Prose (Story): Author/artist Matt Tavares revisits familiar territory with a fresh, colorful approach to tell the tale of a young, idealistic reindeer named Dasher, living day-by-day in a cramped traveling circus pen with her family, who longs to see a world her mother once told her about - where snow abounds as far as the eye can see, chill winds make the air crisp, and the North Star always shines overhead. When a timely accident seems to be telling Dasher its now or never, the young doe breaks free of the circus, vowing to return for her family soon as she finds this beautiful new, wintry home ... and after much searchng, it's only as she feels about to abandon this dream does Dasher come across a portly man in a red suit and full white beard in the forest, standing next to a beautiful sleigh, who will help her - and seek her help - to change Christmas for millions of kids around the world.Don's (Review): Tavares not ony gives the bright-eyed Dasher a charming, wholly believable backstory in this wondrous picture book, he's also created a genuine work of art as you read through it, the wintry, yet warmth of the story both emanating off every page, giving you the old-fashioned feels of a re-watch of A Christmas Carol while reading. A must for any child's (or discerning adult's) library, and even worthy of owning two copies - ones to wear out over the years, via multiple holiday re-reads, the other to put up like your favorite keepsake ornament from childhood. 4.5/5 stars
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