Move over, Rudolph — there’s a new girl in town.
When Marietta author Rosemarie Perry, formerly a counselor at Griffin Middle School, traveled to Lapland, high above the Arctic Circle, she didn’t expect the trip to spark a Christmas story unlike any other. While talking with indigenous Sami herders and learning about the gentle, curious reindeer that roam the snowy tundra, she discovered a fun fact that changed how she saw Santa’s sleigh forever: in winter, male reindeer shed their antlers. That means every antlered reindeer pictured on Christmas cards — from Dasher to Vixen — is actually female.
“That’s when I knew there was a story here,” she says with a smile. “Why not imagine what would happen if Santa’s team was made up entirely of girls?”
The result is A Reindear Tale, a whimsical and heartwarming story about the year Santa’s sleigh is pulled by an all-female team led by Ruby, a royal reindeer who wears a ruby pendant that reflects starlight. When the “boys” on the team feel left out and try to sabotage the flight, everything else that can go wrong does — clouds cover the stars, the Naughty and Nice list flies overboard, and even Santa gets lost in the time band. Still, through teamwork, perseverance, and a little Christmas magic, the reindeer learn that friendship and cooperation shine brighter than any star.
To bring her story to life, Perry teamed up with Helen Davis, a talented senior at Wheeler High School who was recently crowned Homecoming Queen. After asking Wheeler’s art teacher to recommend a few students, Perry knew instantly Helen was “the one.” “She captured the spirit of the story perfectly,” Perry says proudly. “I hope young artists see what’s possible when they take a chance and believe in themselves.”
A Reindear Tale is more than a festive adventure — it’s a celebration of friendship, courage, and discovery, wrapped in twinkling humor and heart. With little known reindeer facts included, the book is entertaining and educational. “I hope it reminds children to welcome others, help one another, and turn disappointments into opportunities,” Perry says.
Available at your favorite local bookstore, as well as Amazon and Barnes & Noble, A Reindear Tale is poised to become a new holiday classic — one that’s sure to make this Christmas “a season to remember for all time.”
For a personalized copy contact Rosemarie at rosemarieperry@hotmail.com.
“A Reindear Tale celebrates kindness, courage, and cooperation — timeless lessons wrapped in a story as bright as the Northern Lights.”