Rhonda The Red -nosed Unideer

Rhonda The Red-Nosed Unideer is a take-off on Richard L. May's children's holiday classic, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. It is a story geared for children ages three-eight years old. It features Rudolph's twin sister Rhonda, born with a single antler. Almost like a unicorn, she is a unideer. Like her brother, she has to overcome bullying by the other reindeer. Mrs. Claus has a particular affection for Rhonda and tries to help her. She knows that she has to stop thinking of her as her beloved pet, and help her to become stronger and more confident like the other girls at the North Pole. Also a theme throughout the book is a disagreement between Santa and Mrs. Claus about the inequality faced by the female reindeer verses the male reindeer at the North Pole. She advocates for the girls so that they receive more nourishing food, exercise classes, and improved living conditions in the barn. Lastly, the story emphasizes the importance of vaccines, which has become a timely topic. Some of the reindeer, including Rudolph, miss their annual flu vaccines and are too sick for the Christmas Eve flight of Santa's sleigh. Rhonda, thanks to the help of Mrs. Claus, is now strong and confident enough to stand in for her brother and saves the day. Themes throughout the story for children: all living creatures are individual, some born with differences or disabilities. Bullying is unacceptable and damaging to others. Girl-power...boys and girls are equally capable if given the same opportunities. Health and wellness are importance to happiness and success.