North for the Winter

Gr 3-7–Moving to Colorado days before Christmas is an unwelcome challenge for Virginia, but a chance encounter with a flying reindeer begins an adventure that will birth lifelong memories for her and touch the lives of people she has yet to meet. When she and her father get a flat tire on their way to move in with Aunt Francis in Denver, Virginia goes exploring in the woods, where she sees the magical creature. After moving in with ­Francis, Virginia meets her neighbor Benny, who offers to take her on a tour of the city. Virginia tells Benny of her chance encounter, and he insists that they go back to the woods to try and track down the reindeer. What follows is a magical holiday adventure filled with danger and excitement, but also warmth and comfort. Everything readers might want from a Christmas story is here: elves, magic stockings, a desperate race to bring gifts to the children of the world, and even an appearance by the man in red ­himself—plus, a surprise twist to a Christmas pastime. This story has all of the charm of a holiday TV special but feels original and fresh, with time-honored themes of friendship and belief. The art is pleasantly cartoony and whimsical, and the script is engaging and reads quickly. Those who don’t celebrate the holiday won’t find much to appreciate here, unless they simply enjoy a good fantastical tale for the holiday season. Virginia has tan skin and dark hair, and supporting characters have a variety of skin tones.