Christmas Peddler-The Hidden Kingdom Series, Donna Gallagher

Located at the outer edge of the northern reaches and nestled into the crook of an old tree root, is the cozy hut of Hunkle, the Peddler Elf.

A warm, crackling fire lends a soft glow to the hut's ceiling, strung thickly with Hunkle's toy creations and contraptions. His sturdy carpentry tools overload the walls and spill onto every bench and table of the tiny home. They give a clue to Hunkle's favorite pastime of building special toys for the Elfin workshops.

Twice a year Hunkle packs his bag and squeezing through his rounded doorway, he sets out on a trek over the table in the Big House. The elves ooh and aah at his skillful handiwork. After a steaming cup of peppermint punch, he does some friendly bartering with his fellow folk for elfin "necessities".

As day turns to dusk, Hunkle hauls his freshly filled bag of bargains back home. What a toasty feeling -- to have food and supplies for the cool, clear months of Winter!