Alrighty, here is my last holiday read of the season. This is a great book for kids to read every winter! If you haven’t already heard of the Ronaldo The Flying Reindeer books check out my last review of Ronaldo: The Reindeer Flying Academy here. This book was our Book of the Month last January, so these early chapter books are definitely ones to look out for if you have kids!
Ronaldo: The Phantom Carrot Snatcher
Ronaldo the Flying Reindeer #2
Author & Illustrator: Maxine Sylvester
Category: Children’s Chapter Books, Holiday Reading, Friendship & Bullies
Suitable for: All Ages (Ideal for ages 5-10)
My Rating: 5 Stars
Format Read for Review: Kindle copy provided by the author in return for an honest review.
Pages: (216 per Amazon, 1220 Loc on kindle)
Description: In this installment our lovable hero Ronaldo and his best friend Rudi investigate the mystery of the missing carrots in between running their time trials at the flying reindeer academy. Ronaldo, is the top student with big aspirations that drive him to constantly try to make the best times. After discovering a wolf pup alone and in danger he is forced to choose between beating the record or helping his new friend.
“It was the sixth time in two weeks that Ronaldo’s carrots had vanished.”
In Short: Not strictly a holiday story, this fun book could be enjoyed by your child all winter or all year. But it does make a great Christmas present and I would recommend it for your family’s holiday shelf. It teaches positive messages of putting others before self and being a good friend. A wonderful bedtime story for those too young to read chapter books and a comical book to read alone for older children.
“He didn’t know what to do. He decided to tell the truth.”
Pros: This highly rated series does not disappoint. Another awesome installment in the flying reindeer series. This story is cute and very funny. There are adorable and hilarious images to keep both adults and children entertained. The illustrations do a great job of complimenting the story and immersing the reader. I love that the story is full of positive messages and teaching moments. When Ronaldo first meets Ernie the wolf pup he is terrified because wolfs are their natural enemies. I liked that he was able to put his fear aside and get to know her to discover that she was not evil. Ronaldo is faced with bullies and hard choices but being the great role model that he is, he does the right thing and teaches courage and honesty in the process. His friends Ernie and Rudi are possibly even better role models because they help their friends consistently without hesitation. They are bright and creative and come up with great solutions to any problems their friends encounter. I loved how full of humor this book was. There is physical comedy, silly outfits and even a few burps and farts to coax giggles out of kids. This book tackles bullying and discourages it with consequences. Where book one focused on dreams, goals, imagination and believing in yourself, book 2 teaches the importance of friends and standing by them through the good and the bad. It also teaches to do the right thing and you will be rewarded. This story has a solid conclusion and happy ending for all our heroes.
“‘And definitely, no farting,’ Ernie said.
‘I can’t guarantee that,’ Ronaldo chuckled.
‘Neither can I!'”
Cons: I have no notable issues with this book.
Blurb of book 1:
Ronaldo is the top flying cadet at the prestigious Reindeer Flying Academy. He dreams of getting his flying license and becoming one of Santa’s reindeer, just like his hero, Vixen.
In the first adventure in the Ronaldo series, the second year flying cadets face their toughest ever flying test — The Endurance Challenge. Will Ronaldo be victorious and lift the silver cup? Or will mean brothers Dasher, Comet and Prancer ruin his chance for success?
The young and the young at heart will appreciate its story. Because Ronaldo reminds us, if you work hard, and dream big …. we can all fly!
Blurb of book 2:
Ronaldo and Rudi discover friends come in all shapes and sizes as they embark on a superhero mission to help a lost wolf cub called Ernie find her pack.
Rudi comes up with a plan to find the pack and deliver a message during a speed test at flying school. But Ronaldo isn’t totally onboard with the idea. He desperately wants to break the speed record and the plan means jeopardising his chance of becoming champion.
Will Ronaldo go for glory… or will he discover the true meaning of friendship and sacrifice the race for Ernie?
Bumbling Wing Commander Blitsen, head of The Reindeer Flying Academy, and mischievous brothers, Dasher, Comet and Prancer also feature in this fun tale of bravery and friendship.
Looking for a Birthday present?
Blurb of book 3:
It is summertime in Beresford. Ronaldo and Rudi are beside themselves with excitement: Monty the Moose, the most incredible Magician in the whole world is performing at Rudi’s birthday party!
But before the festivities begin, there’s the important matter of The Reindeer Flyover, an ancient tradition of The Reindeer Flying Academy that marks the end of school term. But Rudi might not be able to fly. He has injured his hoof and refuses to see Doctor Kloppen. Rudi is terrified of needles and, rumour has it, the Doctor’s needle is the size of a rocket!
Meanwhile, Ronaldo meets celebrity baker Mrs Sorensson and offers to deliver her cakes to ‘Carrot’s ‘N’ Cakes’ bakery before flying school. The weather is hot so Ronaldo rushes through the forest so he can deliver the cakes before the icing melts. But trouble is lurking in the woods. Dasher and his menacing brothers, Comet and Prancer, are hiding in the bushes. Waiting for Ronaldo!
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