Here is the perfect book for the night before the night before Christmas. Marilyn Janovitz's jolly, chant-aloud text and adorable illustrations present Santa's reindeer at their most endearing. As they scurry (to confirm that all the Christmas preparations have been made) and worry (what is keeping Santa?) they are like children everywhere -- bubbling with excitement and oh-so-eagerly anticipating Christmas.

The reindeer are concerned because Santa is late on Christmas Eve: "Reindeer standing in a row,/Shadows falling on the snow,/The sleigh is packed, all set to go!/What could be keeping Santa?" After checking the decorations on the tree, watching the clock, and glancing nervously up the fireplace, the worried animals finally knock on their boss's door, only to discover that they are one day early. After all, "Nothing would ever keep Santa!" Three rhymed lines and a repeated refrain move the story along at a speedy pace and invite participation. Furry, round-nosed, pin-eyed reindeer stand upright in worried poses, arms crossed, peering out the window, like six-year-olds waiting for their carpool ride to the soccer game. The final scene, with eight tiny reindeer tucked into the same long bed, is a perfect ending. A great way to get excited children off to sleep. Copyright 1998 School Library Journal Reviews