Island of Misfit Toys

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 9, 2015

Review

Children familiar with the movie version of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer will recognize the characters featured in this graphic novel tale from the Island of Misfit Toys. Charlie-in-the-Box is adrift on an ice floe, and the other characters team up to find and rescue him. We learn the back-story of Cowboy and Dolly, see Train come to the rescue with his square wheels, and even the return of Yukon Cornelius and the Abominable Snow Monster.

Suspense of the rescue is minimized due to familiarity with scenes from the movie, but young readers will find adventure and cooperation emphasized in the tale. Full color illustrations offer the cold of the snowy North, the beauty of the Aurora Borealis, and close-ups of familiar faces. A nice addition to Christmas fare for elementary school-aged children.

Overall Book Score: good