The Little Reindeer (My Little Animal Friend)

One of those rare birds: an original and entertaining Christmas story with its own understated charm. (Picture book. 2-6)

Copyright 2017 Kirkus Reviews, LLC Used with permission

Killen (Fluff and Billy) brings an understated style to a quietly magical tale of holiday miracles and nighttime adventure, originally published in the U.K. When a mysterious jingling awakens Ollie on Christmas Eve, she hops out of bed and zips down a snow-covered hill on her sled--"whooooooosh!"--until she reaches a dark wood. Ollie's head-to-toe reindeer pajamas (antlers included) and the toy reindeer she carries make her personal fascinations clear to readers while hinting at what lies in the forest. After the girl spots a reindeer collar dangling from a branch, she returns it to its rightful owner, and is treated to a midnight ride home, captured in a wordless spread of girl and reindeer ascending, triumphantly, into the night sky. Die cuts, foil accents, and bits of red detailing bring flair to Killen's hushed black-and-white snowscapes. Ages 4-8. Agent: Elizabeth Roy, Elizabeth Roy Literary. (Sept.)