What do you think?
Rate this book
Comet
One of Santa's reindeer is sidelined on Christmas Eve, but still manages to help Santa avoid a holiday catastrophe.
Unknown Binding
Published January 1, 2019
84 people are currently reading
3343 people want to read
About the author
Jim Benton
289 books611 followersBenton began his career in a custom design t-shirt shop where he started designing his own characters. At the same time, Jim did illustrations and artwork for magazines and newspapers. People magazine named him "the most visible cartoonist in America" .
Benton also created greeting cards and worked in the magazine and publishing industry. In 1998, his SpyDogs characters became an animated series, The Secret Files of the Spy Dogs, that aired on Fox Kids. Licensing his own creations brought them widespread attention on products, such as It's Happy Bunny, The Misters, Just Jimmy and more.
Benton currently lives in Michigan, where he operates out of his own studio.
Benton also created greeting cards and worked in the magazine and publishing industry. In 1998, his SpyDogs characters became an animated series, The Secret Files of the Spy Dogs, that aired on Fox Kids. Licensing his own creations brought them widespread attention on products, such as It's Happy Bunny, The Misters, Just Jimmy and more.
Benton currently lives in Michigan, where he operates out of his own studio.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
September 22, 2020
*Read for free with Kindle Unlimited*
So much fun and really cute story! Has me wanting tro watch Santa Clause again already:)
Would recommend!
Artwork: 4 stars
So much fun and really cute story! Has me wanting tro watch Santa Clause again already:)
Would recommend!
Artwork: 4 stars
December 5, 2024
Wonderful Holiday story
Such a cute and fun story for the holidays. Great illustrations and made me think of the books I read as a boy during this time.
Such a cute and fun story for the holidays. Great illustrations and made me think of the books I read as a boy during this time.
December 9, 2022
This is so cute! Such a unique and clever story idea. It’s just adorable! The rhymes and plot are good and the illustrations are SO cute. I enjoyed every minute of it.
I did feel really bad for Comet with all of the injuries he sustained, especially the ones after he decided to do his good deed. He looked so sad at times! The elves were fighting and he intervened and got punched and it went downhill from there for him. I felt so bad that he got left out of the Christmas delivery ride but he had an adventure of his own after discovering the entire bag of toys had been left behind.
He found a letter from a boy asking for a toy for his sister. She really wanted a green pig riding a pink bike. That was way random for me and I wish it had been a standard toy. I didn’t get why it was so out there. But he took it upon himself to deliver the big bag of toys and find that house.
It was too unrealistic that Santa didn’t realize that he didn’t have the toys, in the time it took Comet to fly all over the world and deliver all those presents. But Santa knew exactly where Comet was because he called the house while Comet was there…
But it was clever that Comet asked for a raise! Go Comet! And he even asked for a vacation for the elves, staying good even after all he had suffered.
Such a good read, a Christmas standout.
I did feel really bad for Comet with all of the injuries he sustained, especially the ones after he decided to do his good deed. He looked so sad at times! The elves were fighting and he intervened and got punched and it went downhill from there for him. I felt so bad that he got left out of the Christmas delivery ride but he had an adventure of his own after discovering the entire bag of toys had been left behind.
He found a letter from a boy asking for a toy for his sister. She really wanted a green pig riding a pink bike. That was way random for me and I wish it had been a standard toy. I didn’t get why it was so out there. But he took it upon himself to deliver the big bag of toys and find that house.
It was too unrealistic that Santa didn’t realize that he didn’t have the toys, in the time it took Comet to fly all over the world and deliver all those presents. But Santa knew exactly where Comet was because he called the house while Comet was there…
But it was clever that Comet asked for a raise! Go Comet! And he even asked for a vacation for the elves, staying good even after all he had suffered.
Such a good read, a Christmas standout.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2020
Comet has been grounded and left behind due to an injury. Comet notices that Santa has left the bag of toys behind, and when Comet finds a letter from a child, he must take action to make the deliveries. Told in rhyme, and humor filled this over the top Christmas tale is sure to be a favorite for readers both young and old.
November 28, 2021
I don't get it. What does the pig have to do with Comet deciding to make this trip? And why doesn't Santa come back when he finds out he has NO presents? What Santa spends this book doing is a giant mystery to me. I don't get it and there are too many night before Christmas rewrites in this world.
December 27, 2020
More adult jokes (not crude but ones that would go over many children's head) funny but not necessary to read every Christmas.
November 23, 2020
This was a super cute twist on a Christmas Eve adventure for Santa and his reindeers. Poor Comet broke an arm, was replaced by a rookie reindeer, and there is a sad mix-up on the Christmas Eve deliveries. Comet, despite his injuries, saves the day! The illustrations are so cute and the poetry is very funny....I found myself laughing out loud. My g'little loved it and even my son-in=law was laughing as we read the story. Great Christmas read!
March 17, 2021
My daughter picked this book out, and really enjoyed it. This is a fun story about Comet doing everything he can to make sure that all the kids get their gifts since Santa forgot them at the North Pole.
This book was cute and funny. The illustrations were colorful and fun. This book would be perfect to read around the Holidays. We might have to pick it up again in a few months.
This book was cute and funny. The illustrations were colorful and fun. This book would be perfect to read around the Holidays. We might have to pick it up again in a few months.
December 14, 2022
I loved the rhyming!
I didn’t expect Comet’s injury to have come from an elf fight, and getting punched!
I love the way Comet was looking at the rookie who took his spot on Santa’s sleigh. His eyes were narrowed and Freddy was looking eager to be there.
‘As Comet jumped up,
Doc said with a frown,
You’re not going anywhere.
Just sit yourself down.
No dashing, no dancing,
your arm, it needs fixin’.
It will be a long time
before you’re prancing with Vixen.”
‘It’s so very quiet
when the elves all go home
and you’re a busted-up reindeer
at the North Pole alone.’
-Comet trying to lift the bag of toys with his arm in a cast was comical.
Comet was so touched the boy said not to put the reindeer out, because no one ever thinks of them over themselves.
‘He lumbered outside and prepared to depart when he heard the soft sound of a hernia start.”
Ugh…
‘Way out at sea,
near the end of his race,
a whale blew his nose
right in Comet’s face.
That was all he could take;
Comet felt he was through.
But just then Hawaii
came into his view.’
Haha!
He finally finds the house in Hawaii.
He asks for a raise, and Santa tells him to take a vacation too, and he asks for one for the elves.
I couldn’t believe the elves didn’t even apologize for punching comet and breaking his arm. They didn’t help deliver the toys either! I thought for sure comet would get them to help.
“We’ll all go!” laughed Santa. “That should heal that bone!”
“Oh, and next time,” said Comet, “please turn up your phone.”
This was so cute!! I love rhyming text, and these rhymes were good. The story didn’t go how I thought it would, but it was cute, a nice ending.
What didn’t make sense is that Santa didn’t come back when he realized he didn’t have his bag of presents. You would realize that immediately or at least at the first house you stopped at. Yet Santa doesn’t call until Comet is at the last house of the night, to deliver the pig on a bike to the little girl and Santa calls their house, somehow knowing Comet is there. It’s the end of the night!! What has Santa and the reindeer been doing?! But this is all just a plot device to set up Comet delivering all the gifts and doesn’t make sense.
It would have been better if comet had at least had help from the elves. Or if Santa had gotten his bag and only left behind the pig on a bike toy and comet only had to deliver that one. I think that would have been a better story.
Seems like they should be able to pinpoint an exact house where children live, instead of literally flying all over the world. But that’s part of the plot also so we can have this story.
I didn’t expect Comet’s injury to have come from an elf fight, and getting punched!
I love the way Comet was looking at the rookie who took his spot on Santa’s sleigh. His eyes were narrowed and Freddy was looking eager to be there.
‘As Comet jumped up,
Doc said with a frown,
You’re not going anywhere.
Just sit yourself down.
No dashing, no dancing,
your arm, it needs fixin’.
It will be a long time
before you’re prancing with Vixen.”
‘It’s so very quiet
when the elves all go home
and you’re a busted-up reindeer
at the North Pole alone.’
-Comet trying to lift the bag of toys with his arm in a cast was comical.
Comet was so touched the boy said not to put the reindeer out, because no one ever thinks of them over themselves.
‘He lumbered outside and prepared to depart when he heard the soft sound of a hernia start.”
Ugh…
‘Way out at sea,
near the end of his race,
a whale blew his nose
right in Comet’s face.
That was all he could take;
Comet felt he was through.
But just then Hawaii
came into his view.’
Haha!
He finally finds the house in Hawaii.
He asks for a raise, and Santa tells him to take a vacation too, and he asks for one for the elves.
I couldn’t believe the elves didn’t even apologize for punching comet and breaking his arm. They didn’t help deliver the toys either! I thought for sure comet would get them to help.
“We’ll all go!” laughed Santa. “That should heal that bone!”
“Oh, and next time,” said Comet, “please turn up your phone.”
This was so cute!! I love rhyming text, and these rhymes were good. The story didn’t go how I thought it would, but it was cute, a nice ending.
What didn’t make sense is that Santa didn’t come back when he realized he didn’t have his bag of presents. You would realize that immediately or at least at the first house you stopped at. Yet Santa doesn’t call until Comet is at the last house of the night, to deliver the pig on a bike to the little girl and Santa calls their house, somehow knowing Comet is there. It’s the end of the night!! What has Santa and the reindeer been doing?! But this is all just a plot device to set up Comet delivering all the gifts and doesn’t make sense.
It would have been better if comet had at least had help from the elves. Or if Santa had gotten his bag and only left behind the pig on a bike toy and comet only had to deliver that one. I think that would have been a better story.
Seems like they should be able to pinpoint an exact house where children live, instead of literally flying all over the world. But that’s part of the plot also so we can have this story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2020
Author and illustrator Jim Benton, the popular creator behind It's Happy Bunny, Franny K. Stein and Catwad, brings readers right into the holiday and Christmas season with the very funny picture book Comet the Unstoppable Reindeer. When a fight breaks out between elves Stinky and Stanky, Comet the reindeer tries to intervene and, unfortunately, gets injured in the process. The injury is serious enough that the doctor advises Comet to stay home and not deliver presents with Santa. Comet is, understandably upset, and his level of upset only increases when he sees rookie reindeer replacement Freddy in his spot by the sleigh. Getting ready to wallow alone, Comet notices that the bag of presents for Santa's delivery has been left behind! How could the team have forgotten the load of presents?! When an urgent call to Santa's cell goes unanswered, Comet braves his injury and the elements to take care of crucial delivery business. A bit of slapstick, a bit of sweet, and an altogether welcome, funny look at a different and just-as-determined reindeer, Comet the Unstoppable Reindeer is laugh out loud, thoroughly entertaining reading. The off-kilter, zany story and the comical, cheeky rhymes will likely make this holiday offering from Jim Benton appealing to a broad range of ages. Readers who appreciate their Christmas and/or seasonal reading with a (big) side of sass and laughs, or who enjoy work by creators such as David Catrow, Ame Dyckman, Lane Smith or Jory John, might especially delight in Comet the Unstoppable Reindeer.
I received a copy of Comet the Unstoppable Reindeer courtesy of Kristin at Benton Arts, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and comments are my own.
December 8, 2020
If you are looking for a book to read aloud with your children this Christmas season, stop right now and go buy this book! This is a hilarious read that kids will ask for again and again. Plus the cover alone makes you want to open it up and read it!
Comet is all set to head off on Christmas Eve with Santa and the other reindeer. But first, he ends up refereeing an argument between some cranky elves who are in much need of a break. In breaking up the argument, Comet ends up with a broken leg and is unable to go out with Santa on Christmas Eve. Comet is left all alone back at the North Pole and then notices that Santa has left the toy bag behind. When Santa doesn’t answer his call, Comet has to come up with a plan to get those toys delivered.
The writing is very witty and smart. Each stanza has a rhyming scheme and is often-times quite humorous and always creative. This makes the story just as fun for the parents to read as it does for the kids. It would also be a fun classroom read. The illustrations are also well-done, showing the frustrations when Comet is left behind and then trying to get that bag of toys on his back. The illustrations fill the pages and use bright colors.
There is so much enjoyment from reading this picture book that I’m sure it will become a favorite in your Christmas book collection. Don’t delay in adding this one to your shelf!
Comet is all set to head off on Christmas Eve with Santa and the other reindeer. But first, he ends up refereeing an argument between some cranky elves who are in much need of a break. In breaking up the argument, Comet ends up with a broken leg and is unable to go out with Santa on Christmas Eve. Comet is left all alone back at the North Pole and then notices that Santa has left the toy bag behind. When Santa doesn’t answer his call, Comet has to come up with a plan to get those toys delivered.
The writing is very witty and smart. Each stanza has a rhyming scheme and is often-times quite humorous and always creative. This makes the story just as fun for the parents to read as it does for the kids. It would also be a fun classroom read. The illustrations are also well-done, showing the frustrations when Comet is left behind and then trying to get that bag of toys on his back. The illustrations fill the pages and use bright colors.
There is so much enjoyment from reading this picture book that I’m sure it will become a favorite in your Christmas book collection. Don’t delay in adding this one to your shelf!
Read
October 2, 2020Oh, goodness, this book made me laugh out loud. Is it for kids or their parents or MAYBE the whole family will get a kick out of this irreverent, rhyming Christmas story. If you've read Jim Benton before (maybe Franny K. Stein or the Dear Dumb Diary series), you know what you're getting into. His Pilkey-esque humor will have kids laughing out loud as he does not hold back from the silly, stupid humor. This one's got some zingers adults will appreciate, too, and while I'm not sure it'll be one you'll reread day after day, it's definitely a funny read if you just need a laugh.
This is the verse that made me stop and read parts out loud to my officemate:
Due to Circumstances, Comet the reindeer finds himself trying to lift Santa's bag of toys and deliver them himself.
He lumbered outside
and prepared to depart
when he heard the soft sound
of a hernia start.
And there are several more verses throughout that made me stop and share them with my colleague. Like I said, is it for kids or adults? I think it'll be appreciated by older kids and their parents who will definitely get some of the jokes that might go over kids' heads.
Not for everyone, but a winner in my book. I'd hand it to fans of Dav Pilkey or David Shannon.
This is the verse that made me stop and read parts out loud to my officemate:
Due to Circumstances, Comet the reindeer finds himself trying to lift Santa's bag of toys and deliver them himself.
He lumbered outside
and prepared to depart
when he heard the soft sound
of a hernia start.
And there are several more verses throughout that made me stop and share them with my colleague. Like I said, is it for kids or adults? I think it'll be appreciated by older kids and their parents who will definitely get some of the jokes that might go over kids' heads.
Not for everyone, but a winner in my book. I'd hand it to fans of Dav Pilkey or David Shannon.
December 14, 2020
Poor Comet. After getting injured breaking up an elf fight, Comet must remain at the North Pole with a broken leg. He's sitting around feeling sorry for himself when he discovers to his horror that the presents have been left behind. He tries to call Santa on his cell phone, but Santa doesn't pick up. Comet attempts to carry the bag himself, but fails miserably. It isn't until he reads a thoughtful letter from a boy asking for a gift for his sister that he finds the determination to lift the bag and deliver the presents. He gets more banged up as he flies from country to country looking for the boy and girl. He doesn't find them until the very end. Benton's rhymes work well for the most part, though there were a few that felt awkward to me. The book is clearly intended to be funny and many children will probably find it so, but I felt really bad for poor bruised and battered Comet. While Comet's misadventures will undoubtedly lead to both giggles and winces, Comet's determination and compassion are well worth admiring.
January 6, 2021
A great story about a brave young Reindeer named Commit. He had te misfortune of breaking his arm. Then was told by the Dr. and St. Nick he was grounded and
would miss the great Christmas night. His heart was broken for this special night
only comes once a year and he was missing it. Then when he was in the house
Wondering how to handle his sorrows,to his wondering eyes, thats when he saw it.
St. Nicks great bag of toys. Everything everyone worked so hard on all year, for this
one special night. Sitting on the floor right smack in front of him. What to do? What did he Do? But call Santa on his cell phone, but Santa couldn't hear the ring.
So Commit knew what he had to do, he knew he had to be courageous this night.
All buy himself with a broken arm, can he do it,to save Christmas? Read the story
and fi d out what happened on that scary dark night. A great Christmas action
story to read and to share.
Debra H.
would miss the great Christmas night. His heart was broken for this special night
only comes once a year and he was missing it. Then when he was in the house
Wondering how to handle his sorrows,to his wondering eyes, thats when he saw it.
St. Nicks great bag of toys. Everything everyone worked so hard on all year, for this
one special night. Sitting on the floor right smack in front of him. What to do? What did he Do? But call Santa on his cell phone, but Santa couldn't hear the ring.
So Commit knew what he had to do, he knew he had to be courageous this night.
All buy himself with a broken arm, can he do it,to save Christmas? Read the story
and fi d out what happened on that scary dark night. A great Christmas action
story to read and to share.
Debra H.
November 24, 2020
It is cute, but really for children, particularly boys, over 6. Comet gets a broken "arm" intervening in an elf fight that leaves him unable to be on Santa's reindeer team. Poor Comet is left all alone at the North Pole as the new guy named Freddy gets to help pull the sleigh. But as Comet wanders the empty workshop he realizes that Santa has forgotten his BAG OF TOYS.
Comet can't get Santa to answer his cell phone to call him back around to pick up the sack. And he finds a letter from a young boy who only wants Santa to bring his deserving sister a specific present, please.
So beings Comet's planning and hefting of the toys to deliver in order to try to save Christmas. And does he ever have problems and injuries. I think the clumsiness of Comet will be enjoyed by the boys especially.
Comet can't get Santa to answer his cell phone to call him back around to pick up the sack. And he finds a letter from a young boy who only wants Santa to bring his deserving sister a specific present, please.
So beings Comet's planning and hefting of the toys to deliver in order to try to save Christmas. And does he ever have problems and injuries. I think the clumsiness of Comet will be enjoyed by the boys especially.
January 6, 2021
Commits Special package
Commit broke his arm, poor Commit had to stay home. He was going to miss
the big night. Off St. Nick flew like the down of a thistle. While poor Commit
could only only watch with a broken heart. When he turned to go in the house
there was Santas full toy bag, someone is gonna catch it now he thought. He
tried to contact Nick on his cell phone, but he couldn't hear it ringing. So Commit
did the right thing with a courageous heart. You must read the rest, can he get
the presents delivered all buy himself,one lonely Reindeer with a broken arm.
Read the story to find out what happened to Commit Santas Reindeer.
Debra H.
Commit broke his arm, poor Commit had to stay home. He was going to miss
the big night. Off St. Nick flew like the down of a thistle. While poor Commit
could only only watch with a broken heart. When he turned to go in the house
there was Santas full toy bag, someone is gonna catch it now he thought. He
tried to contact Nick on his cell phone, but he couldn't hear it ringing. So Commit
did the right thing with a courageous heart. You must read the rest, can he get
the presents delivered all buy himself,one lonely Reindeer with a broken arm.
Read the story to find out what happened to Commit Santas Reindeer.
Debra H.
Read
December 11, 2020Poor reindeer Comet gets a broken leg when breaking up an elf fight, so he isn't flying with Santa's team for Christmas this year. But when Santa leaves behind his sack of toys, Comet takes it upon himself to deliver all the gifts--even if it gives him a hernia and a heart attack.
I don't think Jim Benton's humor is for me, but I can see the family and kid appeal in this one (older elementary kids and grown-ups will appreciate the jokes, while younger ones may appreciate some of the slapstick illustrations).
I don't think Jim Benton's humor is for me, but I can see the family and kid appeal in this one (older elementary kids and grown-ups will appreciate the jokes, while younger ones may appreciate some of the slapstick illustrations).
December 9, 2020
A rhyming, over the top, but also sweet Christmas tale featuring Comet the Reindeer. Comet gets injured but ends up having to save Christmas, despite his broken arm. This has the kind of ridiculous humor that adults don't really understand but leaves kids rolling on the floor. Although the rhyming and silliness keeps the story moving along at a good clip, it is rather lengthy so I wouldn't pull this one out for a young or antsy audience of listeners. Otherwise it is good, amusing, holiday fun.
November 8, 2020
At the last minute, Comet is injured in an elf fiasco and is replaced by a rookie. In the rush, Santa forgets his bag. Another takeoff of a famous Christmas poem, the rhythm and rhyme do not work, although the silly antics and accidents kids love so abound. The illustrations are great, especially the expressive faces.
December 14, 2020
I sure do LOVE children’s books at Christmas time!! They are such a joy to read aloud! My daughter loved hearing this book and with all of its fun rhymes. She loved seeing all the fun mishaps that Comet got into and the sweet outcome at the end!! Definitely a book that talks about going the extra mile for others. This is a wonderful book!!
December 1, 2021
This one is definitely funny, but there are more jokes in it that adults would understand than children. Much of the humor would go over their heads. There isn't anything crude, but they still wouldn't really "get" it (i.e. mention of hernias, cranky elves needing vacations, calling Santa "Tubby").
December 9, 2021
Rudolph who? Comet for the Win!
This book was so entertaining to read aloud to the kids. The rhyming was fluent & amusing. Comet showed real perseverance & character. I found myself just as enthralled in his journey as the kids were. Wouldn't mind seeing this story turned into a holiday special.
This book was so entertaining to read aloud to the kids. The rhyming was fluent & amusing. Comet showed real perseverance & character. I found myself just as enthralled in his journey as the kids were. Wouldn't mind seeing this story turned into a holiday special.
December 17, 2021
Comet is hurt right before Christmas and is replaced by a rookie reindeer. Then Comet realizes a huge bag of toys has been left behind. What's an injured reindeer to do? A laugh out loud funny Christmas picture book that will amuse readers of any age and leave them cheering for the unstoppable Comet. Go Comet Go!
September 26, 2020
I am 33 and I thought this book was awesome! I can't wait to give it to my niece. She loves books so much and I always review the children's books I win and then I pay these books forward. Definitely a good one to add to the shelf for your kiddos!
October 1, 2020
I recognized the author from "Dear Dumb Diary" fame.
I laughed out loud at the expression on Freddy's face - Freddy is Comet's reindeer replacement when Comet injures his arm.
This one was too long!
I laughed out loud at the expression on Freddy's face - Freddy is Comet's reindeer replacement when Comet injures his arm.
This one was too long!
November 29, 2020
Comet the Unstoppable Reindeer is a most charming story. Just the cover artwork makes you want to open the book and read. You can't help but fall in love with Comet. I highly recommend this story for all. Enjoy it with others. Thanks to Goodreads First Reads for my copy.
December 2, 2020
“It’s so very quiet
when the elves all go home
and you’re a busted-up reindeer
at the North Pole alone.”🎄
Once Cindy Schwind recommended it, we had to order Comet the Unstoppable Reindeer. Cell phone issues & broken bones are no match for this reindeer!
when the elves all go home
and you’re a busted-up reindeer
at the North Pole alone.”🎄
Once Cindy Schwind recommended it, we had to order Comet the Unstoppable Reindeer. Cell phone issues & broken bones are no match for this reindeer!
December 9, 2020
I enjoyed reading this book with my Grandson . We had a wonderful time with this book and got us in the Holiday Season. This is a great Kids Christmas Book to add to your Collection.
Very much worth to get and share with the kids.
Very much worth to get and share with the kids.
March 5, 2021
Poor Comet has seen better days, he’s on the injured reserve list and is replaced in the reindeer line up by the rookie Freddy. Comet manages to save the day, Christmas presents for all! Fun illustrations, rhyming text, nice add to holiday book collections.
November 25, 2021
Such a cute story about Comet, who has the tenacity to overcome a myriad of obstacles to deliver toys at Christmas. The bright illustrations serve the story line well and will definitely get you in the holiday mood!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews