But Rudolph, still bashful, despite being a hero, / Was tired. His sleep on the trip totaled zero.

The fearless leader of Santa's sleigh was a character created by Robert L. May in his book, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, in 1939 as part of a giveaway from Montgomery Ward. Though the text, which gives a nod to Clement C. Moore, is somewhat forced, the book gets a boost from David Wenzel's illustrations of a warm, appealing Santa. (Sept.)

Gr 2-4 Written in 1939 for Montgomery Ward department stores, this is the original story that created an icon and inspired the classic song. Told in the style of Clement Clarke Moore's "A Visit from St. Nicholas," Rudolph of the glowing red nose is teased by the other deer, only taking comfort in the coming of Santa. "He'd get just as much (and this is what pleased him) as the happier, handsomer reindeer who teased him." On Christmas Eve, with a foggy night causing mishaps and endangering his mission, Santa turns to Rudolph to save the day. While not indicated, this version of May's story has been adapted somewhat, with several couplets removed and some changes to words and phrases. This modernizes and streamlines the text, but also affects the richness of the language. The large trim size and many spreads make this a fun and easy choice for families and Rudolph fans to share. Brooke Sheets, Los Angeles Public Library