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20 Magical Reindeer Books for Kids at Christmas
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As the holiday season approaches, I love to swap out our turkey books for Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and many more holiday read alouds. Students get so excited to see what books will be added to our holiday book display and classroom library. While timeless classics bring smiles to their faces, the excitement truly peaks when they discover enchanting tales they’ve never encountered before. Among the Christmas books, I love to add a diverse selection of reindeer books! Reindeer are a Christmas staple and students love learning all about this whimsical animal with both fiction and nonfiction reindeer books for kids. Add these must-read reindeer books to your collection this December!
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Fiction Reindeer Books
Dasher by Matt Tavares
Dasher is a young and adventurous reindeer who has a burning wish in her heart. Despite spending her days with her family in a traveling circus, Dasher yearns for a different life – one where she can feel the snow beneath her hooves and bask under the North Star. One fateful day, she takes a chance to pursue her dreams and embarks on a journey to find the life she desires. Along the way, she encounters Santa Claus, a kind man in a red suit with a horse-drawn sleigh. Thanks to the magic of Christmas, Dasher’s life transforms forever… truly one of my favorite reindeer books!
The Wild Christmas Reindeer by Jan Brett
Teeka is entrusted with getting Santa’s reindeer ready for their Christmas Eve journey. She is excited about the opportunity, but Teeka soon learns that getting eight reindeer to listen to her is easier said than done. She tries yelling and bossing them around, but her tactics only make the reindeer more stubborn and uncooperative. In the end, Teeka realizes that kindness and patience are the keys to success, and she manages to win over the reindeer with her gentle approach. “The Wild Christmas Reindeer” is one of those reindeer books that really captures the magic and wonder of the holiday season.
Recommended Resources:
All About Reindeer Activities & Reindeer Craft
Winter Centers | Christmas Party Games | Winter Escape Room Activities
Fine Motor Activities for December Morning Work
Olive the Other Reindeer by Vivian Walsh
In “Olive the Other Reindeer,” Olive was joyfully getting ready for the festive season when all of a sudden… she had an epiphany. “Wait a minute,” she thought, “I always believed I was a dog, but maybe I’m actually a reindeer!” Without wasting any time, she quickly jumped onto the Polar Express and made her way towards the North Pole. Although Santa and his team of reindeer were initially surprised by Olive’s request to join them, she proved to be an asset to the team with her unique set of reindeer skills. By the end of it all, Olive’s determination and talent had saved the day for Santa and his team.
The Little Reindeer by Nicola Killen
Ollie discovers a lost reindeer outside her home on Christmas Eve. Ollie and the reindeer embark on a magical adventure together, exploring the snowy woods and encountering various woodland creatures. Along the way, they help each other and form a heartwarming bond. “The Little Reindeer” beautifully combines elements of friendship, kindness, and the magic of Christmas.
The Great Reindeer Rebellion by Lisa Trumbauer
Uh-oh! There seems to be a problem at the North Pole. It appears that Santa’s reindeer have gone on strike! In “The Great Reindeer Rebellion,” the reindeer at the North Pole are tired of working hard all year round, pulling Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve. They decide to rebel and go on strike, leaving Santa without his trusted team to deliver presents to children around the world. Santa Claus, faced with this unexpected challenge, needs to find a solution to save Christmas. He decides to hold auditions to find replacement animals to pull his sleigh. Various animals, such as elephants, kangaroos, and even skunks, try out for the job, leading to comical and chaotic situations… as well as one of the funniest reindeer books!
The Littlest Reindeer by Brandi Dougherty
Like some of the previous reindeer books, Dot dreams of becoming one of Santa’s reindeer and helping pull his sleigh on Christmas Eve. Despite her small size and the doubts of the other reindeer, Dot is determined to prove that she can be a valuable member of Santa’s team. Throughout “The Littlest Reindeer,” Dot faces various challenges and obstacles as she tries to fulfill her dream. With determination, courage, and a lot of hard work, she eventually proves her worth and earns her place alongside the other reindeer, showing readers the importance of believing in oneself and never giving up on their dreams.
Santa’s Lost Reindeer by Rachel Hilz
One of Santa’s reindeer has gone missing! What is Santa supposed to do now? In order to save Christmas, Santa goes on a desperate search to find his favorite reindeer, Bucky! “Santa’s Lost Reindeer” is one of those reindeer books that is hilarious and will have your entire class laughing.
The Grumpy Reindeer by DK
The holiday season is here, bringing joy to everyone, except for one grumpy reindeer. With his grumpy attitude, he scares away all the other reindeer. But when Santa needs his assistance, the grumpy reindeer discovers that being alone isn’t as enjoyable as he thought. In this heartwarming reindeer book, readers of all ages will be captivated by the enchanting illustrations as they follow the journey of this reindeer. Will he find the true spirit of Christmas and turn his frown upside down?
The Reindeer Wish by Lori Evert
In “The Reindeer Wish,” Anja embarks on an adventurous journey to find Santa with the help of her loyal animal friends. As Anja travels through the snowy landscape of the Arctic, she encounters a baby reindeer abandoned by its mother. Anja and the reindeer form a special bond and continue their quest together. Along the way, they meet various Arctic animals and experience the magic of the winter season. Ultimately, their journey leads them to Santa Claus, where they discover the importance of kindness, friendship, and the fulfillment of wishes.
Never Let a Unicorn Meet a Reindeer by Diane Alber
The only thing the little girl wanted for her birthday was a reindeer but there was one problem…how was she supposed to get ahold of Santa during the summer. After writing a letter to Santa, Santa responds and sends one of his reindeer down for her birthday. Within the letter, Santa warns her to never let a unicorn meet a reindeer. The little girl is unsure about this advice and decides to let the two meet despite the warning. Your students are sure to laugh out loud at the antics that pursue in this funny reindeer book!
Last Stop on the Reindeer Express by Maudie Powell-Tuck
As Christmas approaches, Mia is pressed for time and can’t send the card she crafted for Grandpa, who lives far away. However, her luck changes when she discovers a magical mailbox. Suddenly, Mia finds herself aboard the Reindeer Express, embarking on a thrilling journey through exotic lands. With each turn of the page of “Last Stop on the Reindeer Express,” young readers can open doors that reveal new scenes, peek through holes into the next adventure, and even unfold the special card Mia made for Grandpa.
How to Catch a Reindeer by Alice Walstead
If your students love the How to Catch series, they are sure to love “How to Catch a Reindeer” as well! On Christmas Eve, as Santa’s team prepares to deliver presents, adventurous reindeer Comet decides to wander off on her own. It’s the ideal moment for our imaginative Catch Club Kids to devise a plan and capture her, all in the hopes of proving Santa’s existence!
Nonfiction Reindeer Books
Reindeer (A Day in the Life: Polar Animals) by Katie Marsico
Experience a day in the life of a reindeer, the legendary polar animal of the holiday season! Delve into the distinctive features of this captivating creature’s body, from the tips of its antlers to the end of its tail. Then, uncover the various facets of a reindeer’s daily routine in the icy Arctic, including moving, sleeping, eating, and hunting. This reindeer book features straightforward language, intriguing facts, and stunning images, making it an excellent read for young learners who will love learning about their new favorite animal.
Reindeer by Victoria Blakemore
“Reindeer” by Victoria Blakemore is a fascinating and educational exploration of the world of reindeer, perfect for young readers. It delves into the physical features, natural habitat, family dynamics, behavior, and conservation efforts surrounding these magnificent creatures making it a must-read among the nonfiction reindeer books.
Reindeer on the Move! by Ginjer L. Clarke
Reindeer are capable of running at an incredible speed of up to fifty miles per hour, which is quite impressive! More than any other land mammal, they travel thousands of miles each year. With the holiday season approaching, it’s the perfect time to learn about these fascinating animals and their perpetual motion. “Reindeer on the Move!” is packed with stunning photographs, making it a great choice for children who love to explore the wonders of the natural world.
Reindeer! by Hope Aicher
Like the previous nonfiction reindeer books, young readers will discover the secrets behind the reindeer’s magical abilities and unique adaptations, as they delve into the Arctic wilderness, where reindeer (also known as caribou) roam freely across vast snowy landscapes. Through engaging storytelling and captivating facts, this reindeer book provides an unforgettable expedition alongside these captivating creatures. “Reindeer!” by Hope Aicher is a nonfiction reindeer book filled with over 20 stunning, full-color photos that unveil the fascinating world of Santa’s loyal helpers, the majestic reindeer.
Reindeer by Dee Phillips
This informative and engaging reindeer book is tailored to the interests and abilities of young readers and offers a wealth of knowledge about reindeer and their remarkable adaptations to the harsh, cold environment. Along with fascinating facts, this reindeer book includes interactive activities that encourage readers to develop their powers of observation and critical thinking. “Reindeer” by Dee Phillips is also filled with colorful illustrations that enhance the learning experience and spark the imagination.
Remarkable Reindeer by Jeff Bauer
Learn all about the remarkable Arctic animal, reindeer, with the real photographs and facts in this nonfiction text. This remarkable reindeer book is great for introducing basic nonfiction text features and learning all about reindeer vocabulary.
Caribou Are Awesome by Jaclyn Jaycox
Discover the strategies caribou use to locate food, nurture their young, and evade predators. “Caribou Are Awesome” teaches students all about the weight and height of caribou, how caribou use their antlers, and how caribou live in heards. Students will also learn how caribou communicate within their heard.
It’s a Caribou! by Kerry Dinmont
Explore the world of caribou in their icy polar habitat with “It’s a Caribou!” Referred to as reindeer, these majestic migratory animals are vividly depicted through captivating full-color photographs and accessible, leveled text. Engage young readers with thought-provoking questions that encourage critical thinking, and enhance their understanding with a helpful photo glossary.
Activities for Reindeer Books
Pair any of the reindeer books from the list above with these interactive reindeer activities and adorable reindeer craft!
Integrate science, math, literacy, and social studies into your reindeer unit, as your students learn all about the life cycle of a reindeer, parts of a reindeer, habitat of a reindeer and more.
You can learn more about all fifteen reindeer activities and craft by heading to this post!
More Holiday Activities
Throw the best classroom holiday party with these Christmas party ideas!
Add these holiday themed fine motor morning tubs to your classroom this December!
You might also want to pair these reindeer books with these “Feed the Reindeer” math games for centers!
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Ashley Sharp
As a dedicated Kindergarten teacher for nearly 20 years, I believe the words “fun, play, and creativity” can sit right alongside the words “developmentally appropriate, engaging, and rigorous.” Learning is meant to be fun and messy!
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