A review by tjwallace04
Afternoon of the Elves by Janet Taylor Lisle
4.0
I had previously read this book one time in elementary school (about thirty years ago now), and the concept of the story had stayed with me all that time as something magical, wonderful, and memorable. After some googling ("book elves back yard"), I was able to rediscover "Afternoon of the Elves" and purchase it...ostensibly for my children but really so I could reread it.
Well, I think I understand now why it made such an impression on me. What an unusual children's book! There is so much ambiguity, and it has an abrupt, unresolved ending. Hillary doesn't know quite what to make of Sara-Kate, and I probably didn't either as a child reading the book. As an adult, I feel like I can see another layer.. The best part of the book to me is how Sara-Kate teaches Hillary to look at things with different eyes and to consider things from different perspectives...that what is normal to Hillary may not be what is normal to an elf...or to another family. This is an important lesson for both childrens and adults and it is given seamlessly.
I am honestly not sure if this book will work its magic on my children the way it did on me, as it's not funny or exciting in a traditional sense, but I will be reading it with them soon.
Well, I think I understand now why it made such an impression on me. What an unusual children's book! There is so much ambiguity, and it has an abrupt, unresolved ending. Hillary doesn't know quite what to make of Sara-Kate, and I probably didn't either as a child reading the book. As an adult, I feel like I can see another layer.
Spoiler
She is literally starving (which is why she lights up and becomes gregarious when Hillary brings her balogna and other food) but also starving for friendship. It is a sad but powerful plot.I am honestly not sure if this book will work its magic on my children the way it did on me, as it's not funny or exciting in a traditional sense, but I will be reading it with them soon.