by Sue Fliess
Let’s talk elves!
My book HOW TO TRAP A LEPRECHAUN is doing really well (yay!), so my publisher approached me to write more like it. They wanted one for Easter and Christmas. But they asked me if I would write more ‘trap’ books. When you put trapping with bunnies and elves, well, you can see the issue with that right away. So I came back to them with the titles: HOW TO TRACK AN EASTER BUNNY and HOW TO TRICK A CHRISTMAS ELF.
Great! But now I had to create a story for both of those. And come up with a craft written into each book as well! (Between you and me, trying to write craft instructions in rhyme requires a little humor and a lot of wine). But I said Yes, I’ll do it! and off to the library I went!
Researching Easter, bunnies, Christmas elves, mythical elves, Christmas crafts, that particular elf that hangs out on shelves, Santa, naughty and nice lists…whew! And with the help of my amazing critique group, I was able to come up with a story around both titles.
For HOW TO TRICK A CHRISTMAS ELF, I wanted to avoid having the children trick their elf into getting what they wanted for Christmas because that would be very bad! So I thought if they could trick or distract the elf, simply to peek at his naughty or nice list, then they would know where they stood with Santa and would have a chance to make things right, if need be, before the jolly man in red delivered (or not) their gifts.
So they decide to make the elf his very own miniature sleigh. To their surprise, he is over the moon! Because elves usually make the gifts, this sleigh is the first gift he’s ever received. He’s so delighted that he automatically puts the children on the nice list…and he flies back to Santa’s workshop in style. Now, the series, Magical Creatures and Crafts, is taking on a life of its own! It’s grown to include HOW TO FIND A UNICORN, HOW TO MEET A MERMAID, and even HOW TO HIDE A TURKEY, which are set to publish in 2020. Thanks for inviting me divulge the magic behind my elf book, Tara!
Thanks, Sue!
The elves have a gift for you, blog readers! A copy of the book!
You know the drill…leave a comment and I’ll pick a random winner soon!
Actually, I have a lot of winners to announce, and I had previously promised that post…but life has a way of interfering with the blog, so it’s been far too delayed. Next week we’ll have lots of winners just in time for the holidays!
90 comments
Comments feed for this article
December 3, 2019 at 10:01 am
Jennifer Johnson
This book sounds so fun! My littles sure would enjoy reading it.
December 4, 2019 at 2:21 pm
Sue Fliess
Hope so!
December 3, 2019 at 10:02 am
kelbelroberts
They all sound adorable! How creative!
December 4, 2019 at 1:10 am
Nancy Riley
This looks very cute. The whole series sounds so fun!
December 4, 2019 at 2:22 pm
Sue Douglass Fliess
Thanks!
December 3, 2019 at 10:05 am
CindyC
Thanks Sue! You are super creative. Love the concept for all of them.
Cindy
December 3, 2019 at 10:08 am
dorothywiese
WOW!!
Who knew a trickster would be sooo successful.
Keep up the good work.
December 3, 2019 at 10:18 am
Jerrianne Hayslett
Since “From Here to There” has been the favorite book of a 3-year-old in my family for months, “Elf” and “Leprechaun “ are must buys! Kudos, Sue.
December 3, 2019 at 10:20 am
Kim Larson
Wow! Two new books that both sound adorable! Congrats, Sue!
December 3, 2019 at 10:21 am
Kathy Mazurowski
This book sounds like a fun read. Everyone wants to know, “where they stand with Santa😂”
December 3, 2019 at 10:21 am
ptnozell
What fun! I love that there’s a craft involved, too.
December 3, 2019 at 10:23 am
Linda Staszak
This sounds like such a fun book. I can’t wait to read it! Thanks!
December 3, 2019 at 10:28 am
Anita Banks
What fun! Congratulations.
December 3, 2019 at 10:30 am
kareneastlund4898
Love to read about the progression of these projects. Thanks for sharing…
December 3, 2019 at 10:31 am
Dee Knabb
These titles and concept are amazing! So clever and fun. Kudos!!!
December 3, 2019 at 10:40 am
Terri
Great path to divert to when faced with a story line challenge. Thank you for the lesson of digging into the creative zone of the brain to resolve a story line that needed tweak or two to become a great story for children.
Totally impressed!
Terri Foschini
December 3, 2019 at 10:41 am
rosecappelli
Looks like a fun read!
December 3, 2019 at 10:51 am
Priya Gopal
I never grew up. I still like children’s holiday stories
December 3, 2019 at 10:58 am
pollyrenner
Wow Sue! All your books are so cool! What great ideas! Can’t wait to read them all: )
December 3, 2019 at 11:08 am
Kristin Crouch
Exchanging the board books from G-Baby’s book advent calendar with ‘real’ books this year, and this looks like a must-have! Thanks for sharing. **Totally agree with needing some form of creative juice to formulate craft directions in rhyme!! Seems like that could be a blog post on its own!
December 3, 2019 at 11:24 am
June Sengpiehl
What an adorable, entertaining book.
December 3, 2019 at 11:24 am
bamauthor
I love the idea of presenting a gift to one of the elves who spends all his time making gifts for others.!
December 3, 2019 at 11:32 am
danielledufayet
Another great book by Sue Fliess! I can’t wait to read this one -looks super sweet. Congrats!
December 3, 2019 at 11:36 am
Carlie Cornell
Love the idea of including a craft project in the story.
December 3, 2019 at 11:37 am
Mary Bleckwehl
I know some little ones who love Christmas elves. But I don’t know how rhymers do it! I’ve tried it and found out it’s not my thing. So congrats Sue!
December 3, 2019 at 11:38 am
Katie L. Carroll (@KatieLCarroll)
What a fun sounding series! Thanks for the peek into your creative process.
December 3, 2019 at 11:53 am
Suzanne Lewis
What a clever and fun picture book–complete with a craft! Looking forward to reading it, Sue!
December 3, 2019 at 11:58 am
Cindy S.
I just read a really nice article on Susan in the Ashburn magazine. These
books sound adorable.
December 3, 2019 at 12:01 pm
Judy Sobanski (@jkspburg)
Kids (and me, too) are fascinated by elves. What a fun holiday book!
December 3, 2019 at 12:02 pm
Cathy Ballou Mealey
I love that this has become a complete series! Keep on craftin’ Sue!
December 3, 2019 at 12:08 pm
Cheryl Johnson
How great that your publisher wanted more books! I always love reading the journey of published authors.
December 3, 2019 at 12:13 pm
Lynne Marie
I just adore you and your work, Sue! Wishing you the best of success, today and always!
December 3, 2019 at 1:17 pm
Michelle O'Hara Levin
Oh Sue!
How I love you and your work.
I’m so excited for you and this collection of new books.
December 3, 2019 at 1:18 pm
Gloria Amescua
Hi, what clever, clever ideas. I’m sure the books are wonderful!
December 3, 2019 at 1:23 pm
Joy
Sounds fun! Thanks for sharing!
December 3, 2019 at 1:27 pm
Christine Pinto
Thanks for sharing the story of how to work into a series. I love the craft connection!
December 3, 2019 at 1:31 pm
Louann Brown
These books sound too too adorable! Can’t wait to get one in my hands.
December 3, 2019 at 1:48 pm
Angie
So much fun! I think young readers will LOVE this book! Great series as well. Congratulations!
December 3, 2019 at 2:15 pm
rindabeach
Thanks for treating us to tricks for those darn elves!
December 3, 2019 at 2:22 pm
Julie Mondi
Sounds super cute!!!
December 3, 2019 at 2:24 pm
Lisa
What a clever idea! Definitely something that will tickle a child’s funny bone!
December 3, 2019 at 2:27 pm
Kassy Keppol
so fun, I love including crafts with my stories!
December 3, 2019 at 2:29 pm
Paige
How exciting! I can’t wait to read your books. This one is sure to be a favorite with kids of all ages.
December 3, 2019 at 2:30 pm
kiwijenny
I love this it’s so crafty and un-s-elfish of you
December 3, 2019 at 3:47 pm
Rachel
Thanks for sharing your process-I always love to hear that Crit Groups haveh helped-I love mine!
December 3, 2019 at 3:55 pm
Hélène Sabourin
I love the idea! There will always be room for a new Christmas story.
December 3, 2019 at 4:24 pm
Carol Gwin Nelson
Thanks for sharing! What a good idea to change from trapping to tricking and tracking. Trapping bunnies or elves would be a bit scary for a picture book. I’m looking forward to sharing these with my grandchildren.
December 3, 2019 at 4:49 pm
kimpfenn
Love the idea that they peek to look at the naughty and nice list! Looking forward to reading this book and the new ones coming out!
December 3, 2019 at 5:00 pm
therhymeoftime
Darling idea!
December 3, 2019 at 5:41 pm
gayleckrause
Great inspiration here. So glad we will have several new books from you. Would love to win this one. 🙂 Thanks for sharing.
December 3, 2019 at 6:11 pm
58chilihed13
looks like I will be getting one of each title as they come out, one for me and one for the grand kids! Fun!!
December 3, 2019 at 6:13 pm
Andrea Mack
I know some kinder kids who will love this book! Thanks for featuring it!!
December 3, 2019 at 6:14 pm
Jennifer Merrifield
What an adorable series. I am definitely adding this title to my holiday list of books needing to be read.
December 3, 2019 at 6:57 pm
Sue Heavenrich
wow! How cool that an idea has grown into such a fun series. Looking forward to reading them!
December 3, 2019 at 7:52 pm
BrookeVS
OMG!! This story looks amazing. Great concept. Awesome title. Amazing art. Can’t wait to find it on the bookshelf 🙂 🙂
December 3, 2019 at 9:45 pm
Katie Giorgio
This looks so cute! Thanks for sharing!
December 3, 2019 at 10:03 pm
bgonsar
Great title adjustments to trap! Good luck with it!
December 3, 2019 at 10:08 pm
marty
Such a cute idea. Love the whole series!
December 3, 2019 at 11:12 pm
Linda Mitchell
Hooray for more trap books! Kids love them–and I do too. Congratulations. Keep writing, kiddo!
December 3, 2019 at 11:36 pm
Sylvia Mary Grech
This book looks so adorable! Congrats to you. Wonderful!
December 3, 2019 at 11:43 pm
Genevieve Petrillo
Trapping and tracking and tricking and hiding and finding are all things I like to do. These books will be perfect for Mom to read to me! Congratulations and good luck with them!
Love and licks,
Cupcake
December 4, 2019 at 12:33 am
Genetta
Sue is brilliant! Kids of all ages find the idea of trapping something so irresistible. Bring on more trapping books!
December 4, 2019 at 12:36 am
leeanimator
So fun! I love books like this thanks for sharing!
December 4, 2019 at 1:41 am
betlwe
It sounds like a thoroughly cute and charming book. I can’t wait to read it.
December 4, 2019 at 1:55 am
Linda
What a fun book for Christmas with the kids.
December 4, 2019 at 8:16 am
Ernie Tuesday
What’s better to read about than Christmas magic!
December 4, 2019 at 8:56 am
Lucky Jo Boscarino
How about ‘How to Trick a Busy Person Into Believing They Have Time to Write Every Day, And Thus Make Headway on That WIP That’s Been Plaguing Them for Years’? I’d love to read that one.
December 4, 2019 at 10:05 am
Ashley Congdon (@AshleyCCongdon)
This is such a gun book with added activities in the back.
December 4, 2019 at 10:11 am
Rebecca
This book looks like a lot of fun!
December 4, 2019 at 10:36 am
Kristen Indahl
Love this series idea – and also enjoyed reading the Ashburn article, especially as I have peeps in Ashburn! Just visited the area last week!
December 4, 2019 at 11:21 am
Debra Kempf Shumaker
Brilliant! Can’t wait to read the book. Congrats on our continued successes!!!!
December 4, 2019 at 12:04 pm
Rebecca Van Slyke
I love the “Trap,” “Track,” “Trick” progression! And the story + craft idea is genius!
December 4, 2019 at 12:46 pm
nrompella
Books like this make me want to return to teaching to do related activities. Thanks for sharing! It sounds so cute!
December 4, 2019 at 4:29 pm
Arlene Schenker
Wow! One book became so many books. Congratulations. They look like a lot of fun.
December 4, 2019 at 4:32 pm
kathydoherty1
An adorable book from cover to cover!
December 4, 2019 at 4:37 pm
awritersdream41
This sounds like such a fun book. I love the “how-to” concept. Congratulations.
December 4, 2019 at 4:38 pm
LeeAnn Rizzuti
Sounds like this is shaping up to be a terrific series, Sue. With or without wine!!
December 4, 2019 at 6:08 pm
Amanda Buxton
I am excited to read the whole series!
December 4, 2019 at 9:26 pm
Margie Markarian
Keep working your magic! Thanks for giving us peek at your process!
December 4, 2019 at 10:23 pm
lillyarts
Fantastic idea and I loved hearing your library research plan and how you tackled it.
December 5, 2019 at 12:25 pm
Mary York
Congratulations, Sue! What a clever premise!!
December 5, 2019 at 1:51 pm
Lisa Riddiough
Wonderful, Sue!! Congratulations on your how to series!!
December 5, 2019 at 4:10 pm
Janet Frenck Sheets
It sounds like you found the perfect way to expand on the theme. If every book was a “trap” plot, they might feel too similar to each other. This way, you’ll keep surprising your readers.
December 6, 2019 at 5:00 pm
Debbie Lodato
Love this book and I know my granddaughter will too. Enjoyed meeting you at the Scbwi conference in October. This story really sparked my creative juices and I drafted out a Christmas story. I need some rhyming help, but I’m sure Tim’s workshop will help. Thanks again for contacts. Happy holidays to all.
Debbie Lodato
December 8, 2019 at 6:11 pm
Sheri Radovich
Wow, what an interesting way things worked out for you with the How to stories. Good luck with your sales and manuscripts. So nice to be pursued to write more work.
December 9, 2019 at 12:28 am
seschipper
Wow! I’m always amazed to see how “ideas” emerge! Traps, tracks, tricks what a journey!!!!!! 🙂
December 10, 2019 at 1:01 pm
Carol Gordon Ekster
Thanks for sharing the story behind the story. Wishing you continued writing successes!
December 11, 2019 at 6:37 am
Johanna Speizer
What a challenge to have to come up with ideas for a series, but that is so exciting. I am glad your agent and publisher are expanding the possibilities for all your holiday and magical books. May you be given lots of inspiration. And thanks for the link for your book trailer.
January 8, 2020 at 12:26 pm
Sheila
Exciting news. Another one to add to the Christmas reading tradition.
January 9, 2020 at 10:40 am
makz5650
Just catching up on the blog. I love the way this “series” is emerging. Congratulations! The illustrations look absolutely beautiful and the story so fun!