Blog Archives
Pure Creative Alchemy
Elf Dust follows elves as they sneak into homes before Christmas to check whether kids have been naughty or nice and leave behind a mystery surprise for children to discover. What was the inspiration for your story?
I lived in Hong Kong in a high rise. My children were quite young and eager for a fun-filled Christmas. The only problem was – Santa could not land on our roof and, of course, there were no chimneys. I had to come up with something to create magic and mystery. Elf Dust came to me driving to work one morning.
My son discovered his first elf dust and raced to the playground of our building to tell his friends. Soon I had an apartment full of kids all circling the specimen like archeologists at a dig. They were mesmerized. Then the other parents in the building used some of my dust and one by one children were rushing to announce their elf dust sitings. I can safely say it was a tie between parents and kids as to who had more fun! Parents also loved how easy it was. Me too!
But, the real testament to Elf Dust’s magic was when my son showed his younger sister her first Elf Dust. As she went to touch it, he pulled her back saying “Oh No, you can’t touch it or you’ll become an Elf.”
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
The entire book was a joy. But, If I must choose it would be the scenes where the children find Elf Dust. They remind me of all the years I saw this wonderful scenario play out. The moment the Elf Dust is discovered is a moment of sheer elation for the young and the young at heart who love the magic of Christmas.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Colleen Sgroi?
It was pure creative alchemy. From our first conversation, it was clear Colleen understood what I was looking for, like no one else. It was a harmony of words and images like I’ve never experienced before. While I was eager to finish the book, I was sad when the creative process ended. Each session was a real collaboration, and the result was beyond what I hoped for. Colleen and I worked very well together sharing our ideas and visions. But it was her art and talent that brought it all together.
What next book are you working on and when will it be available?
I am working on a sequel involving Cookie and Jingle – the two elves on the cover. They’re senior elves in Santa’s brigade and will surely have some stories to tell in the future.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Have you seen Elf Dust in your house? Better check!
Elf Dust
Elf Dust by Nancy E. Merrill is a sweet little Christmas story that adds a fun twist to the magic of Santa’s elves. The book follows the elves as they sneak into homes before Christmas to check whether kids have been naughty or nice. But they don’t just leave without a trace. They sprinkle a little “elf dust” behind, tiny sparkles of magic that let kids know the elves were there. It’s got all the makings of a holiday tradition; suspense, wonder, and just enough mystery to keep kids on their toes.
What I loved most about this children’s book is how it turns kids into little detectives. The idea that elves are hiding in their homes, leaving behind proof of their visits, is brilliant. The way the story builds up the excitement, first by describing how the elves work, then revealing their sneaky spying missions, and finally dropping the big hint about the dust, makes it feel like an adventure. I can just imagine kids racing around their living rooms, flipping over couch cushions and peeking under tables, searching for that magical dust.
The rhyme scheme is simple but catchy. It’s the kind of rhythm that makes reading aloud fun, and honestly, that’s a big win for bedtime stories. Some lines are particularly charming, like “They will leave a small trace, something only elves sprinkle. Like candy on ice cream, it’s a part of their twinkle.” That’s just adorable. The writing keeps things light and playful, never dragging, which is perfect for younger kids with short attention spans.
Colleen Sgroi’s art is soft, whimsical, and full of warmth. I loved how detailed the pages were. There are also little hidden details throughout the book (like lost elf slippers) that give kids even more to look for. I love when picture books encourage interaction beyond just reading, and this one absolutely nails that.
Elf Dust is a delightful pick for families looking to add a little extra magic to their Christmas traditions. It’s perfect for young kids who already love the idea of Santa’s elves and want to believe in their secret missions. If you’re a parent, teacher, or grandparent, this book is a surefire way to keep the holiday spirit alive, and maybe even start a new family tradition with some red and green glitter.
Pages: 32 | ISBN 978-1-62502-063-5
LITERARY TITAN 