Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Classic Story

by Thea Feldman, Erwin Madrid (Illustrator)

The Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer television special first aired on NBC December 6, 1964. Fifty years later, it has become a beloved Christmas classic—capturing the heart and wonder of generations of fans.

Here is the complete story from the classic TV show, gloriously illustrated in full color and in an elegant gift book edition. Perfect for reading aloud!

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Childrens, Holiday, Fiction, Classics, Animals

40 pages, Hardcover

First published September 9, 2014

About the author

Based in New York City, Thea Feldman is a prolific writer and editor with over 250 children’s books to her credit. She has collaborated with major publishers, the Wildlife Conservation Society, and the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals. She lives with her cat, Rose, who enjoys lounging on her manuscripts.

Reviews

[Karina]

Very classic Christmas story about Rudolph and Hermy, the elf who wanted to be a dentist. While Rudolph gets bullied and teased he sets out on an adventurous journey and discovers he is needed and enough for Santa. Santa was a bit of a jerk about his glowing nose in the beginning but changed his attitude. The kids paid attention and like this. The illustrations were very nice to look at.

[Katy]

My Christmas book of the day, this Rudolph is based on the animated movie of the same name, in this case the movie is better. However,this is the Rudolph book that I remember & it is better than the movie: Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

[Carol]

Library book. We just returned this to the library - it was a great way to introduce our three year old to the Rudolph story. He was fascinated by the abominable snow monster and couldn't wait to see the movie of it. This book was outlined just like the tv show and had similar illustrations. A classic charmer.

[Bella]

Listened to Rudolph's story in depth for the first time this year and enamoured with it. :) Very well illustrated, and was wondering why the illustrator is not acknowledged in the title page verso (a library tech term)?

[Erin]

Can anyone make a picture book about Rudolph where it is just pictures with the song lyrics? I really like those. This goes along with the Christmas classic movie.

[Ashley]

This is an adaptation of the original Rudolph story written by Robert May and coincides with the 1964 animated movie. We just read about the origin of the Rudolph story and even though we've read the book multiple times, we were inspired to read it again. The pictures are basically right out of the movie and the story is fun to read with your little (and not so little) ones. Love the classic story and really enjoyed the backstory.

[Camilla]

3.5 stars!

[Kevin Hawkins]

It is a shortened version of the story. But it is a nice read for young readers, and a quick book to read to children.

[Ashlee]

Eh it was just ok, kinda dark at times if you ask me. But I did enjoy this little bit of Christmas memories of when I used to watch this movie as a child.

[Kaden Dybdahl]

I loved the story! Because I loved the classic story.

[Anna Spooner]

yes

[Laurie]

Based on the movie. Peter loved the abominable snow monster.

[Kelly]

How is this a classic..

[Barbara]

It's amazing to realize that the story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer has been around since 1964, almost as long as I've been alive. Based on the television show, which tugged at many heartstrings throughout the decades, this retelling features Rudolph, Santa Claus, and the Island of Misfit Toys. Anyone that thinks bullying is a recent occurrence will want to read this book as a reminder about how our society treats those who are different in the slightest ways, forcing them to hide their differences or even separating them from others. While I'm glad to have read the story, my heart belongs to the TV show that I have always loved since this version seems slightly clunky and rambling. Rudolph's personality doesn't shine through as powerfully as it might.

[Clare Rossetter]

Good retelling of the story of Rudolph. Sad when even Santa says Rudolph because of his nose will never make the sleigh team. Sort of a story within a story, 2 misfits find their way and then Rudolph saves Christmas when he finds Donner and when he leads the way. The elf, Hermey proves his usefulness when he uses dental skills to help Rudolph and shows that not everyone needs to be the same and that we all should forge our own dreams. Pictures were standard for this story nothing unique or different.

[Ro Menendez]

Not even in the North Pole can those who are different escape the struggle of being accepted and learning their worth regardless of mockery and loneliness. This handsome, cloth-textured, golden lettered, deluxe edition of the story of Rudolph as told in the 1964 television animated movie is illustrated using computer animation. The characters ring true to their classic stop motion animation counterparts. Recommended.

[Colette]

Digitally enhanced, reproduction of the classic stop animation movie. If you love Rudolph, you will love this recreation of the same title. Nice old fashioned cloth feel cover with gold embossing adds a touch of childhood remembrances.

[Christine]

This is a retelling of the classic "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" TV show that airs every Christmas. The illustrations are similar to the TV show in quality and are beautifully printed. The storyline is what you would expect if you watched the TV show and is a wonderful addition to any library.

[Sharon]

Thea Feldman retells the 1964-2014 television classic and Erwin Madrid illustrates. Both text and illustrations retain the original tone and style.

[Karen]

The story is competently, if not interestingly, told. The artwork is based very closely on the characters in the Rankin/Bass movies, so of course it is wonderful.

[Erin]

The TV classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer comes to life in the pages of this title. The photography are taken from the movie. A fun read with your Rudolph fan.

[Kimmy]

This book reads and is illustrated like the movie. The illustrations are beautiful, and the story is classic. We enjoyed this book.

[Spencer]

2026

2022
Gift from Harper's grandmother

[Sarah Beth Stephens]

The Perfect Christmas