Award-winning 'Arthur, The Christmas Elf' Puts the Spirit of Giving Back into Christmas

Milwaukee, WI (PRWeb) November 20, 2006 -- Just in time for the fun-filled holiday season, author Valerie Connelly has released her imaginative new children's Christmas book "Arthur, the Christmas Elf" (ISBN 1933449233). Arthur's exciting holiday adventure delivers a must-have story for families this festive season, teaching children that the best gift of all truly is the gift of giving, and that the real joy of the Christmas comes to those with open hearts.

As the blizzard of the century buries the countryside in wind-blown snow, Santa's right-hand helper, Arthur the Christmas Elf, sets out on a very important mission to find the last two Endangered Children and restore their faith in Christmas. Along with his reindeer Snowflake, Arthur flies through the night to find Timothy and Angie and offer them a chance to learn what Christmas is really all about. The two children live on opposite sides of town, in very different homes, but their lives are drawn together by an accident when the terrible blizzard puts everyone they love in danger. Can Arthur show them what to do to save Christmas? Will the two children rise to the challenge? Will this Christmas be one to remember, or one everyone will want to forget?

Connelly includes a highly interactive aspect to her soon-to-be classic Christmas tale. The craft section at the end of the book provides clear and illustrated instruction for children and parents to make any of the exciting gifts mentioned in the story. Children learn practical skills like eye-hand co-ordination, artistic planning, and recycling, as well as patience, imagining, and spending time on behalf of others. This adventure-filled tale teaches children the deeper message of gift-giving at Christmas, emphasizing that making a gift for someone is more personal than giving a store-bought item.

"Arthur, the Christmas Elf" truly is a book that needs to be shared with family, church groups, libraries, scout troops, and home-schools. By encouraging creativity, strong family values, and the kindness of giving, the true magic of Christmas comes alive as children find the inspiration to give all year round. In the typical fast-pace of family life, Connelly suggests slowing down this year, turning off the technology toys, and creating some old-fashioned Christmas magic!

"Our Family Testers found a hidden treasure in the beautifully illustrated story of 'Arthur, the Christmas Elf.' Everyone loved it! 'Arthur, the Christmas Elf' is a proud winner of the 2006 Parent to Parent Adding Wisdom Award, the only award program to ever be honored by Disney.com."
~ Jodie Lynn, CEO/founder of www.AddingWisdomAward.com, (June 2006)

Valerie Connelly resides in south-eastern Wisconsin. An educator, international traveler, and past Peace Corps volunteer, Connelly holds a MA in French Language from Northwestern University, and taught French from 1974 to 2005. She divides her time between publishing, writing, teaching, painting, and traveling. "Arthur, the Christmas Elf" (ISBN 1933449233) can be purchased at www.arthurthechristmaself.com. The "Arthur" website presents a wide range of additional information and fun ideas including a contest, holiday decoration ideas, lesson plans, and resources.

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