Randolph the Christmas Moose: A Yuletide Fable of Empowerment

Randolph the Christmas Moose: A Yuletide Fable of Empowerment by Gerry Gibson was a great short story. Not only did my children love Randolph and his story of perseverance by so did I. This book was beautifully illustrated. The pictures captured Randolph and his emotions so well. Although this story is intended for children I think the lesson learned is a great reminder for adults as well. I loved sitting down and enjoying this story with my boys and I see may rereads in our future.

There is nothing I love more than sharing a good book with my kids, but this one; this one I managed to keep hidden and I am so glad I did! It will make the perfect holiday gift for my 7 year old! The mommy in me notes: The illustrations are beautiful. The reading level isn’t quite as young as I hoped. I think my 7 year old (2nd grade) could read it with a little bit of help, but it is a bit longer so it may take more than one reading session. There are quite a few sentences per page and it is a 69 page book. It would make for a great read together book with your child, or a book to read to them. Again, likely a more than one reading session book though. I found many different learning gems within the book that would make a great discussion with children, as well as hopefully drive home a point in children. (I have learned that sometimes, kids pick up these lessons quick and other times, they need to be discussed. It all depends on the topic and the kid!) There are definitely some great points within the story that kids can realize their own potential and how to turn negative situations into positives; how to believe in themselves and be who they are. Overall, from a mommy perspective, it is a cute, lesson learning book. As a reader and child at heart notes: It’s fun!! We immediately see Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer who is playing ‘reindeer games’ with his friends – something kids are surely going to lock in on! Randolph goes to work for Santa in the workshop where the elves are building toys. The characters are a cast of animals from seals to moose to artic fox to polar bears; including twin polar bears who remind me of the moose in the Disney movie Brother Bear, eh? (Some kids might get the reference!) What could be more fun than a super cute, beautifully illustrated, lesson provoking book that has a child’s favorite holiday people! This one is definitely going under the tree for our 7 year old!

Meet Randolph the Moose and how he was determined to go and work for Santa after meeting some Reindeer playing a game in the woods. Randolph was upset that they would not let him join in as he was not a Reindeer. When he discussed it with his Mum she give the best advice anyone Mum could give that you are good enough now and do not change the way you are. Following his Mum’s advice Randolph heads to the North Pole to help Santa. Once in the grotto, Randolph found his ideas were not listened to and pinched by other workers but by staying true to his values of speaking calmly and explaining his ideas, he is shocked to find people listen and he soon gains respect and promoted. The novel and expertly drawn illustrations express exactly how Randolph is feeling and enhances the story line as it means that by looking at the pictures it opens a route for discussion. The message from the story is by staying true to yourself and being patient giving full explanations you will gain full respect and make your way in the world and achieve your goals. Even though this book is aimed at young readers it gave me a timely reminder even after working for 33 years in the same department if you stay true to your values, keep calm and explain yourself openly and honestly people will be more willing to accept you for who you are. The real message of the book is do not try to be anything you are not as you will fall short and if you stay true to who you are you will be admired, respected and achieve your dreams. A wonderful book for children to enjoy and be inspired by.