Janet Taylor Lisle

As Hillary works in the miniature village, allegedly built by elves, in Sara-Kate's backyard, she becomes more and more curious about Sara-Kate's real life inside her big, gloomy house with her mysterious, silent mother. A Newbery Honor Book. Reissue.

Afternoon of the Elves

I had a tremendously difficult time getting into this book, despite it being so short. It just wasn't my cup of tea. Some of the messages the book is trying to convey are absolutely valid, though I'm not sure, as I skipped to the end to see what the thesis of the book might be, how well presented or how well handled those issues were. It's not a book I am likely to recommend and it's not a book I'll be keeping on my shelf. May it find a loving home with someone who enjoys it more than I.

Kirsten Simkiss

In “this enchanting story about friendship,” two fourth grade girls discover a magical world hidden in one’s backyard (Publishers Weekly). No fourth grader trusts Sara-Kate Connolly. Her boots are dirty, her clothes are weird, and she’s so maladjusted that the school had to hold her back a grade. But Hillary is her next-door neighbor, and can’t say no when the unusual loner invites her over to play. In Sara-Kate’s overgrown backyard, Hillary will find proof of a world of magic—the kind that can only blossom between true friends. Among the rusted car parts and wild plants, a miniature village has sprung up. It has tiny houses made from string, sticks, and maple leaves; a well with a bottlecap for a bucket; and even a little playground with a Popsicle-stick Ferris wheel. But there’s absolutely no sign of who built this miniature world. To Sara-Kate, the answer is clear—only elves could be responsible for something so enchanted. As she and Hillary watch for their elusive new friends, they learn that friendship, like magic, springs up where you least expect it. This ebook features a personal history by Janet Taylor Lisle including rare images and never-before-seen documents from the author’s own collection.

Afternoon of the Elves

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