any teensy-sized book in the rand mcnally junior elf book series sold at an equally small price (this one, originally 69-cents). but these books made it big in popularity: you could find lots of "junior elf" books in most homes with kids back in those days.
this book is in remarkably good shape. the only flaw on it anywhere is the doggone original price tag residue/damage on the cover.
the sweet story is by kathleen daly. the adorable illustrations are by mary mcclain. the book was published in 1980 by rand mcnally & company/chicago.
i found this 37-year-old book at a garage sale and couldn't believe how great it looked. i especially loved the vintage look to the illustrations inside the front and back covers. most children's books today have blank inside front and back covers.
growing up as the oldest of four, i used to read this book aloud to my three younger siblings. many years later, i read it to my own four children. i always bought our children a new christmas book each year for them to open christmas eve. over the years, as our christmas book collection grew, we stacked up the books on our coffee table each holiday season as part of our decorations. we still have our copy of this beloved book.
this vintage edition would make a beautiful, sentimental gift for anyone who remembers it from their childhood. it would look just right on any fireplace mantel or tabletop centerpiece, mixed in with some greenery. it could stand on its own or on a small easel stand.
p.s. who could resist a christmas story about a brand-new baby mouse named chris mouse?
