Dasher: How a Brave Little Doe Changed Christmas Forever

In this prequel to the Rudolph story, Tavares explains how Santa ended up with his original reindeer crew. Young Dasher and her reindeer family languish in a circus, displayed as zoo animals under the hot sun by day and pulling the menagerie’s wagons at night. “The air was crisp and cold,” says Mama, recalling her birthplace under the North Star, “and the ground was always covered with a cool blanket of white snow.” Seizing an opportunity to escape, Dasher follows the North Star, and finds Santa and Silverbell—an affable, plodding horse who struggles to pull the heavy load: “I’m sorry, Santa. The sleigh is just so heavy this year.” Happily for all, a bit of magic assists gift delivery, and Santa’s gratitude leads to granted wishes and a reindeer reunion. Tavares’s classically painted figures are lit by moonlight and falling snow in this cozy antidote to holiday hullabaloo. Ages 4–8. [em](Sept.) [/em]