Tiny reindeer

Tiny, a "very, very tiny" palm-size reindeer in Santa's herd, is too small to help prepare for "the most important night of the year," but he finds his true mission when he is relegated to the mail room on the day before Christmas Eve. There, he discovers a heartfelt letter from a child asking Santa for a tiny reindeer to pull the tiny wooden sled that her grandfather carved for her. Stowing away on Santa's sleigh before Christmas Eve takeoff, Tiny later parachutes through the starry sky toward his destiny at the girl's house--with a little help from Santa, who appears white. In inviting ink and watercolor spreads, Naylor-Ballesteros offers a perennial lesson in finding where one belongs; young readers will thrill as the girl, who has light brown skin and dark brown curly hair, awakens and sees her four-legged gift, and Tiny at last feels right at home. Ages 3--7. (Oct.)

K-Gr 2--A short and sweet Christmas story starring a little reindeer to help celebrate the holiday season. It's Christmas time, and Santa is busy getting ready. Tiny Reindeer wants to help, but he doesn't feel successful at any job in the workshop. Santa begins to notice his frustration at always being too small to help and gives him a job in the mailroom. Tiny Reindeer finds a heartfelt note from a little girl and jumps aboard Santa's sleigh to see her. In the end, Tiny Reindeer finds the place where he belongs and feels the joy of love and Christmas. The illustrations are very well done and bring the story of Tiny Reindeer to life. Young children will identify with the story, and who wouldn't want a tiny reindeer own to visit on Christmas Eve. Tiny Reindeer will melt hearts with his strength and determination to be a meaningful part in someone's life. VERDICT A great choice for libraries where seasonal books circulate well.--Elizabeth Pelayo, St. Charles East H.S., IL