This is in our top 10 favorite Christmas books that we take out every year. It goes through all the reindeer and what goes on at the North Pole. Beautifully illustrated and beautifully written. 5 stars ( )

Finally, a book that explains the magical world of Santa's flying reindeer. The whole Rudolph saga always had me wondering about these elite flyers and why they were originally so rigid about that blaring red nose. Well, now I know. Along with learning about the eating habits and basic skill tests for the furry team, the reader also gets to learn the origins and personality of the current reindeer team.

While a reindeer team member actually has its own given name, once they officially join the Christmas Sled, they assume the names we all know so well, which means that Donner, for instance, doesn't live forever, as he is actually replaced each year with a new Donner. The name origins are fun...Blitzen means 'lightning' in German, so that reindeer is always the fastest one on the team. Prancer is the moniker reserved for the most nimble and agile of the sled pullers.

The book layout is fun for both child and adult, with little intricacies such as a built in pocket manual for reindeer training reminders ("always keep some lichen biscuits in a pocket as a reward"). Most wonderful of all is a diploma which can be awarded to the child who has read and memorized the magical workings of our beloved holiday reindeer. Yup, this book is a real treat, can't replicate it electronically.

Book Season = Winter (of course) ( )