Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

The original Rudolph story—as written by the late May for a booklet published in 1939 by retailer Montgomery Ward—enjoys a vivid revival in this 75th-anniversary adaptation. The story, more expansive than the omnipresent Christmas carol, gives Caparo plenty of room to exercise his artistic talents. After being teased by the other reindeer, Rudolph settles into his bedroom, buried under thick quilts and looking forward to gifts from Santa. May’s rhymes hold up well to contemporary ears (“And Santa was right, as he usually is./ The fog was as thick as a soda’s white fizz”), and after Santa struggles to deliver gifts amid inclement weather, he happily happens upon Rudolph’s home and enlists his help. Caparo’s wintry spreads, swirled with starlight, have a cinematic richness—a sense of wonder and surprise permeate this whimsical retelling. Ages 4–6. Illustrator’s agency: Shannon Associates. (Sept.)