Tiny Reindeer

by Chris Naylor-Ballesteros

Tiny Reindeer is too small to pull Santa's sleigh. Will he figure out a way to prove his worth before Christmas day? A sweet Christmas picture book for fans of When Santa Was a Baby and Dasher.

Santa and his reindeer are getting ready for Christmas, but Tiny Reindeer is too small to join in! Santa knows that a nudge in the right direction could change Tiny's life forever. When Tiny discovers a letter from a bereft little girl who is wishing for a tiny reindeer to match her grandfather's final gift, a hand-carved tiny sleigh, Tiny realizes that this might be his big chance. But will he have the courage to take a (literal) leap into the unknown? And what can Santa do to help?

This picture book is a sweet, funny and heartfelt look at being different and feeling too small to matter, and reassures readers that even the smallest gift -- whether it's a tiny reindeer or a seemingly small opportunity to help -- can bring lots of joy.

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Holiday, Childrens, Animals, Adventure, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 12, 2021

About the author

Chris Naylor-Ballesteros is a picture book author and illustrator, published by Nosy Crow, Andersen Press and Bloomsbury.

Reviews

[Hilary · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I really enjoyed the this story, the reindeer illustrations are lovely and very cute. A simple storyline, there is a reindeer who is really small, he falls in the water bowls and gets tangled up in the sellotape, when the other reindeer get ready for an important journey, he is given the job of reading some last minute letters to Father Christmas. Finding out a little girl has been made a tiny sleigh by her Grandfather but he didn't get to make a reindeer means he goes on a mission to complete this gift. The ending felt slightly abrupt but this was a lovely Christmas story.

[Darla]

How can a very tiny reindeer join in on the Christmas preparations at the North Pole? This particular very tiny reindeer was given the job of helping with all the Christmas letters. In that pile there might be the answer to the very tiny reindeer's problem. Our very tiny reindeer has a plan, but he might need just a tiny bit of help from Santa. This new 2021 picture book is filled with whimsical color illustrations that will make you believe in Santa and his reindeer.

[Bookread2day · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review is on my website www.bookread2day.wordpress.com
I loved reading Tiny Reindeer. I loved how Tiny Reindeer stands on the palm of Santa’s hand.

This beautiful story is about how Tiny Reindeer who is much smaller than all the other reindeers and wishes that there was a job that Tiny could do, then being given a special job, by Santa, Tiny comes up with a plan. All children will want to read this book over and over again, and pore over the beautiful illustrations.

I loved reading this Christmas story about Santa and Tiny Reindeer, who can sit in This is lovely story following Tiny Reindeer’s adventure to a little girl at Christmas with Santa’s help. I would like to Andersen Press for sending me this beautiful book to read and review.

[Stace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com

Tiny Reindeer is a book about, you might have guessed it, a Tiny Reindeer. The deer is one of Santa’s but he struggles to help with the normal chores before Christmas Eve as he is so small. Santa seeing the reindeer looking upset tells him to check the letters from the children as a new pile has just arrived.

As he is doing so he sees an envelope with a reindeer stamped on it. Feeling that that is the letter for him, he opens it and realises that he can help the little girl who wrote it.

Go on an adventure with Tiny Reindeer as he comes up with a plan to help the little girl and one that will hopefully make him feel happier too.

This is a sweet, festive book that I am sure children will adore. The reindeer has a big heart for being so small. When he reads the little girl’s letter he realises only he can help her. Make sure as you read the book you read the letter in the illustrations otherwise the book might not make much sense.

Talking of illustrations, these are full-page, quite quirky, and bring the story to life. They are wonderfully Christmassy and so adorable to look at.

This is a beautiful, heart-warming story of how a Tiny Reindeer made a little girl very happy.

[Mid-Continent Public Library]

How can a very tiny reindeer join in on the Christmas preparations at the North Pole? This particular very tiny reindeer was given the job of helping with all the Christmas letters. In that pile there might be the answer to the very tiny reindeer's problem. Our very tiny reindeer has a plan, but he might need just a tiny bit of help from Santa. This new 2021 picture book is filled with whimsical color illustrations that will make you believe in Santa and his reindeer.
*Reviewed by Darla from Red Bridge*

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this look cute, but I was UNPREPARED for how freaking adorable it really was! And also just a little bit odd . . . The perfect combination!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Tiny Reindeer has huge heart! A sweet, creative tale about trying to find your place and purpose in life. Will Tiny find his? Maybe will a little help from Santa.

My favorite part was the snow on the page. It’s beautiful! Every flake looks in motion adding dimension and life to the night sky and the land below.

A brand new Christmas tale full of reindeers big and small and imagination galore! A story that will remind readers of all ages that it's the size of your heart that matters. Kindness and help can come in all sizes!

Recommended read.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very small reindeer desperately wants to be useful like Santa's other reindeer and a little girl very much wants a tiny reindeer to go with the sleigh her grandfather made her. The illustrations are lovely from endpage to endpage and the heartwarming story captures the gentle magic of Christmas. A good Christmas picture book to share.

[Kelly Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars because my daughter has now requested to read this 4 times, so it is a winner. This is such a cute story, and even appropriate in the month of June 😂

[Elles_shelves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tiny Reindeer is an adorable tale of a miniature reindeer who seemed to small to help Santa Claus prepare for Christmas Eve. The tiny reindeer is so little that he can literally fit in the palm of Santa Claus’ hand. Tiny tried to find a job that he would be able to do, but each time he tried, it all ended in failure because of his diminutive size. Santa tells Tiny that he can help in the mail room and Tiny discovers one special letter that he thinks he can help Santa with. Tiny sneaks onto Santa’s sleigh and parachutes down the chimney into the house of a little girl who had a special wish. With Santa’s help, Tiny fulfills the girl’s wish and finds his happy place.
This is such a sweet story about how everyone is important and has a special job that they can do. It also shows that size does not matter. This would be a cute story to read aloud to a small child during the holiday season.

[Michelle (FabBookReviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

“Tiny Reindeer was just like any other reindeer, but with one big difference. He was very, very tiny. He wasn’t just smaller than the others, he felt different too. And never more so than at one particular time of year…Christmas time.” Author and illustrator Chris Naylor-Ballesteros, who you may recognize from the critically lauded picture books The Suitcase, returns to delight readers with the unexpected holiday gem that is Tiny Reindeer. Tiny Reindeer lives with Santa and the rest of the ”big, stamping, snorting reindeer” and wishes that he could do ”even just a tiny” job to help Santa and the rest of the reindeer herd around Christmas. Try as he might, Tiny struggles: sometimes he falls into the other reindeers’ water bowls, sometimes he gets stuck in the ”sticky tape when [trying] to wrap presents”, and other times he gets ”tangled in the reins and harnesses”. Santa commiserates with Tiny and kindly suggests that he might try to help in the mail room by sorting letters children have sent to Santa. Tiny tries to follow Santa’s suggestion, but it does not go very well- piles upon piles of letters and a small reindeer make for a mess!. However, in the mess, Tiny spots and reads one letter to Santa and is immediately captivated. This is it! A child in possession of a beloved small wooden sleigh, crafted and gifted by a grandfather, is only asking for one thing for Christmas: a tiny reindeer for their tiny red sleigh. Tiny decides to take a big, big leap and formulates a plan to make a Christmas wish come true- hopefully a plan that can be accomplished quietly and without upsetting or upsetting Santa. While I do not wish to spoil exactly what happens on Tiny’s grand adventure, I will say that it is joyful and tender. Naylor-Ballesteros’ storytelling and artwork is wonderfully appealing in its winter scenes, and so engaging in how it portrays Santa and Tiny Reindeer as caring and considerate characters. Tiny Reindeer himself is completely adorable and utterly funny in his various expressions, and will likely have readers dreaming and wishing for a special tiny reindeer (and tiny sleigh!) of their very own.

I received a copy of this title courtesy of Tundra Books/Penguin Random House Canada in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and comments are my own.

[Cat Strawberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aw, this book is so sweet, how can anyone not love Tiny Reindeer?! Tiny Reindeer is just like any other reindeer, except for being very, very tiny. When Christmas approaches he tries to help out but whatever he does usually goes wrong. Tiny Reindeer isn’t sure what to do, but Santa soon insists that Tiny Reindeer checks the Christmas post, and when he does he discovers a special letter, with a very special request. The hardback book is filled with glossy thick pages of such cute illustrations and text and the cover features a lot of silver foil/shiny details on the snow which looks lovely when you tilt the book in the light.

I just love this story so much and can’t help but adore the very cute Tiny Reindeer. The story is a simple one and I won’t spoil what happens but poor Tiny Reindeer feels like he doesn’t fit in because of his size, and in the end he finds out that his size actually ends up being important to what happens in the story. I love the message of belonging even when not seeming to fit in and I just love what happens to Tiny Reindeer on Christmas morning. It’s just the perfect feel good story!

The illustrations are lovely and very sweet. I just love what Tiny Reindeer looks like, the way everything is so big to him including the other reindeer. I also love how expressive he is, and how lovely, detailed, colourful and fun all the images all are. I also like the way Santa looks. The illustrations really make this such a lovely book to read and one I think children would love to look at more than once. It’s certainly a book my family will be looking at every Christmas and one I’d really recommend!
-Thanks to Andersen Press for a free copy for review.

[Azra's Book Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley and Chris Naylor- Ballesteros for an advanced reader copy in exchange of an honest review. Tiny reindeer by Chris Naylor-Ballesteros follows a reindeer that is much smaller then all the other reindeer. Every year he tries to help but he always seems to create more work then help. No one knows what to do with tiny reindeer and just as tiny reindeer was starting to lose hope Santa had an idea for tiny reindeer. Santa recommended that tiny reindeer have a look at the post office. Tiny reindeer soon discovers a purpose for himself but only if he is willing to take a leap of courage and work for it. I loved this cute Christmassy tale as it was very realistic. However, my favourite part was that the story showed that if you want something you have to be willing to take risks. The artwork was truly beautiful as all the small details really made the art stand out. Overall, I recommend this book for early readers as the language is easy to understand and the artwork acts as an initiative for the reader to continue to read. The story is not short or long it’s the right amount where you won’t get bored or feel as if the story is missing details. Overall, the story was a very cute Christmas read.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tiny Reindeer is so small that he can never seem to do anything right. All he wants to do is help Santa during the holiday season, but the tasks are always too big. When Santa gives him the job of sorting the last pile of letters into naughty or nice, Tiny Reindeer immediately feels overwhelmed by the amount. Then, he does something that isn't allowed. He opens a letter to read what a little girl wants. Her wish is something only Tiny Reindeer can offer, so he sneaks onto Santa's sleigh to make her wish come true. In the end, he needs a bit of help, but Santa is kind and happy to lend some assistance.

TINY REINDEER is a cute story about finding your place and helping out in unique ways. The illustrations are simple with a variety of colors to shade in the details. I love how Santa is portrayed because it's how I would imagine him to be, jolly and helpful. He wants to include Tiny Reindeer and doesn't want him to feel left out. I think Santa knew exactly what he was doing assigning him to those letters.


Final Verdict: TINY REINDEER is perfect for younger children aged two and up and shows that you're never to small to lend a helping hand. It's also a good Christmas gift for fans of reindeer and stories about Santa's workshop.

[Katie Scarlett · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is exactly the kind of Christmas story my daughter loves and she really enjoyed it. It’s a sweet story and the reindeer is adorable. Our main complaint was that the illustrations and text were jumbled but hopefully that’s due to being a digital galley. One of my daughter’s favorite Christmas stories is The Littlest Reindeer and that story did a much better job fleshing out the story of a little reindeer. In many ways this story seems sad that the tiny reindeer barely had a goodbye from Santa and no one would miss him at home. I think that could be troubling for some children. My son who is older than my daughter did not think this version was as good and also thought it was too derivative between The Littlest Reindeer and the Elf on The Shelf version in Reindeer Tradition. I would say the illustrations are flatter than we like. The Littlest Reindeer really has an adorable and magical little reindeer in its illustrations. I would recommend The Littlest Reindeer over this version.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dieses Bilderbuch hat mir ein regelrechtes Strahlen ins Gesicht gezaubert! Witzig, liebevoll und mit Wiedererkennenungswert kommt die schöne Geschichte daher, die vom kleinsten Rentier der Welt erzählt, das seine Aufgabe noch nicht ganz gefunden hat. Die Reise mit Vinzent zu seiner "Bestimmung" ist für die Kleinen natürlich ein bisschen abenteuerlich, für die Großen amüsant und mit Herz-Schmelz-Faktor. Die Zeichnungen unterstützen die Geschichte ganz toll. Sie sind niedlich und eher simpel, verfehlen aber keineswegs ihre Wirkung! Für mich konnten auch durch die visuelle Gestaltung des Buchs ganz viele Emotionen transportiert werden. Zu Beginn musste ich herzlich lachen, zwischendurch hatte ich einen kleinen Kloß im Hals und am Ende war ich total gerührt. Vinzent hat mein Bilderbuchherz wieder einmal höher schlagen lassen. Ich empfehle euch dieses schöne Buch wärmstens und vergebe gern 5 🌟

[Becs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve always appreciated the phrase, “small but mighty”, because it signifies the importance of not underestimating anything or anyone at face value. That’s essentially what this story is all about - everything and everyone having a place they fit, even if they’re not stereotypically normal.

The tiny reindeer is exceptionally tiny which means that he just isn’t all that suited to some of the standard reindeer duties. Having said that, one little girl could really use a tiny reindeer and so that’s exactly where he fits!

I love the story, the illustrations are nice but not especially emotive and the festive feel is totally there. Firmly on the go-to books for Christmas vibes!

ARC provided from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tiny Reindeer was so small that there was little he could do to help Santa to get ready for Christmas. Year after year he feels as if he is not much help until this year when he finds the most amazing surprise. I enjoy a good Christmas story for children and this one was just that. I could imagine as a little girl, really enjoying this kind of story. The only issue I had with this book was that I read the digital version on my kindle and the pages were not able to be viewed correctly. That did not affect the reading of the story though. Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy of this book.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for giving me this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

First off, yes, I am the type of person to read a Christmas book in March. Secondly, READ THIS BOOK! The illustrations are some of the cutest I've ever seen and the story is absolutely adorable. It's about a tiny reindeer struggling to fit in with the big reindeers and illustrates that even if you aren't the perfect person for someone or something, there is someone wishing for someone like you. Read this to your kids, your cats or dogs, your cactus, or literally anything around. I can't wait to see this in its physical format.

[Ryn Lewis · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very unusual reindeer grants a very unusual Christmas wish.

At Christmas, we read tons of Christmas stories to our kids because that’s what everyone wants to do. If you’re one of those families that reads a different book every night, and you need 24 Christmas books, or if you're just looking for something different than the standard stories, this one may fit the bill. It was a fun little story that did not stand out either positively or negatively to me. I’d read it if I needed a filler, or to a kindergarten class because it's unique. It might pair well with Santa, Please Bring Me a Gnome. Two stars.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley, Chris Naylor-Ballesteros and Penguin Random House Canada-Tundra Books for the ARC of Tiny Reindeer. This is my personal review.
Tiny Reindeer is a sweet book telling the tale of a Tiny Reindeer who is too small to help Santa. But Tiny Reindeer knows he can help but is not quite sure what he can do after several attempts to do just that. Santa tells him to go to the mailroom where de discovers a letter from a little girl.
The illustrations are perfect. The story is sweet and will be a hit with everyone.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three stars mainly for the illustrations and for the sweetness of the story. The ending dropped off and left me wondering, "Is this the best solution?" Tiny Reindeer desperately wants to be useful like the rest of Santa's team but runs into one difficulty after another due to his size. When he spots a chance to finally prove his worth, he seizes the chance. However, Santa has to fly to his rescue. Tiny Reindeer is left (for a year all by himself!) as a living gift, which seemed a bit chancy.

[Cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a very long story, but it's cute and some child may well enjoy it as a stocking stuffer. The illustrations were cute. I wouldn't add it to a holiday collection simply because the story is just too short. No explanation of why a reindeer the size of a mouse should exist or become some sort of sensation either. But kids may enjoy it.

I received a Kindle arc from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustrations are brilliantly colored and designed while the story is simple and adaptable. The itsy bitsy reindeer wants to help Santa even though he fits in the water dish of the great big reindeer. Santa asks him to help with a few request letters, and he finds his place!
Very well done and rather enjoyable for any age.
I requested and received a free temporary ebook copy from Tundra Books via NetGalley. Thank you!

[Nessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok so I thought this story was so adorable! I loved the artwork. This is essentially the story of Rudolf except if Rudolf was super tiny instead of having a red nose. It’s an inspiring story that can show kids that it’s ok to be different than everyone else and you’ll be able to find a special purpose that works just for you. I thought the ending was so sweet and I want a tiny reindeer for Christmas now too.

4.5/5 Stars

[Kristin- Kristin's Bookstack · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute picture book about a tiny reindeer that tries to be useful and fit in. His wish finally comes true after reading a letter to Santa.

The artwork is fun to look at. I also enjoyed the storyline and Tiny's struggles to appreciate being a child's toy and companion. In fact, I would have liked a bit more to the story at the end. The kids will love the story!

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Kate Church · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This book is so cute. This book is well written and the characters are described well. I adored tiny reindeer. I would definitely read this to my niece when she is older. I recommend this book to anyone and everyone as it is adorable. It will be in stores on October 12, 2021 for CA$21.99 (CAD).

[Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tiny Reindeer is the smallest reindeer, and much too small to help Santa during his busiest season in preparation for Christmas. Santa suggests that Tiny Reindeer work in the mailroom, and sort letters that may have been overlooked or discarded. A letter that Tiny Reindeer reads will change his life for ever.

[Elizabeth A · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't recall what prompted me to put this picture book on hold at my library, but 'tis the season, so I read it aloud one evening. It's a simple story about a tiny reindeer, who isn't sure how he fits into the big scheme of things. Cute illustrations, though a tad too light on story for this adult reader. Would probably work better if read aloud to littles during the holidays.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations are cute and I loved tiny things when I was little... but is one of Santa's reindeer going to become part of a child's seasonal sleigh set? Did they establish that the reindeer is a toy and not real? Because Santa's reindeer appear to be his coworkers and not his pets. I feel like they should have set things up differently for this conclusion.