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Elves Are the Worst!

Illustrated by Alex Willan

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About The Book

Gilbert the Goblin infiltrates Santa’s workshop to prove that goblins are better workers than elves in the side-splitting latest installment in The Worst! picture book series, where even the strangest of creatures can become the best of friends.

Everyone knows that elves have a reputation of being the hardest workers around—especially when it comes to the holiday season—but as far as Gilbert the Goblin is concerned that’s nothing but ho-ho-hogwash. A goblin’s to-do list is just as long as any elf’s; they just don’t feel the need to sing songs about it.

To prove he can outperform any reindeer-watching, wrapper-paper-wielding, toy-tinkering elf, Gilbert puts on his merriest disguise to infiltrate Santa’s workshop. But can one lone goblin do the work of a whole team of elves?

About The Author

If it was Alex Willan, and not Gilbert the Goblin, who was in charge of writing the stories, he’d make a book called Anchovies are the Worst!. Alex is the author-illustrator of the Worst! picture book series and the Jasper & Ollie series, as well as the illustrator of Got Your Nose, written by Alan Katz. Alex lives in Chicago with his dog, Harley, who is the absolute best. Visit him online at AlexWillan.com.

About The Illustrator

If it was Alex Willan, and not Gilbert the Goblin, who was in charge of writing the stories, he’d make a book called Anchovies are the Worst!. Alex is the author-illustrator of the Worst! picture book series and the Jasper & Ollie series, as well as the illustrator of Got Your Nose, written by Alan Katz. Alex lives in Chicago with his dog, Harley, who is the absolute best. Visit him online at AlexWillan.com.

Why We Love It

“Alex Willan knocks it out of the park with this next adventure in the Gilbert universe with his signature silliness and vibrant, eye-catching art. As someone who prefers to work alone like Gilbert, I was so touched by the lesson in this story—that even the most independent individuals work better with a team.”

—Celia L., Executive Editor, on Elves Are the Worst!

Product Details

  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (September 12, 2023)
  • Length: 40 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781665921794
  • Grades: P - 3
  • Ages: 4 - 8

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Raves and Reviews

"Readers will laugh out loud. A must-have for the holiday shelves." School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

"A Christmas tale that humorously imparts a teamwork lesson that can be practiced all year long." — Kirkus Reviews

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More books from this author: Alex Willan

More books in this series: The Worst! Series