School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 2-Papa Reindeer describes to Little Reindeer "A magical place, at the top of the world." When Papa mysteriously leaves, saying he'll be back on Christmas, even the youngest readers will have a pretty good idea of where he's going. Little Reindeer sets off to find him, followed by Mama and the other animals, and discovers the magical place (and Santa) just as the sleigh, led by Papa, returns on Christmas day. Painted in acrylic on watercolor paper textured with gesso, the illustrations feature naturalistic but cuddly animals whose plush-toy quality gives them a comforting familiarity. (Santa himself takes on more of a St. Francis of Assisi persona than that of the jolly old elf.) An additional title that can be used in a secular context.-S. P. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
Looking through the eyes of a reindeer family, readers get a fanciful insider's view of business at the North Pole. Gesso texturing in Coffey's (Red Berry Wool) agreeably anthropomorphizing acrylic paintings gives a striking dimension to the animals' soft fur, depth to the starry cobalt sky, and funky, frosty swirls to the snow. His storytelling debut is equally sure-footed, capturing the wonder of the season through Little Reindeer's discovery of why his father mysteriously disappears every Christmas Eve. Ages 3-6. (Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
