makes a perfect book for a parent to read aloud. Reading aloud to children is the first step, possible the most important step, in teaching children the joy of reading.
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