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North for the Winter: A Christmas Graphic Novel
From Pixar star animator Bobby Podesta comes a middle-grade classic holiday story about Virginia, a girl who must help one of Santa’s reindeer back to the North Pole before Christmas.
What would you think if you saw a reindeer fly? When this happens to Virginia, she isn’t sure what to do – she’s just lost her mom, she’s in a new city, and everything seems so hard. But when she reluctantly confesses what she saw to her neighbor, Benny, he’s convinced that flying reindeer can only mean one thing: this is Santa business.
In this stunning graphic novel debut from Pixar director Bobby Podesta, two kids and a lost reindeer go up against obsessive hunters, suspiciously convincing department store elves, and radar operators for the Continental Air Defense Command Center. No matter the odds, Virginia’s going to get Christmas back on track!
What would you think if you saw a reindeer fly? When this happens to Virginia, she isn’t sure what to do – she’s just lost her mom, she’s in a new city, and everything seems so hard. But when she reluctantly confesses what she saw to her neighbor, Benny, he’s convinced that flying reindeer can only mean one thing: this is Santa business.
In this stunning graphic novel debut from Pixar director Bobby Podesta, two kids and a lost reindeer go up against obsessive hunters, suspiciously convincing department store elves, and radar operators for the Continental Air Defense Command Center. No matter the odds, Virginia’s going to get Christmas back on track!
352 pages, Hardcover
First published September 2, 2025
19 people are currently reading
172 people want to read
About the author
Bobby Podesta
1 book5 followersBobby Podesta has been drawing cartoons for longer than he can remember and published his first newspaper comic strip while still in high school. After attending college at CalArts, Bobby began working at Pixar Animation Studios, where he has contributed as an Animator, Story Artist, Supervising Animator, and Director on several of their films and series. North for the Winter is his graphic novel debut. Bobby lives in Oakland, California with his wife, daughter, son, some chickens, a spoiled cat, and a pretty cute dog. He still draws cartoons every day.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
December 24, 2025
Cute story about a young girl who sees something unbelievable in the woods- a flying reindeer, of all things- just two days before Christmas in 1955, the year that the government Santa Tracker was born!
This is a fun, frantic little "Let's save Christmas!" story, and the way that the reindeer was drawn was precious beyond all reason.
This is a fun, frantic little "Let's save Christmas!" story, and the way that the reindeer was drawn was precious beyond all reason.
December 12, 2025
A very cute Christmas story about a young girl finding one of Santa's lost reindeer. Wouldn't you know it, the girl is feeling just a bit lost too after her mother's death and her dad's abruptly moving them to Denver. Fortunately, she has a new (and aggressively friendly) friend and some unexpected help from a department store manager and his team.
North for the Winter follows a predictable path, but it looks great and has some delightful moments. It probably has one twist too many, making for a longer read than necessary, and the mean old hunter gets way too much screentime, but overall, the book's perfectly pleasant to spend time with. Bobby Podesta's cartoony artwork is huge fun, easily worth the price of admission.
North for the Winter follows a predictable path, but it looks great and has some delightful moments. It probably has one twist too many, making for a longer read than necessary, and the mean old hunter gets way too much screentime, but overall, the book's perfectly pleasant to spend time with. Bobby Podesta's cartoony artwork is huge fun, easily worth the price of admission.
December 16, 2025
I've read plenty of stories written for children that I really enjoyed, so I feel fine giving this two stars. It felt very basic with tropes clumsily added and lots of moments that have no explanation. I think children's stories can still be written with care and charm.
January 27, 2025
This was a heartwarming, feel-good, 1950s era holiday graphic novel that sees a young girl who has recently lost her mother stumbling upon a lost reindeer and trying to help him find his way back to Santa in time to save Christmas. The art is gorgeous in this book that's perfectly nostalgic and HIGHLY recommended for fans of the 1980s movie, Prancer! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review. I absolutely LOVED this one!
December 1, 2025
this was literally so cute i may very well add this to the list of media i have to consume around the holidays
June 10, 2025
My students, no matter what their religious background, often start requesting titles about this holiday right after Halloween, and it's hard to keep up with demand. I still have an extremely worn copy of the first graphic novel I ever bought, the 2006 Manga Claus, and North For Winter will be a good follow up for readers who enjoyed the odd mix of holiday themed characters and action.
E ARC provided by Netgalley
In 1955, Virginia Kay and her father move from Arizona to Denver, Colorado. On the trip, the father (who was a pilot during the war) narrowly misses an animal on the road, and has to change a flat tire. Virginia goes off into the woods in search of the animal, and encounters a flying reindeer. When the animal sniffs her, she accidentally grabs a medallion of its collar. Her father isn't happy that she ran off, since they have recently lost her mother. Arriving at Aunt Frances' apartment, Virginia doesn't feel at home, but soon comes to terms with her cozy bedroom in the pantry, and makes friends with neighbor Benny Alvarez. In alternating scenes, we also see the men working at the Continental Air Defence Command Center (CONAD). Benny takes Virginia on a tour of Denver, including Gisser's Department Store, where his sister Gloria works in the toy department. Virginia is obsessed with the reindeer, and talks Benny into investigating the woods with her, and he even gets Gloria to drive them. The medallion is a compass, and Virginia ends oup flying with the reindeer. They show up on the CONAD radar, and almost get hit by a plane. Arriving back at the department store, they are met by manager Mr. Albright, who along with workers Joy and Noel are actually elves. Mr. Albright knows Donner, and tells Virginia that since she has the compass, Donner doesn't know where to meet up with his team to pull Santa's sleigh. If Santa doesn't make his deliveries, children will stop believing in Santa, so it's important that Virginia fix things. Unfortunately, she has to deal with a man they call the Tracker, who is trying to capture Donner. It's a tricky situation, and Virginia and Benny drive Benny's family car to the cabin (even though they are about 12!). Things escalate with the Tracker, and get pretty dark. With CONAD on high alert because of the odd radar sightings, will Virginia be able to save Christmas?
Strengths: In my mind, the 1950s are the Golden Years of Christmas, so it makes perfect sense to set the story during this time. I loved the note at the end about the serendipity of Colonel Harry Shoup and CONAD tracking Santa! The illustrations, including the color palette, have enough details from that time period to really sell the setting; the clothing, the cars, and the decorations at the department store. This gets a little dark, which is perfect for middle school readers; the Tracker seems like a real threat, and at one point Virginia jumps of the roof of the department store, just trusting that Donner would magically arrive and safe her. (He does. Whew.) Virginia and Benny, aided by a reluctant Gloria, are a wonderful detective team. The mix of history and fantasy reminds me a bit of Walsh's Red Scare: A Graphic Novel. My favorite part has got to be the description Joy and Noel give about Santa's marketing, brand strategy, and decentralization of manufacturing and staff!
Weaknesses: This is one book where the mother REALLY didn't need to be dead. Couldn't the entire family have just moved to Denver for someone's job? I loved Aunt Frances, but can't we even have HOLIDAY books without all the middle grade parents dying?
What I really think: I'll probably buy this one because the demand for Christmas books is high, and this one had a cinematic, quirky middle grade approach to Santa and his reindeer. You could not pay me enough to have this in an elementary library. Another reviewer thought it would be great for grades 2-4, but I think the dark tone of this one better suits children who have already decided that Santa does not exist. Because I told my daughter from a young age that I didn't believe in Santa, she was crushed to find out that I was right all along. When she was in 6th grade! Not my fault, but I wouldn't want to have to explain this one to any tender youth.
E ARC provided by Netgalley
In 1955, Virginia Kay and her father move from Arizona to Denver, Colorado. On the trip, the father (who was a pilot during the war) narrowly misses an animal on the road, and has to change a flat tire. Virginia goes off into the woods in search of the animal, and encounters a flying reindeer. When the animal sniffs her, she accidentally grabs a medallion of its collar. Her father isn't happy that she ran off, since they have recently lost her mother. Arriving at Aunt Frances' apartment, Virginia doesn't feel at home, but soon comes to terms with her cozy bedroom in the pantry, and makes friends with neighbor Benny Alvarez. In alternating scenes, we also see the men working at the Continental Air Defence Command Center (CONAD). Benny takes Virginia on a tour of Denver, including Gisser's Department Store, where his sister Gloria works in the toy department. Virginia is obsessed with the reindeer, and talks Benny into investigating the woods with her, and he even gets Gloria to drive them. The medallion is a compass, and Virginia ends oup flying with the reindeer. They show up on the CONAD radar, and almost get hit by a plane. Arriving back at the department store, they are met by manager Mr. Albright, who along with workers Joy and Noel are actually elves. Mr. Albright knows Donner, and tells Virginia that since she has the compass, Donner doesn't know where to meet up with his team to pull Santa's sleigh. If Santa doesn't make his deliveries, children will stop believing in Santa, so it's important that Virginia fix things. Unfortunately, she has to deal with a man they call the Tracker, who is trying to capture Donner. It's a tricky situation, and Virginia and Benny drive Benny's family car to the cabin (even though they are about 12!). Things escalate with the Tracker, and get pretty dark. With CONAD on high alert because of the odd radar sightings, will Virginia be able to save Christmas?
Strengths: In my mind, the 1950s are the Golden Years of Christmas, so it makes perfect sense to set the story during this time. I loved the note at the end about the serendipity of Colonel Harry Shoup and CONAD tracking Santa! The illustrations, including the color palette, have enough details from that time period to really sell the setting; the clothing, the cars, and the decorations at the department store. This gets a little dark, which is perfect for middle school readers; the Tracker seems like a real threat, and at one point Virginia jumps of the roof of the department store, just trusting that Donner would magically arrive and safe her. (He does. Whew.) Virginia and Benny, aided by a reluctant Gloria, are a wonderful detective team. The mix of history and fantasy reminds me a bit of Walsh's Red Scare: A Graphic Novel. My favorite part has got to be the description Joy and Noel give about Santa's marketing, brand strategy, and decentralization of manufacturing and staff!
Weaknesses: This is one book where the mother REALLY didn't need to be dead. Couldn't the entire family have just moved to Denver for someone's job? I loved Aunt Frances, but can't we even have HOLIDAY books without all the middle grade parents dying?
What I really think: I'll probably buy this one because the demand for Christmas books is high, and this one had a cinematic, quirky middle grade approach to Santa and his reindeer. You could not pay me enough to have this in an elementary library. Another reviewer thought it would be great for grades 2-4, but I think the dark tone of this one better suits children who have already decided that Santa does not exist. Because I told my daughter from a young age that I didn't believe in Santa, she was crushed to find out that I was right all along. When she was in 6th grade! Not my fault, but I wouldn't want to have to explain this one to any tender youth.
November 24, 2025
My son suggested I read this because he knows I like Christmas stories. I enjoyed it, but I loved making him smile by taking his suggestion.
November 29, 2025
"Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus."
Pixar artist Bobby Podesta has broken into publishing with his first graphic novel and it is a winner. This visually stunning story is set in 1955 and all the details from the clothes, cars and even the paper map help set the scene. While traveling to a new town, just days before Christmas, the car has a flat tire and Virgina wanders off. There she encounters Donner and accidentally ends up with the tracker that was on his collar. Virginia sets out with her new best friend and his older sister to locate Donner and help him get back to Santa. Her story is alternated with scenes from the Continental Air Defense (CONAD) CONTROL CENTER. THE NORAD predecessor is manning the radar and is determined to shoot down the mysterious items showing up on the radar. Only the help of some elves that she meets can keep Santa and his reindeer safe. I loved the adventure in this story and the cute ending.
Being a middle grade novel, the book seeks to add some depth. We learn at the beginning of the story, that Virginia's mother has died and they are moving to live with her aunt. She must deal with her grief, her father's grief, and a move to a new town, as well as the frustration that he won't believe that she has actually met a reindeer. That is a lot of different feelings to unpack in such a limited space. We can see Virginia's grief through her flashbacks. She not only misses her mom , but her Dad as well because he no longer interacts with her in the same way. I would have preferred the story not include a parental death. It adds a darkness to a cute Christmas story that would otherwise appeal to any kid. The move could have been for some other reason. Then the emotions of not being believed could have received more depth instead. This book is aimed at kids who are eight and up and would be a solid Christmas choice if they can handle the grief in the story.
Pixar artist Bobby Podesta has broken into publishing with his first graphic novel and it is a winner. This visually stunning story is set in 1955 and all the details from the clothes, cars and even the paper map help set the scene. While traveling to a new town, just days before Christmas, the car has a flat tire and Virgina wanders off. There she encounters Donner and accidentally ends up with the tracker that was on his collar. Virginia sets out with her new best friend and his older sister to locate Donner and help him get back to Santa. Her story is alternated with scenes from the Continental Air Defense (CONAD) CONTROL CENTER. THE NORAD predecessor is manning the radar and is determined to shoot down the mysterious items showing up on the radar. Only the help of some elves that she meets can keep Santa and his reindeer safe. I loved the adventure in this story and the cute ending.
Being a middle grade novel, the book seeks to add some depth. We learn at the beginning of the story, that Virginia's mother has died and they are moving to live with her aunt. She must deal with her grief, her father's grief, and a move to a new town, as well as the frustration that he won't believe that she has actually met a reindeer. That is a lot of different feelings to unpack in such a limited space. We can see Virginia's grief through her flashbacks. She not only misses her mom , but her Dad as well because he no longer interacts with her in the same way. I would have preferred the story not include a parental death. It adds a darkness to a cute Christmas story that would otherwise appeal to any kid. The move could have been for some other reason. Then the emotions of not being believed could have received more depth instead. This book is aimed at kids who are eight and up and would be a solid Christmas choice if they can handle the grief in the story.
June 27, 2025
It is December 1955, a few days before Christmas, and Virginia has just had her mother die. Her father doesn’t want to talk about it. Instead, he packs them up and they drive to Colorado, to live with his sister.
But before they get to her aunt’s house, they have a minor traffic problem, and while her father changes the tire, Virginia wanders off, and meets a reindeer. And not just any reindeer, but Donner, who should be with Santa Claus, getting ready for the flight around the world, in a few days time.
Her father doesn’t believe it, doesn’t want to talk about it, and just wants to not talk at all. But Virginia has accidentally stolen Donner’s compass, and now he can’t get home.
Meanwhile, the CONAD (The Continental Air Defense Command Center) keeps picking up Donner flying around, looking for Virginia and his compass.
This is a cute story, based, very loosely on the fact that NORAD, the current name for CONAD, tracks Santa’s flight every year, and has been doing so since 1955, when this story takes place.
And since this is a middle grade graphic novel, it is also full of feelings. Friendship feelings, with her new neighbor,and feelings of missing her mother, and feelings of wanting to be believed for what she saw.
Cute story. I do like the interactions at the CONAD headquarters, as well as when Virginia’s father finally realizes what is going on.
Thanks to Netgalley for making his book available for an honest review. This book is being published the 2nd of September 2025.
But before they get to her aunt’s house, they have a minor traffic problem, and while her father changes the tire, Virginia wanders off, and meets a reindeer. And not just any reindeer, but Donner, who should be with Santa Claus, getting ready for the flight around the world, in a few days time.
Her father doesn’t believe it, doesn’t want to talk about it, and just wants to not talk at all. But Virginia has accidentally stolen Donner’s compass, and now he can’t get home.
Meanwhile, the CONAD (The Continental Air Defense Command Center) keeps picking up Donner flying around, looking for Virginia and his compass.
This is a cute story, based, very loosely on the fact that NORAD, the current name for CONAD, tracks Santa’s flight every year, and has been doing so since 1955, when this story takes place.
And since this is a middle grade graphic novel, it is also full of feelings. Friendship feelings, with her new neighbor,and feelings of missing her mother, and feelings of wanting to be believed for what she saw.
Cute story. I do like the interactions at the CONAD headquarters, as well as when Virginia’s father finally realizes what is going on.
Thanks to Netgalley for making his book available for an honest review. This book is being published the 2nd of September 2025.
July 28, 2025
4 stars
This is a great holiday read, but it'll warm your heart any time of year.
Virginia has lost her mom in an accident, and her dad has a plan to relocate to Denver so that the two of them can live with his sister - Virginia's aunt - and reestablish the sense of family that they've seemingly lost in their grief. On the way, Virginia has an unexpected encounter with Donner of reindeer fame!
As Virginia attempts to acclimate to her new home, she meets new friends, makes new nemeses, and works through some of the lost or not yet made connections. All of this happens against a snowy, festive backdrop, and because it is set in the mid '50s, there's a real sense of nostalgia here, too.
This is an extremely charming read, and the illustrations are on point. Rather than the loud colors of Christmas, the focal point is that brilliant blue on the cover. There's a lot of excitement, but there's also a sense of peace that pervades the pages and, ultimately, the characters, as they go on an incredible adventure (Virginia especially) and come out the other side with a lot of learning and a lot of hope to show for it.
I'll be recommending this one and enjoying at least one re-read at a more seasonally appropriate time (than July)!
*Special thanks to NetGalley and First Second for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
This is a great holiday read, but it'll warm your heart any time of year.
Virginia has lost her mom in an accident, and her dad has a plan to relocate to Denver so that the two of them can live with his sister - Virginia's aunt - and reestablish the sense of family that they've seemingly lost in their grief. On the way, Virginia has an unexpected encounter with Donner of reindeer fame!
As Virginia attempts to acclimate to her new home, she meets new friends, makes new nemeses, and works through some of the lost or not yet made connections. All of this happens against a snowy, festive backdrop, and because it is set in the mid '50s, there's a real sense of nostalgia here, too.
This is an extremely charming read, and the illustrations are on point. Rather than the loud colors of Christmas, the focal point is that brilliant blue on the cover. There's a lot of excitement, but there's also a sense of peace that pervades the pages and, ultimately, the characters, as they go on an incredible adventure (Virginia especially) and come out the other side with a lot of learning and a lot of hope to show for it.
I'll be recommending this one and enjoying at least one re-read at a more seasonally appropriate time (than July)!
*Special thanks to NetGalley and First Second for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
December 27, 2025
This was a fantastic children’s graphic novel about a young girl trying to help get one of Santa’s reindeer home. Underneath all the magic of this story were deeper themes that were explored. Virginia, the main character, is starting over in a new place after losing her mom. She is adjusting to this life when a reindeer lands in her life and she wants to help the reindeer get home. This beautifully illustrated book covers themes of found family, believing, taking a chance and making the best decision. Virginia and her new friend will have to go on quite the journey to save Christmas. They will work with elves, a Tracker and even the military. I just loved this story and think it should be a must read during the holiday season!
May 7, 2025
As a middle school librarian, I have truly embraced the graphic novel genre and read my fair share of them. Bobby Podesta's North for the Winter is a perfect addition to this genre. The 1955 setting makes all the events that take place that much more powerful and believable. Readers will enjoy this tale of mystery, magic and friendship. Adding it to my fall purchase list now!
November 17, 2025
This was a cute and poignant graphic novel with a lot of heart. There were a few anachronisms (I don’t think people used the term “Hangry” in 1955) but overall this was a sweet little story. Loved Donner!
December 8, 2025
Cozy 1950s story about a lost reindeer and a group of kids trying to get him home. Loved the art style. The tracker dude was kinda creepy, but also the kids shouldn’t have been wandering around a cabin the woods 😂
September 3, 2025
This was such a great spin on a Christmas story and one I hadn’t seen before, which was greatly appreciated. I thought it was great that it focused, even just a little bit, on the grief of losing a loved one and how that changes you. I just really enjoyed it.
December 7, 2025
Such a sweet story with a whole lot of heart. Loved the illustrations and the characters. Just the warm Christmas story I needed.
December 23, 2025
Aww, this was soooo cute! I love a good holiday novel, especially a graphic novel. An adorable story about a reindeer trying to reunite with Santa and the other reindeer, but insert the help of various characters along the way. A great read that brings out the child in all of us ❤️🦌💚
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December 28, 2025This was charming!
December 8, 2025
I love it! I wish I had this book as kid, full of Christmas magic! Beautiful illustrations and perfect for Christmas time!
January 13, 2025
This was such a fun cute graphic novel! I loved the characters and the story. The illustrations were amazing! It had a lot of heartfelt moments! I think this would make a really cute Pixar movie as well. I highly recommend this if you want an adorable Christmas story. Thank you so much to the publisher and Netgalley for a copy of the arc in return for an honest review!
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January 25, 2025This will be a winner next Christmas season. I didn't know I needed a graphic novel version of why the military tracks Santa at Christmas...but this sure did the job? Easy stocking stuffer for graphic novel fans in grades 2-4.
February 28, 2025
Excellent Christmas graphic novel. Def seasonal!
July 10, 2025
I know it’s not the holiday season yet, but I always get that itch right after July 4. Once the school supplies are purchased, let’s just move on to sweaters, scarves, and nights reading by the fire. (Also, Christmas Eve is just 167 days away.)
So if you’re shopping early (I hear quite a few places are having big sales this week), consider a pre-order of North for the Winter. It would be the perfect holiday story to read with your family! It’s suggested reading age is 8-12, but I guarantee your kids 4-100 will enjoy this heartwarming graphic novel about Virginia and Donner (yes! THAT Donner! Santa’s Donner!)
Virginia and her dad have had a difficult year—the death of Virginia’s mother has rattled their spirit—so they head to Denver to stay with Virginia's aunt right before Christmas. On the way, Virginia happens to bump into Donner and accidentally takes something really important to him. When he can't find his way to Santa, all sorts of trouble ensues. But thanks to Virginia’s persistence, the help of a few brave (and magical) friends, and a lot of Christmas spirit, you can guarantee Christmas is saved (and your belief in Santa might also be renewed).
Written and illustrated by Bobby Podesta (a star Pixar animator), the story feels familiar for the whole family. I wouldn’t be surprised if it finds its way to a small screen at some point. And a few readers may pick up on the storyline of “The Santa Colonel,” Harry Shoup. If you have older kiddos who may think they know “the secret,” this is worth investigating!
I know it’s only July, but if you’re already dreaming of a White Christmas or early holiday shopping, add this one to your list!
Thank you Netgalley and FirstSecond Books for an e-galley to review!
So if you’re shopping early (I hear quite a few places are having big sales this week), consider a pre-order of North for the Winter. It would be the perfect holiday story to read with your family! It’s suggested reading age is 8-12, but I guarantee your kids 4-100 will enjoy this heartwarming graphic novel about Virginia and Donner (yes! THAT Donner! Santa’s Donner!)
Virginia and her dad have had a difficult year—the death of Virginia’s mother has rattled their spirit—so they head to Denver to stay with Virginia's aunt right before Christmas. On the way, Virginia happens to bump into Donner and accidentally takes something really important to him. When he can't find his way to Santa, all sorts of trouble ensues. But thanks to Virginia’s persistence, the help of a few brave (and magical) friends, and a lot of Christmas spirit, you can guarantee Christmas is saved (and your belief in Santa might also be renewed).
Written and illustrated by Bobby Podesta (a star Pixar animator), the story feels familiar for the whole family. I wouldn’t be surprised if it finds its way to a small screen at some point. And a few readers may pick up on the storyline of “The Santa Colonel,” Harry Shoup. If you have older kiddos who may think they know “the secret,” this is worth investigating!
I know it’s only July, but if you’re already dreaming of a White Christmas or early holiday shopping, add this one to your list!
Thank you Netgalley and FirstSecond Books for an e-galley to review!
August 28, 2025
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
🦌 believe in reindeer
💔 have ever lost a parent
🎅🏼 track Santa on Christmas Eve
📖 love to read graphic novels
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
What would you think if you saw a reindeer fly? When this happens to Virginia, she isn’t sure what to do – she’s just lost her mom, she’s in a new city, and everything seems so hard. But when she reluctantly confesses what she saw to her neighbor, Benny, he’s convinced that flying reindeer can only mean one thing: this is Santa business.
In this stunning graphic novel debut from Pixar director Bobby Podesta, two kids and a lost reindeer go up against obsessive hunters, suspiciously convincing department store elves, and radar operators for the Continental Air Defense Command Center. No matter the odds, Virginia’s going to get Christmas back on track!
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
This is such a gorgeous and well made graphic novel about a young girl growing up in the 50s who, quite literally, stumbles upon a reindeer while driving to Denver, Colorado. I loved that it took place in the 50s so that it was free of cell phones, WiFi, and other distractions of the current era. I loved seeing Virginia and Benny become the best of friends so quickly. The story is very fast paced, and took me just about an hour or so to read. The graphics are perfect too, and even if you have a child who’s not a big reader, the pictures can really help guide them through the plot line! I’d definitely recommend picking this one up for the upcoming Christmas season!
🦌 believe in reindeer
💔 have ever lost a parent
🎅🏼 track Santa on Christmas Eve
📖 love to read graphic novels
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
What would you think if you saw a reindeer fly? When this happens to Virginia, she isn’t sure what to do – she’s just lost her mom, she’s in a new city, and everything seems so hard. But when she reluctantly confesses what she saw to her neighbor, Benny, he’s convinced that flying reindeer can only mean one thing: this is Santa business.
In this stunning graphic novel debut from Pixar director Bobby Podesta, two kids and a lost reindeer go up against obsessive hunters, suspiciously convincing department store elves, and radar operators for the Continental Air Defense Command Center. No matter the odds, Virginia’s going to get Christmas back on track!
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
This is such a gorgeous and well made graphic novel about a young girl growing up in the 50s who, quite literally, stumbles upon a reindeer while driving to Denver, Colorado. I loved that it took place in the 50s so that it was free of cell phones, WiFi, and other distractions of the current era. I loved seeing Virginia and Benny become the best of friends so quickly. The story is very fast paced, and took me just about an hour or so to read. The graphics are perfect too, and even if you have a child who’s not a big reader, the pictures can really help guide them through the plot line! I’d definitely recommend picking this one up for the upcoming Christmas season!
August 29, 2025
Well, turns out North for the Winter gave me something I wasn’t expecting from a graphic novel about a runaway reindeer: actual feelings. Like, the kind where your throat tightens and you suddenly have to find the allergy medicine to take care of those watery eyes.
Thanks a lot, Bobby Podesta.
This book has it all—grieving middle-schooler? Check. Flying reindeer? Obviously. Department store elves who are way too good at their jobs? Disturbingly check. And a cameo by the actual radar operators of the Continental Air Defense Command Center (because of course they’d be the ones tracking Santa).
The illustrations are gorgeous, the pacing is quick, and the story has just enough holiday magic to make you believe… even if you’re the type of person who side-eyes Hallmark movies and mutters, “Yeah, sure, Santa’s coming down that chimney.”
While it melted my icy heart just enough to get misty-eyed, it also made me want to run around shouting “I BELIEVE” like a second-grader at the Macy’s parade. And frankly, my dignity can only take so much.
Would recommend if you want: holiday feels, flying deer drama, and the faint possibility of explaining your watery eyes with “allergies.”
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Books for Young Readers for this review copy!
Thanks a lot, Bobby Podesta.
This book has it all—grieving middle-schooler? Check. Flying reindeer? Obviously. Department store elves who are way too good at their jobs? Disturbingly check. And a cameo by the actual radar operators of the Continental Air Defense Command Center (because of course they’d be the ones tracking Santa).
The illustrations are gorgeous, the pacing is quick, and the story has just enough holiday magic to make you believe… even if you’re the type of person who side-eyes Hallmark movies and mutters, “Yeah, sure, Santa’s coming down that chimney.”
While it melted my icy heart just enough to get misty-eyed, it also made me want to run around shouting “I BELIEVE” like a second-grader at the Macy’s parade. And frankly, my dignity can only take so much.
Would recommend if you want: holiday feels, flying deer drama, and the faint possibility of explaining your watery eyes with “allergies.”
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Books for Young Readers for this review copy!
December 29, 2025
A decent graphic novel that has the beats of a movie; not surprising, coming from a Pixar alum.
One of this books main problems lies in the "it has the beats of a film" aspect of it. It leads to more static images with large speech bubbles than work well in a graphic novel. Not that anyone reads my GRs reviews, but if you do (if you're the one, wow! great to meet you, let's get a drink), you're aware that overuse of large dialogue bubbles is one of my graphic novel pet peeves.
This one hits my OTHER graphic novel pet peeve, too. Waaaaay too many blank, flat, single colors fills as backgrounds in this book. It's boring, pulls me out of the story (not immersive), and when coupled with too much dialogue, it really makes the story drag. The single color fill backgrounds are really annoying in this one, too, because they could have added so much to the 1950s ambiance of the story.
Though flawed, this is still a fun Christmas graphic novel that does a nice job of tying the history of NORAD Santa Tracking into it's story.
One of this books main problems lies in the "it has the beats of a film" aspect of it. It leads to more static images with large speech bubbles than work well in a graphic novel. Not that anyone reads my GRs reviews, but if you do (if you're the one, wow! great to meet you, let's get a drink), you're aware that overuse of large dialogue bubbles is one of my graphic novel pet peeves.
This one hits my OTHER graphic novel pet peeve, too. Waaaaay too many blank, flat, single colors fills as backgrounds in this book. It's boring, pulls me out of the story (not immersive), and when coupled with too much dialogue, it really makes the story drag. The single color fill backgrounds are really annoying in this one, too, because they could have added so much to the 1950s ambiance of the story.
Though flawed, this is still a fun Christmas graphic novel that does a nice job of tying the history of NORAD Santa Tracking into it's story.
February 24, 2025
Let the hijinks commence! What is an action adventure story is also a heartwarming story about a girl and dad who both miss the love of their life-- her mom and his wife. They ultimately move across country and into the home of Virginia's aunt for what she discovers is an opportunity to reconnect with family. But on their way, Virginia ends up meeting a reindeer, but not just any reindeer, Donner, one of Santa's special reindeer though she doesn't quite know that yet.
It's goofy and sentimental but also a cozy Christmas story with absolutely delightful illustrations as evidenced by the cover. It does get far-flung and drawn out about 2/3 of the way through it however it's about a community coming together to believe Virginia and her new neighbor friend who is willing to adventure with her and believes her when her dad didn't.
It's a fully formed story in a way that reads like a movie (which makes sense based on Podesta's background). Adored the warmth it emits.
It's goofy and sentimental but also a cozy Christmas story with absolutely delightful illustrations as evidenced by the cover. It does get far-flung and drawn out about 2/3 of the way through it however it's about a community coming together to believe Virginia and her new neighbor friend who is willing to adventure with her and believes her when her dad didn't.
It's a fully formed story in a way that reads like a movie (which makes sense based on Podesta's background). Adored the warmth it emits.
June 27, 2025
Note: I received a DRC from NetGalley in exchange for a review.
“From Pixar star animator Bobby Podesta comes a middle-grade classic holiday story about Virginia, a girl who must help one of Santa’s reindeer back to the North Pole before Christmas.
What would you think if you saw a reindeer fly? When this happens to Virginia, she isn’t sure what to do – she’s just lost her mom, she’s in a new city, and everything seems so hard. But when she reluctantly confesses what she saw to her neighbor, Benny, he’s convinced that flying reindeer can only mean one thing: this is Santa business.
In this stunning graphic novel debut from Pixar director Bobby Podesta, two kids and a lost reindeer go up against obsessive hunters, suspiciously convincing department store elves, and radar operators for the Continental Air Defense Command Center. No matter the odds, Virginia’s going to get Christmas back on track!”
I’m a sucker for a good old Christmas story, and this book was no exception. The art is beautiful and stunning, the characters were great, and the plot was amazing as well. This is a fantastic book as a whole, and I would highly recommend it for anyone who wants to read a great Christmas story around the holiday season.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“From Pixar star animator Bobby Podesta comes a middle-grade classic holiday story about Virginia, a girl who must help one of Santa’s reindeer back to the North Pole before Christmas.
What would you think if you saw a reindeer fly? When this happens to Virginia, she isn’t sure what to do – she’s just lost her mom, she’s in a new city, and everything seems so hard. But when she reluctantly confesses what she saw to her neighbor, Benny, he’s convinced that flying reindeer can only mean one thing: this is Santa business.
In this stunning graphic novel debut from Pixar director Bobby Podesta, two kids and a lost reindeer go up against obsessive hunters, suspiciously convincing department store elves, and radar operators for the Continental Air Defense Command Center. No matter the odds, Virginia’s going to get Christmas back on track!”
I’m a sucker for a good old Christmas story, and this book was no exception. The art is beautiful and stunning, the characters were great, and the plot was amazing as well. This is a fantastic book as a whole, and I would highly recommend it for anyone who wants to read a great Christmas story around the holiday season.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
October 31, 2025
Have you ever wondered how NORAD started tracking Santa‘s flight on Christmas Eve? One writer gives us this story with so much heart and so much love it will leave the reader in happy tears. We start with a young girl named Virginia. Her and her father are moving to Denver, Colorado to be with their aunt after the passing of Virginia’s mother. But things go a little off course with a blown tire, a chance meet up a reindeer, and a magical compass that leads to a wild night, new friends, and a heartfelt belief that Christmas and Santa are not only real But are just a sleigh ride away. This book is sure to be a new classic. It is one I will be buying and adding to my collection because of it’s heart and it’s hope. The illustrations feel exactly right to go with the text and in all honesty, I could see this becoming the next great animated special. This is a Christmas story that I will want to visit year after year.
December 29, 2025
I read this in two sittings, and it's a nice holiday story, but doesn't have a ton of magic or heart to really make it memorable.
- NORAD Santa tracking system
- secret elves
- department store at Christmas
- First Christmas as a new family unit (deceased mom)
I grabbed this one as a holiday read for my 10 year old who loves graphic novels. This is honestly the first Christmas graphic novel I've seen, so that alone makes it appealing.
Main character Virginia is adjusting to life with just her dad, and when they arrive at her aunt's house for Christmas, she finds a rogue reindeer. Neighbor kid Benny adds comic relief (and connects plot maneuvers via his older sister who works at a department store). The ending is predictable, but I did like the "bad guy tracker" ending up having a deeper motivation than just a one note villain.
I'll be curious to see if my kiddo grabs this one to reread next holiday season when I bring out the Christmas books.
- NORAD Santa tracking system
- secret elves
- department store at Christmas
- First Christmas as a new family unit (deceased mom)
I grabbed this one as a holiday read for my 10 year old who loves graphic novels. This is honestly the first Christmas graphic novel I've seen, so that alone makes it appealing.
Main character Virginia is adjusting to life with just her dad, and when they arrive at her aunt's house for Christmas, she finds a rogue reindeer. Neighbor kid Benny adds comic relief (and connects plot maneuvers via his older sister who works at a department store). The ending is predictable, but I did like the "bad guy tracker" ending up having a deeper motivation than just a one note villain.
I'll be curious to see if my kiddo grabs this one to reread next holiday season when I bring out the Christmas books.
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