Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer)

Note: This review is for the book with the blue cover and Rudolph in a picture frame. A red seal on the bottom right corner reads: "The Original Story of Rudolph." Apparently, the various reviews are getting dumped in one Rudolph slot. Although the story is original with Robert L. May in 1939, the illustrations were created by David Wenzel in 2001. This combination is my favorite of all the Rudolph books. The book is over-sized, for one. I have the paperback version, which is 9" x 11". The hardback is slightly larger. This larger size makes it easier for children in a school setting to see the illustrations. Another reason this book is a winner is the color and quality of the illustrations. The reindeer are soft and cuddly looking (even though they call Rudolph names just for having that freaky red nose--so they think). To counteract all the brown of the reindeer, Wenzel splashes a deep, lovely blue around the scene. Even though he is made fun of, Rudolph tries to keep a good attitude. He know he's been good and leaves Santa cookies and cocoa and goes to bed. Meanwhile Santa is back at the Pole, totally worried about the weather. The fog is so bad the deer have a hard time seeing and almost collide with a huge plane. By the time Santa gets to Rudolph's house, it is pitch dark. But in Rudolph's room, Santa can see and discovers the answer to his prayers--A reindeer with a guiding light. Rudolph is delighted to help. Of course, at the end, the other reindeer cheer him for being such a help. They are proud to be his friends. The moral: You CAN be different! It is OK! Everyone has a talent. When you discover it, don't be shy about using it. Overall, a great addition to every reading home!

If you're looking for the story about Hermie, the Abdominal, Yukon Corneilius and the Island of Misfit Toys, this is NOT your book! This book is the original story written in 1939. It is written in poetry form and it is beautiful. It is very well illustrated and a definite keeper. My kids loved this book even though the local heroes weren't in it. I would buy it as a keepsake if nothing else. It's well worth the money.

I was very impressed with this book . . . a beautiful book, wonderfully illustrated, containing the original story, which did not have the Abominable, or Herbie, or Yukon Cornelius, like the later movie. I remember as a child in 1951 listening to the original story on 78rpm records put out by RCA and have attempted for years to find the original story. Although I did notice some subtle differences in the words . . .the original referred to Rudolph's, er, "forehead" (Santa was too polite to call it a big red nose) . . most of the text stayed true to what I had memorized. Definitely a book not only for children, but for us baby boomers who remember the original. A must-have to hand on from generation to generation.

I loved this book as a child back in the fifties, and was delighted to find it still available. It begins similarly to "The Night Before Christmas": "'Twas the day before Christmas, and all through the hills..." and continues in verse, telling the familiar story for the very first time, with more wit and charm than any watered-down Disney version could possible supply. I'm so glad that my small nieces will now have a chance to enjoy it. Too bad Robert L. May is not often given the credit he deserves for this Christmas treasure.