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Olive, the Other Reindeer (by J. Otto Seibold, Vivian Walsh)

common sense media says

New holiday classic starring a spunky, imaginative dog.

parents & educators say
  • 100% say there are positive role models
  • 100% say there are positive messages
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What parents need to know

Parents should know that kids who love wordplay will especially love this very original book, which has a pop-up version and is also now a movie.

Positive messages: Olive is determined to help Santa and uses his many natural dog talents to do so.
Violence & scariness: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Olive, the Other Reindeer

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about Olive's confusion. Why did she suddenly think she was a reindeer? Is this anything like the original Rudolph story? How? How is it different? Families will want to sing the old favorite "Rudolph, the Red-nosed Reindeer" -- with changes of course.

What's the story?

What's the story?
When Olive overhears people singing along with the Christmas song, "Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer," she mishears the words. Instead of "all of the other reindeer," she hears "Olive, the other reindeer." From then on, she is convinced that the song is about her. Coupled with her own big imagination, that is enough to set off a long chain of events that include joining Santa's team, almost causing his sleigh to crash, collecting flutes in the snow, and ultimately saving Christmas and leading Santa safely back to the North Pole.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
From the lovable main character and her very original story to the uniquely crafted illustrations, this book is fun, fun, fun. Every kid will relate to Olive, even though she is a silly little dog. She is cute and friendly, a canine with a huge heart and an imagination to match. And, while those are the characteristics that lead her on her unlikely adventure, her other abilities, those common to dogs, are the ones that make her a hero in the end. She sniffs out the falling gumdrops and saves everyone, fetches flutes in the snow and, following the scent of baking cookies, leads the sleigh back home through the fog.

Though Olive's story is rather silly and very far-fetched, it's playfully humorous. And the illustrations, which Seibold draws on the computer, complement it perfectly. Light-hearted and expressive, his contemporary style adds color and originality to the whole Christmas scene.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: J. Otto Seibold, Vivian Walsh
Illustrator: J. Otto Seibold
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Publication date: October 1, 1997
Number of pages: 40
Hardcover price: $14.95
Read Aloud: 5
Read Alone: 7
This review was written by Patricia Tauzer
 
 

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What parents & educators say

5
Based on 4 parent & educator reviews:
  • 100% say there are positive role models
  • 100% say there are positive messages
Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

Beth101
parent of 10 year old
5
 
holiday classic
Olive is a sweet dog. She embodies the holiday spirit. This is the rare book that has a positive message for the kids and will absolutely entertain the adult reader too.
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helped me decide (19) | had useful details (6) | read my mind (3)
MommyLynn
parent of 5 and 10 year old
3
 
Looove it!
AMAZING book for the ages! i know my children will carry on the tradition of reading this fun uplifting, beautifully drawn book. I would buy one for everyone i know.
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helped me decide (5) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (4)
Tora Gwen
parent of 10 year old
4
 
Too cute!
My daughter and I love this book! I bought it for her the Christmas she turned four, and she still loves it. The illustrations are absolutely beautiful, and she loves the way Olive does his best to help out Santa. He stands out and uses his talents to the best of his abilities. I honestly admire Olive a bit, as I probably wouldn't have had the courage to try something as daring as that. Addison admires Olive as well, too, and thinks he's adorable. She still asks me to read this to her every Christmas, and it's gotten to be a sort of tradition in our house. Overall, it's beautifully drawn and very nicely written. A great children's book.
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helped me decide (4) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (4)
cocoa puffs
teen, 14 years old
5
 
e.g. Perfect for older kids, but not for tweensfavorite book
Boys love this book. It is good to see a dog think she can fly. The book is funny.
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helped me decide (3) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (3)
♥Devonna♥
teen, 13 years old
2
 
Oliver
I think this book is a cute book for young kids it sends the message that you should always be your self.
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helped me decide (3) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (3)
nduns
adult
8
 
Surprisingly fun story even if you're not a kid
Although I'm a little surprised there isn't a review for the 45-minute film adaptation. That was also a lot of fun. (And surprising that Matt Groening made it) Honestly, I highly recommend both this and the movie. Both are absolutely brilliant in their own right and can appeal to both kids and adults in their own right.
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helped me decide (2) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (3)

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