Dasher: How a Brave Little Doe Changed Christmas Forever
#1 in Dasher Series
What’s inside...
From the celebrated creator of Red and Lulu comes the story of a brave little doe named Dasher who meets Santa and changes Christmas forever. Dasher, an adventurous young reindeer, spends her days in a traveling circus under the hot sun, longing for a life filled with snow and the North Star. One day, she seizes the opportunity to pursue the life she dreams of, soon meeting a kind man in a red suit with a sleigh, named Santa. With the help of a powerful Christmas wish, everything changes and nothing will be the same.
Character compass
Dasher
Dasher'S Mother
Santa Claus
Discussion points
How do you think Dasher felt when she was separated from her family?
What are some qualities that make Dasher a brave and unique character?
How did Dasher’s actions change the way Christmas was celebrated in the story?
What would you have done if you were in Dasher's place?
How did the other characters in the story contribute to Dasher's journey?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child to summarize the story in their own words. This prompts them to recall details and enhances comprehension.
Encourage empathy by asking your child to relate to Dasher’s feelings and experiences. Discuss similarities and differences between their feelings and Dasher's.
Highlight themes of bravery and perseverance. Discuss other situations where these qualities can be important.
Enable your child to think about the significance of family and teamwork as shown in the book.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings to further engage their creative thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and perseverance
Explanation: Dasher exhibits courage and perseverance by facing difficult circumstances in her journey towards a happier life.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of being brave and persistent when facing challenges in life, encouraging them to tackle their obstacles head-on.
Example Lesson: Importance of family
Explanation: Dasher’s longing to reunite with her family emphasizes the importance of family bonds.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of family connections and fosters a sense of belonging and support.
Example Lesson: Dreams and aspirations
Explanation: Dasher’s dream of living under the North Star represents having goals and aspirations.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to dream big and work towards achieving their goals, understanding that aspirations are worth pursuing.
Example Lesson: Empathy and kindness
Explanation: Dasher’s story inspires a sense of empathy as she helps Santa, showing kindness despite her own struggles.
Real-World Application: This highlights for children the importance of being kind and helping others, even when facing their own difficulties.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: Despite the hardships, Dasher does not give up, showcasing resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn to remain strong and resilient in tough times, a crucial skill for personal development and overcoming life's challenges.