Tiny Reindeer
What’s inside...
Tiny Reindeer is a heartwarming children's book by Chris Naylor-Ballesteros that tells the story of a small reindeer who is too tiny to pull Santa's sleigh. Despite his size, Tiny Reindeer has big dreams and wants to help deliver presents on Christmas Eve. Throughout the story, Tiny Reindeer faces challenges and learns the importance of perseverance, self-acceptance, and the power of believing in oneself. With the help of his friends and a touch of Christmas magic, Tiny Reindeer discovers his own unique way to contribute to the holiday cheer. The book is filled with charming illustrations and conveys a message of hope and determination that resonates with readers of all ages.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Tiny Reindeer felt when he was trying to find where he fits in?
What would you do if you met someone as small as Tiny Reindeer?
Why is it important to help others, like the friends helped Tiny Reindeer in the story?
Can you think of a time when you felt different from everyone else? How did you handle it?
What does this story teach us about friendship and accepting others?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy and understanding by asking your child to imagine themselves in Tiny Reindeer’s shoes. Highlight the importance of kindness and inclusivity by discussing each character's actions. Use the illustrations to deepen the conversation, asking your child what they notice and how it adds to the story. Finally, relate the book’s themes to your child’s own experiences to make the lessons more personal and memorable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: In 'Tiny Reindeer', the story revolves around a little reindeer wanting to make friends despite feeling different and inadequate. Through his journey, he learns the value of companionship.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by understanding that friendship is valuable and that everyone, no matter how different, deserves companionship and acceptance.
Example Lesson: Self-acceptance and embracing uniqueness
Explanation: Tiny Reindeer feels too small to pull the sleigh but learns to use his size to his advantage. This narrative helps children see that everyone has unique traits that make them special.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to appreciate their own unique qualities and understand that each person has something special to offer, no matter their size or differences.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, Tiny Reindeer faces challenges but continuously seeks solutions, ultimately finding his unique role in the holiday festivities.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of perseverance and problem-solving in overcoming obstacles and achieving one’s goals.
Example Lesson: Empathy and kindness
Explanation: The interactions between characters in 'Tiny Reindeer' highlight the power of empathy and kindness, as they learn to support and understand each other.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to practice empathy and kindness in their daily interactions, helping to build stronger, more supportive relationships.