RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER

The version of the holiday story that has been shown on television for the past 50 years is the basis for this interpretation of Rudolph’s tale.

Most of the elements of the story everybody knows already are here. As a young reindeer, Rudolph doesn’t fit in due to his glowing nose, and he befriends Hermey, an elf who doesn’t fit in because he wants to be a dentist rather than an assistant to Santa. They set off together and avoid capture by the Abominable Snow Monster with the help of a woodsman named Yukon and his sled-dog team. The rather lengthy text rushes through the plot of the TV special, and there are a few plot developments that are solved without motivation, such as the Abominable Snow Monster’s sudden transformation from enemy to friend. Bright, hard-edged illustrations reflect the animated origins of this version, bearing a flattened appearance, as though a TV image had been captured for reference. Rudolph, Hermey and Santa are attractive characters, and the Abominable Snow Monster offers just a touch of scary menace to be overcome. There’s a none-too-subtle message about accepting those who are different, whether a reindeer with a red nose, a dentally minded elf or residents of the Island of Misfit Toys. Rudolph uses his special red nose to guide the sleigh team, but that accomplishment is curiously downplayed at the conclusion.

Fans of the TV special will be drawn to this edition of the beloved story; others may want to check out the new interpretation of the original story by Robert L. May, publishing on Sept. 30, 2014.