What do you think?
Rate this book
Red Ranger Came Calling
Using glowing, hypnotic images and a funny, provocative text, the narrator relives his father's most amazing childhood Christmas.
A moody young boy living with his aunt on an island, "Red" Breathed sees himself as the "Red Ranger from Mars", his hero from the movie serials, and cannot picture life without the gift of a Red Ranger bicycle. Red is far too "swanky a human being" to believe in Santa Claus, but nevertheless he pays a visit to the aged island hermit, Lord Sander Clos, rumored to be the legendary man himself, now living in lonely, joyless retirement. This meeting triggers an emotional response within the self-absorbed Red and leads to the most remarkable bicycle ever delivered on Christmas morning.
A moody young boy living with his aunt on an island, "Red" Breathed sees himself as the "Red Ranger from Mars", his hero from the movie serials, and cannot picture life without the gift of a Red Ranger bicycle. Red is far too "swanky a human being" to believe in Santa Claus, but nevertheless he pays a visit to the aged island hermit, Lord Sander Clos, rumored to be the legendary man himself, now living in lonely, joyless retirement. This meeting triggers an emotional response within the self-absorbed Red and leads to the most remarkable bicycle ever delivered on Christmas morning.
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1994
4 people are currently reading
512 people want to read
About the author
Berkeley Breathed
90 books415 followersGuy Berkeley "Berke" Breathed is an American cartoonist, children's book author/illustrator, director, and screenwriter, best known for Bloom County, a 1980s cartoon-comic strip which dealt with socio-political issues as seen through the eyes of highly exaggerated characters (e.g. Bill the Cat and Opus the Penguin) and humorous analogies.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
December 14, 2016
Nine-year-old Red Breathed fancies himself the Red Ranger, rescuer of damsels and slayer of space Nazis. To truly master his role as the Ranger, Red must have an Official Buck Tweed Two-Speed Crime-Stopper Star-Hopper bicycle, and he's willing to do anything to get it - even venture to the ramshackle lighthouse at the edge of town where a crotchety old man, rumored to be Santa Claus, resides.
Red Ranger's story is wholly reminiscent of the 1983 film, A Christmas Story, in which young Ralphie longs for an Official Red Ryder Carbon-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle. Some lines in the book feel as though they've borrowed from the film and reworked to fit this book.
When asked what he wants for Christmas, Red responds as follows: "An Official Buck Tweed Two-Speed Crime-Stopper Star-Hopper bicycle," I said. He frowned and looked at me as if I'd asked for a blue cantaloupe.
As we made our way over the fresh snow, out of my mouth poured a symphony of childhood outrage so fiery in passion, so shocking in fury that it super-heated the morning air. [. . .] Some say it's still drifting about today, causing panic among the rabbits.
While the illustrations are vivid, colorful, and hypnotically stylized, exemplifying cartoonist Berkeley Breathed's signature style, the lead character is so grotesquely misshapen as to be off-putting. Though he's a small boy, Red's head is bulbous and his facial features are man-like, the result of which is a character who looks like the byproduct of a radioactive mishap.
The story is said to have been told to the author ever year on Christmas Eve by his father, Red Breathed. [This calls into question which came first, Red Breathed's tale about himself as a little boy, or the 1983 film (based on a book by Jean Shepherd) that so closely mirrors this story.]
The book makes the most of a child's imagination by dancing the line between truth and make-believe:
I've put his adventure to pictures here, its historical truth guaranteed by the Red Ranger himself. But truth, like the daydreams of nine-year-old boys, is slippery and prone to readjustment overtime.
With a pinch of humor and a dash of magic, Red Ranger Came Calling is the charming story of an ill-tempered boy's quest to make his Christmas wish come true.
Red Ranger's story is wholly reminiscent of the 1983 film, A Christmas Story, in which young Ralphie longs for an Official Red Ryder Carbon-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle. Some lines in the book feel as though they've borrowed from the film and reworked to fit this book.
When asked what he wants for Christmas, Red responds as follows: "An Official Buck Tweed Two-Speed Crime-Stopper Star-Hopper bicycle," I said. He frowned and looked at me as if I'd asked for a blue cantaloupe.
As we made our way over the fresh snow, out of my mouth poured a symphony of childhood outrage so fiery in passion, so shocking in fury that it super-heated the morning air. [. . .] Some say it's still drifting about today, causing panic among the rabbits.
While the illustrations are vivid, colorful, and hypnotically stylized, exemplifying cartoonist Berkeley Breathed's signature style, the lead character is so grotesquely misshapen as to be off-putting. Though he's a small boy, Red's head is bulbous and his facial features are man-like, the result of which is a character who looks like the byproduct of a radioactive mishap.
The story is said to have been told to the author ever year on Christmas Eve by his father, Red Breathed. [This calls into question which came first, Red Breathed's tale about himself as a little boy, or the 1983 film (based on a book by Jean Shepherd) that so closely mirrors this story.]
The book makes the most of a child's imagination by dancing the line between truth and make-believe:
I've put his adventure to pictures here, its historical truth guaranteed by the Red Ranger himself. But truth, like the daydreams of nine-year-old boys, is slippery and prone to readjustment overtime.
With a pinch of humor and a dash of magic, Red Ranger Came Calling is the charming story of an ill-tempered boy's quest to make his Christmas wish come true.
October 28, 2025
Every time I read this, it warms my heart. Its pages are filled with a special kind of wonderment that makes you curious and crazed during a very magical season … Christmas. It reminds you of wish lists and gadgets and believing in something you can’t see, but feel in your heart. It is a creatively woven Christmas tale that captures your heart and delightfully surprises you in the end. Such a great book to enjoy and to share and read to others! I first read it to my fifth grade students and they were mesmerized! I love it!
August 9, 2016
I love reading this book to my 4th grade students. They are so proud that they are older and question the Santa Claus idea. Then when the book is over they have no idea what they think anymore. Crazy word choice and a long read aloud but so worth it
January 6, 2010
A truly unique book with the most unique ending ever. My dear friend Nikki, an avid reader and goodread's contributor, gave me this book for Christmas.
I will be using this book (thank-you Nikki) as a ninth grade writing challenge. I'll read the book, then ask students to consider the unusual geographical or man-made landmarks in their own city or state and then instruct the students to write their own legend--quirky, funny, serious--sort of in the same way that we retell the legend of the Indian princess to explain the shape of Mt. Timpanogos.
The language and writing style were above the level of understanding for my three old granddaughter, but when we came to the end, she had plenty of questions. So it's an interesting combination--a kid's book but not really a kid's book.
I will be using this book (thank-you Nikki) as a ninth grade writing challenge. I'll read the book, then ask students to consider the unusual geographical or man-made landmarks in their own city or state and then instruct the students to write their own legend--quirky, funny, serious--sort of in the same way that we retell the legend of the Indian princess to explain the shape of Mt. Timpanogos.
The language and writing style were above the level of understanding for my three old granddaughter, but when we came to the end, she had plenty of questions. So it's an interesting combination--a kid's book but not really a kid's book.
December 5, 2011
This book has been among my Christmas collection for a couple of years, but I avoided reading it because of the disturbing cover. At the encouragement of a good friend, I courageously opened the cover and began to read handed the book to my husband and made him read it aloud.
With the emotional distance this provided, I found the story wonderful (definitely worth four stars) and, though I was hesitant to look at them, I only truly disliked five of the illustrations.
Amelia steals the show.
With the emotional distance this provided, I found the story wonderful (definitely worth four stars) and, though I was hesitant to look at them, I only truly disliked five of the illustrations.
Amelia steals the show.
Read
December 22, 2022One of my Christmas favorites!!!
June 5, 2024
I read this with my 9 year old.
This was such a cute story! If you have a child who is a non-believer in Santa Claus or is on the fence with whether or not he exists, then you'll want to read them this story. Even if you or your child believe in Santa, you should still read this book.
It's a fun short story with a sweet message at the end.
The illustrations are absolutely breath-taking in this book! There is so much detail in each illustration! I also like the illustration. It is such a gorgeous book!
This was such a cute story! If you have a child who is a non-believer in Santa Claus or is on the fence with whether or not he exists, then you'll want to read them this story. Even if you or your child believe in Santa, you should still read this book.
It's a fun short story with a sweet message at the end.
The illustrations are absolutely breath-taking in this book! There is so much detail in each illustration! I also like the illustration. It is such a gorgeous book!
January 12, 2018
Excellent picture book for teaching the following: Foreshadowing, character roles, character as catalyst, character development, conflict and conflict development (man vs society, man vs man, then man vs himself), significance of setting in plot, character as protagonist/antagonist, skillful use of figurative language
April 1, 2022
3.5 stars, rounded up. A sweet Christmas story about the loss of faith, eternal hope, and dreams that almost come true!
December 21, 2008
Ok, so i have always been a fan of Opus, and Bloom County, one of my favorite comics. But this story reminded me of the types of stories my dad would tell, and the way he would tell them. The story is great, the illustrations are magnificent, and my boys love the book almost as much as I do. It is my new favorite Christmas read. Or at least it still is, as i bought it several years ago, and just rediscovered it.
BTW, Berkley Breathed is a veritable genius, as if you didn't know.
BTW, Berkley Breathed is a veritable genius, as if you didn't know.
May 30, 2013
We can't say enough about this clever, hysterically funny, eventually heartwarming tale of a Red Ranger-obsessed, sour young boy and his misadventures. If your family celebrates Christmas, a reading of this book could easily become a treasured annual tradition. The book contains lots of sophisticated vocabulary, but the pictures and context should allow children in first or second grade and up to access the story.
December 7, 2014
My brother told me about a mystery on Vashon Island and while I was doing a little research about it, I read about this book. It was already among my Christmas books so I decided to read it again. Its from when my kids were much younger.. Its a fun story, great illustrations and it captures the magic of the season.
June 20, 2013
Possibly Berke Breathed best picture book, this story of a disillusioned boy searching for Santa Claus is a charmer. There's a lot of words, and smaller children will not "get" it, but the pictures are glorious and the ending is a killer.
December 29, 2024
Learned about this in a random conversation at the beginning of December, so I decided to add it to our "12 Books of Christmas" assortment this year.
A borderline "unbeliever" living with his grumpy old Aunt hears rumors that the actual Santa, Lord Sander Clos lives up in the creepy house on the hill. He appears to be retired, so our young hero sees the perfect chance to prove that Santa is of course done for good. The most impossible gift he can think of is the shiny bike in the store window that he really wants. Maybe the tiniest hope the young boy has is enough to get Sander Clos back to business.
I thought it a clever story with cute and original illustrations, but since it was a little wordy it put my teenagers to sleep. :)
A borderline "unbeliever" living with his grumpy old Aunt hears rumors that the actual Santa, Lord Sander Clos lives up in the creepy house on the hill. He appears to be retired, so our young hero sees the perfect chance to prove that Santa is of course done for good. The most impossible gift he can think of is the shiny bike in the store window that he really wants. Maybe the tiniest hope the young boy has is enough to get Sander Clos back to business.
I thought it a clever story with cute and original illustrations, but since it was a little wordy it put my teenagers to sleep. :)
December 11, 2017
A slice of life on Vashon Island, Washington, in 1939, this story is based on real events and real characters. A young boy shunted around from place to place by his parents typically spends his Christmas holiday with Aunt Vy, who lives on the island, an ordeal for both. Full of resentment and prickly behavior, the Red Ranger has a moment of realization when an adult comes through for him but not quite in the way he imagined. This book deserves five stars for its no-nonsense narrative, vivid illustrations that characterize emotions, some downright ugly, and its play on the Santa Claus tradition in local terms.
June 28, 2019
A long time fan of Bloom County etc, I love reading Berkeley Breathed's children's books as well. They have a very twisted bent that can appeal to adults as well, especially if they are familiar with his comic strips that have a more adult flavour. This one feels more like a children's story for adults. I'm not sure kids would enjoy reading it. It would probably work better as a bedtime story read by an adult. Oh, and I want a bike tree like the one in the book. I wonder if it is real or made up?
December 28, 2019
I was introduced to this old book this year by a wise librarian. It instantly became one of my favorites. The writing is rich, the story engaging, and the illustrations vivid and reminiscent of the "Little Rascals". While the story moves along demanding attention to the text and tugging at the heart, the unforeseen ending is what makes this Christmas story memorable, and particularly special the first time it's read. Warning: do NOT read to young children who still eagerly prepare for Santa's arrival.
December 23, 2017
Five stars is not enough for this glorious book. The illustrations are amazing and make me laugh. The language has a beautiful cadence to it and earns to be read out loud in the most dramatic way possible. And the ending brings the magic of Santa to life. I tear up every time I read it. It is by far my most favorite Christmas story of all time.
July 22, 2020
I just love this book. I re-read it every year during the Holidays, but this year I read it prior to packing up Christmas decor. YOu think it is a children's book, but it really is for everyone. Berekley has always been a favorite of mine since Bloom County. DO NOT look through the book prior to reading, as you can potentially spoil it for yourself.
December 20, 2020
I can hear my friend laughing as she reads this! Personally, I love the story text, but not the artwork. It may grow on me. Check back in a few years. (Since I actually first read this several years ago, don't hold your breath.) I do love the "real" photo set somewhere on Vashon Island, a place of beauty and happy memories.
February 25, 2021
This book almost made me happy cry. It was just so lovely. It’s not your typical christmas book at all. It’s a little lengthy and verbose, but the story of Red and his want of a Tweed bicycle is such a lovely story, that may or may not be based on truth. I loved every minute of it and will be seeking a copy for my permanent collection.
December 6, 2023
I bought this book at a Scholastic book fair probably in 1998. I bought it because of the illustrations. They completely tickled my funny bone at the time. It instantly became a favorite of my three sons and was read every year at Christmas. My sons now grown, some with kids of their own are continuing the tradition. It’s a classic!!
November 14, 2017
This is a great sarcastic twist on a Christmas tale. The artwork is bold and accentuates the character's emotions. I got a kick out of this story as an adult, I am not sure how many kids would enjoy this tale.
September 9, 2020
My very good friend recommended this book to me. Such a great PNW find. It's about a kid that stumbles upon Santa Claus, who misunderstands his request and gives him a treed bike. Very heartwarming and funny. The illustrations are quite amusing.
January 3, 2021
Loved every word, every picture! On its surface you would think it an offbeat kids' Christmas tale, but as with Berkeley Breathed comic strips, the content takes several creative and thoughtful twists. To me, it's a grownups tale of redeemed joy and goodness.
December 21, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this oddball Christmas story, though what else would you expect from the author of Bloom County? The setting on Vashon Island surprised me, as did the ending. Don’t judge a book by its unconventional cover.
November 24, 2024
Absolutely marvelous. Be prepared for a wordy picture book, as there is a lot of text. It's well worth the effort, and is especially nice to read with family (that way you can trade off reading while sipping your hot cocoa).
April 6, 2025
A Christmas story retold by the author, that his father tells every Christmas Eve. A mysterious old hermit is challenged by the protagonist to prove that he is actually Santa Claus by granting his wish for a gift that will make him believe in faith again.
December 6, 2025
The second in the trio of Christmas book club books I was assigned to read.
This is a children's story, so it only took 20 minutes or so. I wonder where that treed bicycle really is because I've seen it before, in pictures.
Also, the illustrations were a little on the strange side for me.
This is a children's story, so it only took 20 minutes or so. I wonder where that treed bicycle really is because I've seen it before, in pictures.
Also, the illustrations were a little on the strange side for me.
November 23, 2016
This is my favorite Christmas Story in picture book form I've ever read!! Honestly, so cute. Amazing illustrations & the story! Absolutely delightful!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews