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Unabridged Digital Audiobook
Runtime: 8 hours, 34 minutes
Read by Kirby Heyborne
The story of Santa Claus is one of magic and mystery, of toy-making elves and flying reindeer. But the audio edition of Top Elf by author Caleb Zane Huett mixes the magic of Santa’s workshop with the action and betrayal of a reality TV competition to tell a story about the search for a new Santa.
The story begins at the North Pole in early July, as eleven-year-old elf Ollie and his best friend, Celia, are eagerly awaiting the beginning of another year of holiday preparations. But when Santa appears to kick off the season, he makes a shocking announcement. He’s decided that it’s about time for him to retire—and instead of passing his red suit on to his oldest son, Klaus, he’s decided to hold a competition to choose the next Santa. And Ollie and Celia soon find themselves caught up in sleigh races and cookie-eating competitions in their quest to be Santa.
Top Elf is action-packed and fun—an often laugh-out-loud adventure at the North Pole. The competitors are put through all kinds of amusing challenges. They have to race through a mailroom maze while avoiding fire-breathing robotic children. They stuff themselves with milk and cookies. They build sleighs and design red suits. And each new challenge is often as clever as it is comical.
The characters, meanwhile, may be little, but they have plenty of personality. Ollie is smart and stylish and sensitive—a friendly and thoughtful young elf who wants to be everyone’s friend. Celia, on the other hand, is tough and resourceful—able to create a brilliant invention for any situation.
But life at the North Pole isn’t all toys and candy canes—and the competition brings out the worst in some of the other Santa hopefuls. Klaus Claus is ruthless and bitter about having to compete for the job that he believes belongs to him, while there are other characters who lie and cheat their way through each challenge. And that action and tension—along with the Christmas magic and fun-loving sense of humor—make it a story that kids and parents can enjoy together.
If you’re planning to travel over the river and through the woods with the whole family this holiday season—and you’re looking for some family-friendly entertainment—pick up a copy of Top Elf before you hit the road. It’ll keep the family laughing as the miles fly by.
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