Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Written by Robert L. May, illustrated by Antonio Javier Caparo

My rating: ★★★★

ISBN: 978-1442474956
Publisher: Little Simon
Date of publication: September 30, 2014
Age: 4 - 8 years

Themes: Christmas, exclusion/inclusion, responsibility, poem

(I'm sure we all already know the story...) Rudolph is constantly teased by the other handsome reindeer because of his shiny red nose. But he knows he's been good, and eagerly awaits a visit from Santa with presents for Christmas. Meanwhile, Santa struggles to steer his sled safely through a thick fog, no stars or moon to guide his way. When he gets to Rudolph's house, he's surprised to see a red light shining in the darkness--a perfect guide for his sleigh! He wakes Rudolph, and with his help, is able to deliver all of his presents. Rudolph is a hero!

So it turns out: I didn't know the complete history of the story of Rudolph. Here's the blurb under the author's description on the back flap:

"Robert L. May created Rudolph in 1939, when his company, the Montgomery Ward department stores, asked him to write a Christmas story that they could give away to customers. Drawing on the tale of 'The Ugly Duckling,' Mr. May penned the story of a sweet, homely reindeer shunned because of his glowing red nose. Little did he know his creation was destined to become a Christmas holiday classic. Over the next few years, the company distributed millions of copies of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. The book’s copyright was transferred to Mr. May in 1947, and under his ownership, Rudolph’s popularity soared. Commercial printings and cartoons quickly followed, and then, of course, came the song, which secured Rudolph’s place in Christmas history, and in our hearts, forever. Robert L. May died in 1976."

So this year being the 75th anniversary, Caparo expertly took on the classic poem and created vivid illustrations. And gave Santa a pretty hip fashion sense:

Check out those sneakers! And cargo jacket! Anyway, it is beautifully done, and I'd definitely recommend it.

Find it at your library or on Amazon