21 of the Best Reindeer Books for Kids
The holiday season is full of so many iconic images from the Nativity scene and Christmas trees to candy canes and elves. But Santa and the reindeer always top the list (after presents, of course) which is why I created this list of my favorite reindeer books for kids.
There are a variety of books from board books to chapter books that will interest of all your readers with the common theme throughout being the focus on reindeer. So sit back and have a blast deciding which of these reindeer Christmas books you want to read with the special kids in your life!
1. Olive, The Other Reindeer
In this adorably whimsical story by Vivian Walsh, Olive becomes convinced she is a reindeer…although it’s very clear she’s actually a dog. She arrives at the North Pole via the Polar Express ready to report for duty.
While Santa and his team are surprised to see a dog ready to join the ranks, Comet ties her to his reins and they set off on a Christmas adventure where they quickly discover just how useful Olive’s skills are on this particular Christmas.
2. The Great Reindeer Rebellion
Have you ever wondered what it might be like if Santa’s reindeer went on strike? Well, this book gives you an inside look at that exact situation!
With the reindeer on strike, it’s imperative that Santa finds some other animals to pull his sleigh. But during the auditions, one mishap after another ensues in this hilarious story that will have your kids laughing with glee.
3. The Littlest Reindeer
In this precious book, we meet Dot, who is the littlest reindeer at the North Pole. And although she’s small, she has a big dream to pull Santa’s sleigh one day. There is only one problem. She can’t seem to get the flying part right.
Join Dot on a race against time to see if she can figure out what she needs to do in order to reach her full potential and become one of Santa’s reindeer.
4. Last Stop on the Reindeer Express
Mai is sad because the card she made for her Grandpa will not arrive to him for Christmas. But when Mai finds a magic mailbox, she is whisked away on a crazy adventure in this beautifully illustrated and heartfelt story.
Although a reindeer isn’t the focus of this particular book, I had to include it on our list of the best reindeer books for kids because it is one you will want to have in your Christmas book library.
5. The Wild Christmas Reindeer
Young Teeka is responsible for making sure all of the reindeer are prepared for the big day when they will pull Santa’s sleigh. But these spirited reindeer have a little bit of mischief planned.
Discover what happens in this classic New York Times bestselling Christmas masterpiece full of beautiful illustrations by Jan Brett.
6. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, the original reindeer story, will always hold a special place in my heart. I can remember every year waiting impatiently for the tv special of the baby reindeer with the glowing, bright red nose.
It’s always been a Christmas tradition to watch this special movie and retell the story! If you only can get one reindeer book, this one has to be the one simply because it’s a true classic.
7. Imogene’s Antlers
One morning, a little girl named Imogene wakes up to discover she has gigantic antlers extending from her head! No one can figure out a solution to her very large problem until the maid and the cook just decide to make good use of Imogene’s antlers.
The next day, Imogene awakens to discover her antlers are gone…but they have been replaced by something equally surprising! This children’s book by David Small will be a great addition to your Christmas Eve celebration.
8. Never Ever Race a Reindeer
Most of us think of reindeer as relatively good-natured, but this book proves just how competitive reindeer can be!
In this funny story, readers will see what happens when the reindeer attempt to cheat their way to the winner’s circle and how the adage “Cheaters never win,” turns out to be the truth.
9. Santa’s Lost Reindeer
Santa Claus is in big trouble! He has discovered that one of his reindeer is missing and he can’t pull his sleigh without everyone doing their part.
Follow along in this vibrantly-illustrated story as Santa, who is at his wit’s end, searches high and low while the reindeer are doing nothing more than playing games. Be prepared to laugh right alongside your kids!
10. Comet, The Unstoppable Reindeer
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be an injured reindeer on Christmas? Well, after an elf incident, Comet gets put on the injured reserved list and has to watch a rookie named Freddy take his place.
But when Comet discovers that Santa has left behind the toys (and won’t answer his phone), the fate of Christmas lies in Comet’s injured hooves. Will Comet be able to beat the clock and get to Santa in time or will Christmas be ruined?
11. The Pug Who Wanted to be a Reindeer
In this endearing chapter book, Peggy the pug is stressed because her family won’t stop bickering..and it’s only a few days until Christmas! She wishes she was a reindeer so she could help them regain their Christmas spirit.
Unfortunately, her “solutions” create more messes and trouble for the family. In a last ditch effort to remedy the situation, she decides to seek help from Santa in the North Pole.
12. Reindeer (A Day in the Life: Polar Animals)
This non-fiction book will be a wonderful addition to your collection. It will give readers an opportunity to see what reindeer really look like and compare that to the images in the other fiction books on our list.
This easy-to-understand informational text will allow kids to make the connection between the fictional reindeer that “fly” and the real reindeer that live and “walk around” in the polar regions.
13. Dasher
Dasher is a reindeer, who travels with her family, as a member of a circus. Each day, she finds herself under the scorching sun while she longs for snow and cold. But one fateful day, Dasher escapes and sets off on a quest.
Along the way, meets a kind man in a red suit who helps her change her life forever. This beautiful story by Matt Tavares is a true winner.
14. I’m a Reindeer
In this sweet story, we get to experience reindeer life from the unique perspective of a young reindeer. Readers will discover where reindeer live, what they do, and most importantly, whether or not they really fly.
With wonderful facts and just a little bit of whimsy, this Little Golden Book is perfect for young children and will be a new holiday tradition to read each Christmas.
15. The Lost Reindeer
As the title suggests, this picture book is all about a reindeer who becomes lost in the snow on Christmas Eve.
She knows she has to be back home in time to pull Santa’s sleigh or there will be many sad children, but she can’t seem to find her way. To make matters worse, there is a hungry polar bear lurking close by. Find out if she makes it back in time!
16. Never Let a Reindeer Meet a Unicorn
If you happen to own a unicorn, you definitely don’t want her to meet a reindeer because chaos will erupt!
In this fun story, a little girl wishes for a reindeer for her birthday and she just so happens to get her wish. But she doesn’t have any idea what kind of issues will arise when this special reindeer meets her unicorn.
17. Magic Reindeer: A Christmas Wish
Marie is a lonely girl who has moved from Poland, and she desperately wants to make a friend. When she meets Starshine, a little reindeer, she realizes this could be the answer to her prayers. Discover how an unlikely friendship turns one little girl’s world upside down.
This chapter book is perfect as a read aloud for younger children or as a new book for the animal lover in your family. All ages will enjoy this sweet reindeer book!
18. The Reindeer Wish
Anja discovers a baby reindeer in the woods and takes it home to care for it. As the baby reindeer grows, they have many exciting adventures together.
But when the reindeer gets old enough, he really wants to return to live with the other reindeer. Anja helps the reindeer do more than join just any reindeer, she helps him join the reindeer who pull Santa’s sleigh. Young readers will love this book by Lori Evert, and it will be the perfect reminder of the magic of Christmas.
19. The Night the Reindeer Came to Play
One night, the reindeer decide to stop by the house of a young child and play…but they get into all sorts of mischief along the way!
If you’re looking for an engaging counting and rhyming book, this one is a favorite option from our list of reindeer books for kids!
20. One Little Reindeer
In this fun counting book, kids will follow along as the little reindeer journeys through all sorts of Christmas delightfulness! From snowflakes to bells and gifts, young children will love all of the different things to see in this book.
Perfect for early learners, this reindeer counting adventure will be one your kids reach for over and over again.
21. The Reindeer Girl (Winter Journeys)
Lotta loves to hear her great-grandmother retell stories from her childhood of herding reindeer in Norway, and Lotta longs to experience life as a herder, too. Then one magical night, she finds herself in one of her great-grandmother’s stories, but this time it is Lotta’s turn to care for a reindeer and her calf.
Can she protect them from the bitter Arctic cold or will they all be lost forever? Find out in this enchanting chapter book!
Christmas is truly the most wonderful time of the year! And what better way to celebrate the season than by sharing or gifting these reindeer books for kids to the special little ones in your life. These holiday books would be the perfect way to start a new Christmas time tradition.
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