it’s been 50 years already, here’s to many, many more Rudolph!! #Rudolph50

**This is a sponsored post, working in conjunction with Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group. All opinions are still my own though!**

It’s been 50 years since the beloved, childhood character Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer has been introduced. 50 years!! Geesh, how time flies!! With the special anniversary upon us, we thought a trip down memory lane with some fabulous books and a discussion on traditions was called for!

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is the longest-running and highest-rated holiday TV special of all time, and it is unarguably a beloved part of the American holiday tradition.

I remember when I was little, watching around Christmas, that sweet little reindeer with the squeak as his nose lit up. Now, it’s my turn to turn my children on to this sweet little guy that lights up Christmas night! Already, my kids are singing, “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer”! And in my head, I am singing it right back. My 3-year old even knows this little jingle. It’s amazing how fast something so fabulous can ingrain itself into heads.

I received a handful of absolutely wonderful books that are all centered around Rudolph. I opened these up a couple weeks ago, and it didn’t matter that Christmas wasn’t close, my girls were pumped to be reading about a classic Christmas story! That evening, we sat down and read almost every single one together. There is just something about reading books together with my little ladies. I cherish this time with them. I cherish seeing the flicker in their eyes as they anticipate what is going to happen next – the bright-eyed looks when something exciting is about to happen. Not much replaces the time spent reading books together!

I’m excited that one of you is going to get a set to read with your little ones (you can read more about this after the next section). Check out these wonderful titles:

ABOUT THE BOOKS
Square Fish, an imprint of the Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, is releasing 6 new Rudolph-themed books that span a variety of formats, including the first ever graphic novel starring Rudolph and company, RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE ISLAND OF MISFIT TOYS, by Brendan Deneen. Other formats include a classic storybook, a picture book, slide-and-find and lift-the-flap board books, and a ‘My Reader’ edition specifically designed for beginning readers. There’s something for the whole family!

• Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Classic Story
  Deluxe 50^th Anniversary Edition for ages 4-8

• Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: Slide and Find
  Board Book for ages 2-4
• Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: Life-the-Flap

Board Book for ages 2-4

• Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: Rudolph Saves the Day
  Paperback picture book for ages 3-7
• Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: My Reader
  Level 2 Paperback Reader for ages 5-7
• Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Island of Misfit Toys
  Middle-Grade Graphic Novel for ages 7-12

Follow along on this momentous occasion with Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group. You can check them out on Twitter as well, and in addition, there is a designated hashtag to go along with all the fun that’s going on. Look up #Rudolph50!!

So, talk to me. What memories do you have that are centered around Rudolph, this sweet little reindeer that saved Christmas one night long ago?

A SIMPLE GIVEAWAY!!
One SIMPLE reader will win a collection of six (6) new Rudolph children’s books. This is open to US residents only. Prizing provided by Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group. Here is how to enter:
a Rafflecopter giveaway