what is the elf on the shelf book about

The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition is a picture book written by Carol Aebersold and published in 2005. The story follows the adventures of the "Elf on the Shelf," a magical elf sent from the North Pole to watch over children and report back to Santa Claus about their behavior. The book includes a doll of the elf that families can set out in their homes, and the story encourages children to believe in the magic of Christmas and to act their best to keep the elf on their side.