Johnny Marks (text) and Louis O’Shea (illustrator), Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Scholastic Australia, October 2018, 24 pp., RRP $24.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781742993638
This new edition of the classic lyrics stands out for its striking illustrations. The personification of the reindeers is wonderful, with each reindeer given a clear identity.
The lyrics are easily identifiable, even where incorporated into the illustrations, although they probably won’t be necessary once readers get going!
Unlike some versions where the title character is depicted as a lonely outcast, Shea’s Rudolph appears to be a more standoffish character who is not fazed by his exclusion from the reindeer games, but is still happy to help on the foggy Christmas eve.
Given that CD players have largely been replaced by digital music options, the accompanying CD is somewhat obsolete, but there are hundreds of sing-a-long options on YouTube.
Children aged 3+ will enjoy singing along and absorbing the detailed and vibrant illustrations.
Reviewed by Jessica Dowling
