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How about a Christmas-in-July treat? Try Oh No! Reindeer Flu, written by Valerie L. Egar and illustrated by Tamara Campeau. It’s fit for children, whether they are entering preschool or second grade.
An awful event happens: the reindeer have the flu, right on Christmas Eve! Even Rudolph’s nose can’t glow because he’s sick. A page shows Santa’s careworn face, though I think there’s a hint of hope in it, too. After all, Christmas is known for happy endings.
Huskies hear that Santa’s in trouble, so they hurry off to his house. Their wide eyes and beaming mouths emanate their excitement at the idea of pulling the sleigh. Their number is eight, which will substitute for “eight tiny reindeer.”
The highlight of this story is a wee husky pup named Frost. He’s so adorable that I just want to pick him up and cuddle him. He also has a unique feature: he sports one brown eye and one blue eye. It doesn’t add to the story, but it makes him extra special. He wants to run with the eight dogs, but Santa suggests he sit in the sleigh and watch for falling stars instead.
Frost rides with Santa and is ever alert for a falling star. When one shows up, he eyes it with childlike wonder, then bounces around Santa and the other dogs to catch it. I love his ecstasy as he nabs it and tosses it. The star doesn’t look harmful, though, as Frost can catch it with his bare paws. Maybe Santa doesn’t need protection and only gave Frost the job because he didn’t want to exclude him. But then, the pup helps a star return to the sky.
After the team delivers the gifts, the huskies, including Frost, are each awarded a medal. The pup says, “I helped the most,” and I think he could stand a smidge of humility. But the book’s cover shows him sympathizing with a sick reindeer, so he isn’t too self-absorbed.
The illustrations have excellent color scheming. Icy blues fill the wintry night, while the reindeer’s stable is warm with golden yellow hay and soft Christmas lights. To add more festivity, peppermint stripes adorn the reindeer’s stalls. I love how Campeau highlights the gold trimming of Santa’s sleigh; it makes it look like real gold.
Whether you observe Christmas in July, this book is a delightful tale. Pick up a copy, and you’ll have pre-holiday fun.
When the reindeer fall ill, Santa worries the toys might not get delivered on time. Enthusiastic huskies declare an emergency and volunteer to pull the sleigh. An eager puppy, Frost, also volunteers to help and rides next to Santa, but almost tips the sleigh trying to catch a falling star. A lively story that will have children wondering why Santa chose reindeer instead of huskies. Suitable for children 2-8 and dog lovers of any age. Printed in the USA using wind power.
The dogs steal the show.” Kirkus Reviews
