The Elf on the Shelf is a popular children's book that tells the story of an elf who is sent from the North Pole to watch over children and report back to Santa Claus. The elf is invisible until someone names him or her, at which point the elf becomes visible and begins his or her mission to keep an eye on the child. The elf can move around and is often found in the most unexpected places, such as on top of a shelf or hanging from the ceiling.