Comet the Unstoppable Reindeer

A calamity-prone, wildly expressive Comet saves Christmas in this holiday romp, driven by Benton’s vibrant ink and watercolor cartoons. When the reindeer is hurt breaking up a squabble between two overtired elves, the doctor gives him some unwelcome news: “No dashing, no dancing,/ your arm, it needs fixin’/ It will be a long time/ before you’re prancing with Vixen.” Left behind when Santa and his reindeer depart on Christmas Eve, Comet discovers Santa’s forgotten bag of toys and a selfless letter from a boy requesting a special gift for his younger sister. In a knockabout sequence of comic mishaps, the well-intentioned reindeer valiantly flies off, hauling the massive sack across the globe. Though Benton’s “Visit from St. Nicholas”-flavored verse feels directed more toward adults than kids (“when he heard the soft sound/ of a hernia start”), slapstick art will amuse readers of all ages. Ages 3–7. [em](Sept.) [/em]