Olive, the Other Reindeer



Last updated Monday, November 30, 2015

Author: Vivian Walsh
Illustrator: J.otto Seibold
Date of Publication: 1997
ISBN: 0811818071
Grade Level: 1st    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Dec. 2015

Synopsis: Olive is merrily preparing for Christmas when suddenly she realizes "Olive... the other Reindeer... I thought I was a dog. Hmmm, I must be a Reindeer!" So she quickly hops aboard the polar express and heads to the North Pole. And while Santa and the other reindeer are a bit surprised that a dog wants to join the their team, in the end Olive and her unusual reindeer skills are just what Santa and his veteran reindeer team need. Colorful graphic illustrations accompany this zany dog story from the well-known author and artist team, Vivian and J.otto Seibold. Adorable Olive and her hilarious adventures are sure to make anyone's Christmas merry.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Is Olive a reindeer or a dog?
•  Do you know all the names of the reindeers? (Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen)

Vocabulary

•  sleigh - a sled drawn by horses or reindeer
•  glorious - Characterized by great beauty and splendor; magnificent: a glorious sunset.

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Why did Olive think she was a reindeer when she heard the song?
•  How did Olive help Santa get the sleigh out of the tree?
•  How did Olive help with the gumdrops? The flutes?
•  How did Olive help find the way back to the North Pole?

Craft ideas:
•  Cut out or make a drawing of a dog & add reindeer antlers. Add to a picture with Santa and all his reindeers.
•  Make your own reindeer antlers to wear. Cut a long strip of paper for a headband & attach ends with tape. Cut out antler shapes to the headband with tape & add ornaments.
•  Check out our December craft ideas on Pinterest! https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/december-2015-crafts

Special activities:
•  Sing "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/c/christmas_carols/rudolph_the_red_nosed_reindeer.html

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!