A centuries old mystery will be revealed in this inspirational story.
It seems everyone knows who Santa is, the legends tell themselves…
But have you ever asked the question: How did Santa get his elves?

This captivating Christmas story reveals who Santa’s first elves were, where they actually came from, why they’re small and child-like and how important they are for the future of every child on Earth.
Filled with Christmas spirit and an innocence that will span generations, For Every Child, details how five young orphans would change the course of Santa’s life and become instrumental in the magical night of Christmas.
Written by Ron W. Mumford and Kathleen J. Shields, this full-story chapter book with color illustrations is a gripping read for the whole family. Share a message of hope. Find out Santa’s secret. Discover an Elf’s extra duties. Read the poem that inspired the story. With an extended screenplay bringing the children’s book to present day to be made into a full length, modern day movie with the
Logline: Miracle on 34th Street meets Tim Allen’s Santa Claus.
When you realize the truth of this story, something in your heart is going to change. The innocence of these children will awaken a passion for Christmas like no-other! The sacrifices made by some will become the miracles of the future!
For Every Child: Editorial Review
“This story needs to be in every hospice in the world that deals with terminally ill adolescents. It’s hard enough discussing death with adults, much less children who don’t even understand life yet.” Stephanie H. New York Hospice Nurse
Screenplay Reader Comments
Dr. M.B., author, editor, English Professor, “Totally wonderful! I loved it. I got emotional in several places. I could see it. The characters were real.”
Geneva T., Author, “I loved it. I could see all of your characters, the North Pole, Santa’s workshop. It took me back to my own childhood.”
Ron H. NASA aerospace engineer, “Wonderful. And I’ll admit it…it made me cry.”
T. M., CPA, “We loved it. Thanks for sharing it with me and my family. We can’t wait to read it to our grandchildren when they are here for Christmas. Someone should make an animated movie from this. Miracle on 34th Street is outdated.”
Donna E., Oil Company accounts receivable supervisor. “For Every Child is the most beautiful thing I have ever read. I was wiping tears off the pages with Kleenex while I was reading. I think God would do something like this!”
E. & B. Smith, Russia, “You pulled our hearts right out of our chests with your story. It took every emotion my husband and I possess to the limit.”
Randall F., Attorney, “I was on a plane reading over drug cases that I was about to prosecute when I took a break and read this screenplay, For Every Child. I began to chuckle, then cry. My associate asked me what was wrong. I told him it was good to know that there is still some good in this world. I thought I had forgotten how to cry. My wife and I will read this to our three small children during the Christmas season.”
Rozann H., R.N. Elementary School Nurse. “For Every Child made me think back to when I was a little girl. I had an imaginary friend that I called Baby Friend. I played with her all the time. I wondered if she was my guardian angel. I work with troubled children every day. Schools, churches, hospitals, anyone who works with these types of children should have a copy of this. It spreads a thought of joy to kids who have no joy in their lives.”
Stephanie H., Physician Asst., Hospice nurse, “This story needs to be in every hospice in the world that deals with terminally ill adolescents. It is hard enough discussing death with adults, much less with children who don’t even understand life yet. This would not only be helpful for kids, it would be a comfort to their loved ones.”
Tony L., Screenwriter, “Why are you writing screenplays? You’re a poet! The script was touching, emotional, full of ‘Feel Good’, very visual. I believe, but it’s been a long time since I did. It moved me. This could be a classic. You’ll have a hard time topping this one.”
Holly H. toxic tort litigator. “It touched me. I read it to my six year old little girl. Now I have a problem…she wants to go to the North Pole.”
Robert P, demolition contractor, “Every year on Christmas Eve my wife and I always read The Night Before Christmas to our four children. It is sort of a ritual. This coming Christmas we will read For Every Child. Thanks for thinking of us. We loved the poem at the end of the screen play.”
M. Charin, paralegal, “I cried. But it was a good cry.”
From the diversity of people and occupations that commented above it shows that For Every Child is not just for children. It is for everyone who remembers their childhood. Ron W. Mumford, author.
The Poem from For Every Child



Illustrations created to show content and to provide a visually appealing manuscript that is ready to publish.
Genre: Children’s Fantasy
Logline: Miracle on 34th Street meets Tim Allen’s Santa Claus
-WGAW Registration Number: Screen Treatment: 2041087
-WGAW Registration Number: Screen Play: 685141
-Library of Congress Registration Number(s): Screen Play: PAu2-239-302/ PAu-258-976m
For every child that goes away
Takes a ride on Santa’s sleigh.
Every child that lives to grow
Has a friend to get to know.
Special girls and special boys
become the elves that make the toys.
A little brother with pointy ears.
A little sister who always hears.
Bestowed with Santa’s mighty power
they watch Earth’s children every hour.
They see the dreams and hear the prayers
Of those they guard who now are theirs.
To guide through life and light the way,
To teach us each and every day.
To study hard and do your chores,
To be polite and open doors.
Little friends that never leave.
Guardian angels, not make believe.
The little ones who went away
Come back again, another day.
To keep the watch and make the toys,
To wipe your tears and share your joys.
To tell St. Nick when you’ve been good,
To help you do the things you should.
And when you’re alone and full of fear,
You’ll hear a whisper say, “I’m here.”
His elves are kids who went away,
and took a ride on Santa’s sleigh.
Corresponding Documentation:

About the Co-Author & Developer: Kathleen J. Shields

- Author of Multiple Genres
- Graphic Designer
- Website Creator
- Video Creation
- Story Developer
Kathleen J. Shields helped to develop this children’s chapter book from Mumford’s original screenplay. She worked on the story creation, while keeping all of Mumford’s original premise. She did the editing, formatting, illustration and interior layout, text flow, cover creation, book trailer video, and website. Her hard work and dedication to the project brought the story to life.
Shields’ is a prolific and highly creative writer of multiple genres and has won numerous awards and recognition for her written works. She has produced an educational children’s story series, “The Hamilton Troll Adventures”, a Christian fiction trilogy, “The Painting” and her multi-award-winning children’s inspirational books (and hopefully, someday a movie or two) “The First Unibear” and “The First Unicorn.” She has a wonderful talent that I pray the world will one-day see.
