Rudolph to the Rescue

by Robert L. May

Includes AUDIO CD

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Animals

Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Robert Lewis May (1905–1976) was an American advertising copywriter who created Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer while working for Montgomery Ward in 1939, drawing on his own shy childhood and writing the story amid his first wife’s terminal illness; the poem became a massive commercial and cultural success, spawning millions of copies, song and film adaptations, sequels, merchandise, and an enduring Christmas legend. Educated at Dartmouth and influenced by Alfred Adler’s ideas on inferiority and self-assertion, May worked for several major department stores before and after the Depression, later regaining the copyright to Rudolph and briefly leaving—then returning to—Montgomery Ward as Rudolph’s popularity fluctuated. He wrote additional children’s books, oversaw a wide range of Rudolph-related enterprises, and remained active in civic organizations; after the death of his second wife, he converted to Catholicism, remarried, and died in Evanston, Illinois, in 1976.

Reviews

[Kelly Wickham · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is corny and forced and feels like someone strained their imagination really hard to create it. On the other hand, it is also sweet, caring, and kind. It is worth reading to small children no matter how painful it may be. I have to say that now that I have read it to the littlest child, Marcos, it will be moving on to a new home. I hope other small children will enjoy it.

[Kimberly Souza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great addition to the traditional story

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reminds me of "Olive the other reindeer". I love a good comeback story.

[Erin Richards · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was clearly written to capitalize on Rudolph's popularity but, this book lacks focus and travels all over the place. The pictures are cute though -- and the kids did enjoy the animals all being mixed up.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, nice art. Santa & Rudolph go on vacation to the south pole. upon their return there are tons of letters. Rudolph helps & they find out they missed siblings in a circus. The circus is really bad but Rudolph finds some unique animals & the circus becomes a success!