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Reviewed by Karen Pirnot for Readers' Favorite
Ramona the Reindeer by Leah Woods is a fanciful story which teases the imagination of the child reader. Although its use of anthropomorphism is a bit of a stretch for adults, children may be able to relate more easily to the idea of an orphan reindeer experiencing a traditional Christmas while feeling alone and lonely. Little Ramona lives in the meadow in a shelter built by her parents who have died. Christmas is nearly upon the reindeer herd and Ramona is feeling the loss of her parents. She watches other reindeer skating on ice while she tries to remember all the lessons taught to her by her mother. She reads the Bible to get reassurance that she is not alone. Ramona remembers all the Christmas traditions her mother taught her, such as singing carols, making cookies and decorating a tree. She now misses those traditions and ponders what to do.
Some of the fine features of the book are the beautiful illustrations by Sannel Larson. They tend to draw in the child listener/reader and make the messages even more meaningful. Ramona begins to fashion a Christmas of her own by gathering berries and pine cones to make a wreath for her shelter. Then she sees her friends, Noel and Holly, and they ask Ramona to join them. Ramona decides she will make Christmas her own, based upon the words her mother often said about God always being with you. Whenever she feels alone she reads the Bible and is comforted. Ramona's squirrel friends bring over presents and they sing songs and have dinner with Ramona. On Christmas Day, Ramona joins her reindeer friends. Basically, the story deals with loss and how a firm belief system can help one over times of stress and loneliness. Even though the text challenges the imagination, the message contained is worth remembering.
