Real reindeer cross the Arctic on broad, snowshoe feet; storybook reindeer cross the sky. Children's books have made room for both, though the flying kind naturally get most of the Christmas work: they lose their way, tangle their antlers, go on strike, and occasionally let a dog join the team. Rudolph may be the famous one, but he is far from the only reindeer worth following through the snow.
Drawing from Bookroo's collection of 52 reindeer books, our editors chose the original red-nosed underdog, a dog who mishears a Christmas song, Jan Brett's unruly sleigh team, a first look at the real animal, sturdy books for small hands, and longer adventures for independent readers. Start with our fixed shortlist of 12 favorites, then browse by reading stage.
Eight named reindeer wait on the roof in the poem that fixed Santa's sleigh team in the American imagination.
The original department-store story of the young reindeer whose bright red nose turns a foggy Christmas Eve around.
Olive the dog hears 'all of the other reindeer,' decides the song means her, and reports for sleigh duty.
A young circus reindeer follows the North Star, meets a struggling Santa, and wishes her whole family into a new life.
Teeka tries to bully nine wild reindeer into harness, and learns why a frightened team cannot be forced into working together.
A hidden mailbox opens onto the Reindeer Express, carrying Mia across the world to deliver a card to her faraway grandfather.
A girl finds a lost reindeer in the snowy city and is carried into the sky on one silent Christmas adventure.
Santa's team scatters on Christmas Eve, and the one tradition that can call them home is a story read aloud together.
Antlers, hooves, migration, food, and Arctic weather introduce the real animal behind Santa's famous team.
Stomp, prance, shake, and twirl through a reindeer dance built for toddlers who cannot sit still until the last page.
An eleven-year-old walks into the Far North with a mouse in his pocket and a stubborn reindeer named Blitzen beside him.
Princess Bea finds a cold, hungry reindeer near a winter castle and quietly begins a rescue the adults have overlooked.
Dancing, counting, jingling, and one very bright nose in sturdy Christmas books for ages 0–5.
A storm threatens Christmas. Can Rudolph's unique gift save the day?
Santa's too busy for fun until Mrs. Claus sparks a playful idea.
A tiny reindeer helps Santa's elves prepare for Christmas joy.
Rudolph's nose dims, leading him on a journey to rediscover his light.
Join a reindeer's first magical Christmas ride with Santa.
Reindeer prepare for Christmas with festive tasks and holiday cheer.
Sleigh-team mishaps, snowy friendships, Christmas classics, and a few real reindeer facts for ages 3–8.
Santa juggles chores before his global gift-giving journey.
A reindeer with a glowing nose must save Christmas on a stormy night.
Santa's reindeer is missing! Can he save Christmas in time?
A tiny elf seeks his special role in Santa's workshop, but is he too small to succeed?
Can a gassy reindeer join Santa's team before Christmas Eve?
Santa's journey from odd jobs to finding his true calling with elves.
A tiny reindeer seeks to prove his worth before Christmas. Can he find his place in Santa's world?
Santa's schedule is at risk when a family dog ends up in his sleigh. Can he return it in time for Christmas?
Santa's reindeer strike! Can other animals save Christmas?
Santa ensures all reindeer are asleep, but one light remains on. Who's still awake at the North Pole?
Two children find a weary deer in the snow, unaware of the Christmas surprise it brings.
Pirate twins clash, leading to a magical journey of love and discovery.
North Pole journeys, fairy-tale rescues, and longer animal adventures for independent readers.
A girl and her brother travel through a magic mirror into a fairy tale world where they must rescue their dog and a boy from an evil Snow Queen.
A jealous rival threatens Christmas. Can magic and courage save the day?
Rudolph's dull nose leads him on a quest to find missing baby rabbits.
