Finding Magic in Dasher: A Review
As a mom, I often find myself in the middle of a bedtime wrestling match, trying to negotiate one more book before sleep takes over. Between the giggles, bickering, and fervent requests for "just one more story," I sometimes feel overwhelmed, but then, magic happens. This week, that magic came in the form of Dasher: How a Brave Little Doe Changed Christmas Forever by the wonderful Matt Tavares.
From the moment I nestled up with my little ones—an excited four-year-old and a dreamy six-year-old—both eyes glued to the cover, I knew we had struck gold. The story follows Dasher, a brave young doe who yearns for adventure beyond the circus she calls home. She dreams of snow under her hooves and the twinkling North Star. When the opportunity arises, Dasher embarks on a heartwarming journey where she meets none other than Santa himself. Spoiler alert: her Christmas wish changes everything!
As I read, my children were captivated. My four-year-old was wide-eyed with wonder, while my six-year-old chimed in with imaginative questions about Dasher’s dreams. The themes of bravery, the importance of following your heart, and the power of kindness flowed effortlessly throughout the story. They even stopped me mid-page to ask, “How did Dasher get to Santa?” and “Do you think the North Star really helps lost reindeer?” I loved that it encouraged their curiosity and opened up a magical dialogue, making it more than just a bedtime story.
Now, let’s talk about those dreamy illustrations. The artwork by Tavares is breathtaking! Each page is rich with detail and color, evoking the snowy charm of Christmas. My kids would lean in closer, pointing out each new wonder—the sparkling snowflakes, the warm glow of Santa’s sleigh, and, of course, Dasher’s brave little face. It truly felt like they were living the story alongside her.
One of our favorite parts was when Dasher makes her wish. My kids giggled and gasped at the thought of a reindeer wishing for a new life! It was a sweet moment that reminded me of how powerful and innocent their wishes can be, just like Dasher’s. They snuggled closer, captivated by the magic of it all, offering me little smiles filled with wonder.
I wholeheartedly recommend Dasher for children ages 3 to 6, particularly those who love stories about adventure and heartwarming tales of friendship. It’s perfect for families, whether you’re looking for a one-time read to usher in the Christmas spirit or a new holiday favorite. The joy this book brought to our family got me a bit teary-eyed. It resonated with my desire to instill in my children the values of courage and kindness.
In this season of craziness and joy, make some time for Dasher. Share that warm blanket, a cup of cocoa, and read together. You never know—you might just find that a little doe can change your Christmas forever as well.
Discover the heartwarming tale of Dasher, the brave little doe who transformed Christmas! >>
