Olive, the Other Reindeer
Olive Series
What’s inside...
Olive is merrily preparing for Christmas when suddenly an old holiday favorite--about a certain red-nosed reindeer--takes on new meaning. 'Olive the other reindeer?' thinks Olive. 'I always thought I was a dog--but I must be a reindeer!' And while Santa and his reindeer are a bit surprised that a dog wants to join the reindeer team, in the end, Olive and her unusual skills are just what Santa needs. Full color.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Olive
Santa Claus
Discussion points
How do you think Olive felt when she realized she was different from the other reindeer?
What do you think makes Olive special, even though she isn't a typical reindeer?
Why is it important to believe in yourself, just like Olive did?
Can you think of a time when you did something you didn’t think you could do?
How did the other characters in the story change their opinions about Olive?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about Olive’s journey, emphasizing the value of self-belief and perseverance. Draw parallels between Olive’s experiences and their own, helping them connect personally with the story. Validate their feelings and praise their insights to foster a positive reading environment.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Self-Belief and Identity
Explanation: In 'Olive, the Other Reindeer', Olive mistakes the lyric 'All of the other reindeer' for 'Olive, the other reindeer,' leading her to believe she is a reindeer. This misunderstanding propels her to confidently pursue a new identity and role.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of self-belief and exploring their own unique identities, which can encourage them to try new things and discover their true potential.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Problem-Solving
Explanation: Faced with various obstacles along her journey with Santa’s team, Olive showcases her problem-solving skills. Despite doubts from others, she continues to contribute positively.
Real-World Application: This highlights the value of perseverance and using creativity to solve problems, teaching children to push through difficulties they may encounter.
Example Lesson: Valuing Different Perspectives
Explanation: Olive, being a dog among reindeers, brings a fresh perspective to the team. Her unique abilities, like sniffing out the children who are hiding, prove invaluable.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to appreciate diverse perspectives and talents in others, recognizing that everyone has unique strengths that contribute to achieving common goals.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: Throughout the book, Olive learns to work alongside the reindeers, contributing her skills to ensure Santa’s mission is successful.
Real-World Application: This serves as a great lesson in the importance of teamwork and how collaboration can lead to success, reinforcing the idea that everyone has a role to play in group efforts.
Example Lesson: Inclusivity and Acceptance
Explanation: Even though Olive is different from the other reindeer, she is eventually accepted as part of the team and valued for her unique contributions.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of inclusivity and accepting others for who they are, promoting a more caring and supportive community environment.