Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

By: Robert May
Illustrated by: Denver Gillen 
Publisher: Applewood Books; Facsimile edition
Publication Date: October 1990
ISBN: 978-1557091390
Reviewed by: Holly Connors
Review Date: August 2012

How do you review a classic? It’s not easy but I must admit that it was a lot of fun to read the tale of Rudolph as it was originally written.

We all know the story of Rudolph, how the other reindeer teased him because of his bright red nose, how he ran away, and then how he came back and saved Christmas. In the original version, a poem written by Robert May, Rudolph is actually living with other reindeer, far from Santa’s home in the North Pole. Like all the other animals, and girls and boys, on Christmas Eve, Rudolph is fast asleep, dreaming of the toys Santa will bring. But Santa is having trouble delivering his gifts because a terrible fog has settled into the land. What will happen if he can’t get to all the houses? Santa is in a panic and he doesn’t know what to do, but then he comes upon the house where Rudolph and his friends live. Perhaps that bright red nose… There is, of course, a happy ending, Rudolph saves the day, all the toys are distributed, and Christmas is saved.

Applewood Books is a publishing company that has brought many classics back to life to be enjoyed by new generations of readers. For Rudolph, they have kept the look of the original 1939 publication by using the same text, design, illustrations, and even typeface. The delightful feel of the original is kept and while reading, it becomes clear why this story has become a cherished part of every Christmas. Don’t miss it!

Quill says: Every home should have a copy of this book to enjoy at Christmas!