Farshore to Publish The Elf on the Shelf

Farshore has announced the acquisition of the English language rights (excluding North America) to publish The Lumistella Company’s The Elf on the Shelf universe-themed titles over the next five years. This deal forms part of a global publishing rights agreement secured by Rich Thomas, vice president, director, publishing, HarperCollins U.S. and The Lumistella Company.

This publishing program will introduce readers to The Elf on the Shelf by picture books, activity books and fiction featuring familiar and new characters from Santa’s North Pole. Also coming is an origin story developed by Chanda A. Bell, author, “The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition.” 

The first title to publish will be “The Elf on the Shelf’s Night Before Christmas” picture book, available on Sept. 28. This title will invite readers to join The Elf on the Shelf’s Scout Elf in a retelling of the Christmas classic, with illustrations that capture the magic of the season. Further titles and formats will follow in 2024.

The Elf on the Shelf tradition began in the U.S. in 2005 when Carol Aebersold and her daughter, Chanda A. Bell, self-published the keepsake boxed set, “The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition,” which includes an illustrated picture book and Scout Elf dressed in a solid red jumpsuit with a pointy white collar. The Santa-approved Scout Elves take note of a family’s Christmas adventures and report back to him at the North Pole each night. Every morning, the Scout Elf magically returns to its family and perches in a new spot, waiting to be discovered. More than 25 million official Scout Elves, Elf Pets and Elf Mates have been adopted worldwide since the brand's inception in 2005.

 “2023 marks nearly 15 years of The Elf on the Shelf in the U.K., so for children growing up now, it is already an established tradition they look forward to with great anticipation each year,” says Zoe Masters, publisher, brands and licensing, Farshore. “The Elf on the Shelf has grown into a global phenomenon. Farshore is excited and proud to work with The Lumistella Company and our colleagues at HarperCollins U.S. to continue this tradition of publishing joyful, magical stories and engaging content for families and children to enjoy at Christmas.”

 “Our partnership with HarperCollins is a testament to our unwavering commitment to tell the stories of Santa’s North Pole in innovative and fresh ways,” says Chanda A. Bell, founder, co-chief executive officer, The Lumistella Company.