The Snowy Reindeer

Gr 1-3–Princess Beatrice, a young girl of color, travels to visit her great-aunt Sylvia along with her father King George, her sister Natasha, and her brother Alfie. As the children head inside after playing in the snow, Princess Bea discovers a baby reindeer trapped in the garage, along with a scary-looking cat who was frightening the reindeer. Princess Bea sneaks the reindeer into the castle hoping no one will notice—but of course her family finds out. In the end, Aunt Sylvia and Beatrice go looking for the little reindeer’s family and reunite him with his mother. This is a comical, magical addition to Harrison’s series. Short chapters suitable for young children who are just starting to read independently are buoyed by Mueller’s illustrations. Bea is a caring heroine who doesn’t mind getting her hands and clothes dirty caring for animals.