About This Book
Reach for this book when your child feels like they don't quite fit in or when they are questioning their own unique talents. It is a whimsical remedy for the 'square peg in a round hole' feeling, perfect for kids who march to the beat of their own drum. Through a humorous misunderstanding of Christmas lyrics, Olive the dog decides she must be a reindeer and heads to the North Pole to fulfill her destiny. While the premise is silly and absurdist, the heart of the story is about radical self-acceptance and finding value in one's differences. Olive doesn't fly or look like a reindeer, but her dog-specific skills (like fetching and smelling) save the day in ways traditional reindeer cannot. It is a joyful, secular holiday read for ages 3 to 7 that celebrates how being 'other' can actually make you the hero of the story.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book handles identity and belonging in a purely metaphorical and absurdist way. It is a secular holiday story. The resolution is highly hopeful, validating Olive's self-perception rather than correcting her 'mistake.'
