Randolph the Christmas Moose: A Yuletide Fable of Empowerment

Gerry GIbson

Jan 2020 · Loving Healing Press

About this ebook

Randolph the Moose lives with his mother in the Great White North. After a chance encounter with the reindeer from Santa Claus' sleigh-pulling team, Randolph finds new joy in trail running as he trains to join the reindeer in Santa's flight school. But when the head elf places him at the workshop loading dock instead (due to his tremendous bulk), Randolph has to use his brains and work ethic to earn respect at his new job... and even save Christmas.

Imagine Rudolf the red-nosed reindeer, except...

• Randolph has a healthy self-image

• Randolph has a more positive outlet for his feelings

• Randolph runs, but not away from his problems

• Randolph is pro-active, refusing to let Santa's workshop define him as a moose

BE YOUR OWN MOOSE!

"Randolph the Christmas Moose empowers kids to find the unique leader within themselves and to not allow stereotyping to limit their potential."

--AUSTIN HIGHSMITH GARCES, author of The Miracle Tree and actor in Dolphin Tale 1 and 2

"Randolph the Christmas Moose, filled with humor and character building, shares a twist to a familiar tale to produce an important message about how children can be hard-working, determined and true to themselves."

--ADAM DOVICO, educator and author of When Kids Lead, The Limitless School and Inside the Trenches

"This is a charming and funny story that will not only entertain kids, but also help them understand that other people's opinions don't define them."

--LINDSAY THOMPSON, filmmaker and writer for PBS' Arthur

"Randolph the Christmas Moose addresses many important childhood themes, including acceptance, endurance and bullying, without sounding 'preachy.'"

--SUE ELDER, Ed.D., public and elementary school librarian, educator and bibliophile

Learn more at www.GerryGibsonAuthor.com

From Loving Healing press www.LHPress.com

Ratings and reviews

Randolph the Christmas Moose: A Yuletide Fable of Empowerment by Gerry Gibson was a great short story. Not only did my children love Randolph and his story of perseverance by so did I. This book was beautifully illustrated. The pictures captured Randolph and his emotions so well. Although this story is intended for children I think the lesson learned is a great reminder for adults as well. I loved sitting down and enjoying this story with my boys and I see may rereads in our future.

There is nothing I love more than sharing a good book with my kids, but this one; this one I managed to keep hidden and I am so glad I did! It will make the perfect holiday gift for my 7 year old! The mommy in me notes: The illustrations are beautiful. The reading level isn’t quite as young as I hoped. I think my 7 year old (2nd grade) could read it with a little bit of help, but it is a bit longer so it may take more than one reading session. There are quite a few sentences per page and it is a 69 page book. It would make for a great read together book with your child, or a book to read to them. Again, likely a more than one reading session book though. I found many different learning gems within the book that would make a great discussion with children, as well as hopefully drive home a point in children. (I have learned that sometimes, kids pick up these lessons quick and other times, they need to be discussed. It all depends on the topic and the kid!) There are definitely some great points within the story that kids can realize their own potential and how to turn negative situations into positives; how to believe in themselves and be who they are. Overall, from a mommy perspective, it is a cute, lesson learning book. As a reader and child at heart notes: It’s fun!! We immediately see Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer who is playing ‘reindeer games’ with his friends – something kids are surely going to lock in on! Randolph goes to work for Santa in the workshop where the elves are building toys. The characters are a cast of animals from seals to moose to artic fox to polar bears; including twin polar bears who remind me of the moose in the Disney movie Brother Bear, eh? (Some kids might get the reference!) What could be more fun than a super cute, beautifully illustrated, lesson provoking book that has a child’s favorite holiday people! This one is definitely going under the tree for our 7 year old!

Meet Randolph the Moose and how he was determined to go and work for Santa after meeting some Reindeer playing a game in the woods. Randolph was upset that they would not let him join in as he was not a Reindeer. When he discussed it with his Mum she give the best advice anyone Mum could give that you are good enough now and do not change the way you are. Following his Mum’s advice Randolph heads to the North Pole to help Santa. Once in the grotto, Randolph found his ideas were not listened to and pinched by other workers but by staying true to his values of speaking calmly and explaining his ideas, he is shocked to find people listen and he soon gains respect and promoted. The novel and expertly drawn illustrations express exactly how Randolph is feeling and enhances the story line as it means that by looking at the pictures it opens a route for discussion. The message from the story is by staying true to yourself and being patient giving full explanations you will gain full respect and make your way in the world and achieve your goals. Even though this book is aimed at young readers it gave me a timely reminder even after working for 33 years in the same department if you stay true to your values, keep calm and explain yourself openly and honestly people will be more willing to accept you for who you are. The real message of the book is do not try to be anything you are not as you will fall short and if you stay true to who you are you will be admired, respected and achieve your dreams. A wonderful book for children to enjoy and be inspired by.

About the author

A former teacher, Gerry Gibson is a writer, filmmaker, soccer coach, and YouTube/podcast host. He has a host of accolades to his credit. In 1986, Gerry and his teammate Barry completed a "three-peat" of three straight first-place finishes in the three-legged race at the Brunson Elementary Field Day. In 1987, Gerry won a "Participant" ribbon in the school science fair with his project "trees".

And in 2005, Gerry's friend Matt won the Win a Date With Chicken Little Contest, for which he was awarded an all-expense paid trip to Hollywood for the Chicken Little move premiere. Gerry went with him.

Gerry currently lives with his wife, Courtney, his sons, Bennett and Turner, and countless other microorganisms in Winton-Salem, NC

He writes stories for kids because that's what he is: a big, grey-haired kid. You can learn more about Gerry by visiting his website www.GerryGibsonAuthor.com