Otto the Ornament by Troy Cummings

Published by Random House Books for Young Readers

Elves Are the Worst! by Alex Willian

Published by Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers

Summary: Otto the Ornament knows his dazzling looks should earn him a front and center position on the Christmas tree. When the other ornaments try to take him down a notch, Otto goes looking for another tree. His journey into the world leaves him battered, without his former shine and glitter. A chance encounter with a familiar ornament sends Otto back home where he’s happy to find a place on the tree and simply reflect some of the holiday light onto the other ornaments.

The goblin from Elves Are the Worst! may be familiar to those who have read Alex Willian’s books declaring unicorns, dragons, and yetis as the worst. Elves, he tells the reader, may seem hard-working and perfect, but in reality, they hang out in trees baking cookies, pour bowls of the world’s loudest cereal, or just sit on a shelf all day. When he stops by the North Pole to show that a goblin can do what the elves there do, he learns that caring for reindeer and making toys are actually pretty tough tasks. Elves aren’t perfect, after all, just good at the teamwork needed to get everything ready for Santa’s big night. Both books 40 pages; ages 4-8.

Pros: Two fun, cartoon-style books for the holidays that deliver their message about playing well with others with plenty of humor. Kids will be delighted to find either Otto or a bunch of elves under the tree.

Cons: Probably not destined to become holiday classics.