Book Review of The Reindeer and the Easter Bunny
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The Children’s Book Review
The Reindeer and the Easter Bunny
Written by Jim Olson
Illustrated by Hallie, Katy, and Jessica Olson
Ages: 4+ | 42 Pages
Publisher: Mission Point Press (2022) | ISBN: 978-1954786844
What to Expect: Friendship, pets, animal behavior.
The Reindeer and the Easter Bunny offers readers a heartwarming holiday crossover tale that weaves unexpected friendships into a problem-solving narrative during a crisis.
The story begins on the eve of Easter when a sudden snowstorm threatens to derail the Easter Bunny’s annual deliveries, and three young girls spot a rabbit rushing through the snow and worry about Easter being canceled. Meanwhile, panic ensues in the Easter Bunny’s underground network of tunnels as the severe weather has shut down all transportation systems. When it seems all hope is lost for Easter celebrations, an unexpected solution emerges that brings together two holiday icons in a delightful collaboration, showing children that sometimes the most creative solutions come from unusual partnerships.
Written in a straightforward and accessible style, the story has enough narrative charm to engage young readers—the repetitive refrain of thumpity thump thump is sure to be a highlight. What makes this book truly special, though, are the illustrations drawn by the author’s daughters in 1981 when they were kids. The artwork, which has been preserved in this expanded version, has an authentic childlike quality that complements the story’s innocence. This authenticity is sure to connect with young readers in a way that beautifully stylized illustrations can’t compare.
The Reindeer and the Easter Bunny is a good fit for families seeking seasonal reading that ventures beyond traditional holiday narratives. Parents who value the sentimental significance of family collaborations will find this project, created across generations, particularly meaningful. This cross-seasonal tale reminds us that creativity and cooperation can overcome even the most challenging obstacles—a fun choice for Easter baskets.
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About the Author
Jim Olson is a lawyer and writer who lives in Northern Michigan. For decades, he has represented citizens and communities in the courts and authored books, articles, and papers on law and the environment, water, and natural resources. He is a recipient of the Michigan State Bar’s Champion of Justice Award and was named Lawyer of the Year by Michigan Lawyer’s Weekly.
In 2010, he founded For Love of Water, a nonprofit law and policy center, to protect the public commons in water, lands, and community. He is a recipient of a Michigan Council of Arts award for writing and the author of The Mound People (Neahtawanta Press, 1984). His most recent novel is People of the Dune (Mission Point Press, 2024). His filmography includes the award-winning FLOW: For Love of Water (2008), Blue Gold (2008), and Troubled Water (Rotten Tomatoes, 2019).
About the Illustrators
Hallie Olson Wastell, illustrator and author of the children’s book The Thunderstorm Party (www.missionpointpress.com); Kathryn Olson Bourdon; Jessica Olson Perez, manager, promotion and events, Water Visions Media; Heather Shaw, production and book design director, Mission Pont Press.
About the Producer and Designer
Heather Shaw, partner and production director, Mission Point Press; City Commissioner, Traverse City, Michigan; former editor, Dunes Review; former editor-in-chief ForeWord Review; Managing and Book Editor, Spirituality & Health Magazine; former Board Member, Michigan Writers; Publisher, Weekly paper, Pomba Gira.
Dedicated Reviews allow authors and illustrators to gain prompt visibility for their work. This is a sponsored*, non-biased review of The Reindeer and the Easter Bunny. Learn more about getting a book review …
