Review of "The Legend of Ranger" by Alan Salisbury

Score: 95/100 (9.5 out of 10)

Have you ever felt like everyone knew something that you didn't, or that everyone could do something that you couldn't? Have you ever felt behind? Left out? Different from everyone else?

Well, that's how Ranger the Reindeer must feel in The Legend of Ranger by Alan Salisbury, a book that explores that uncomfortable feeling like everyone is better (or has it better) than you when, in fact, you're blessed with a lot and the magic was in you all along.

Ranger is, ironically, the little brother of the most famous reindeer of them all, Rudolph himself! Rudolph, you'd think, would be more sympathetic to what Ranger is going through.

Oh, by the way... what is Ranger going through?

Well, Ranger is a three-year-old reindeer who hasn't learned to fly yet. He's not part of Santa and Rudolph's famous flying team that delivers presents across the globe on Christmas Eve. So, he feels a little dejected, discouraged, and behind. He must wonder, Why can every other reindeer fly but I can't? Is something wrong with me? Am I defective? Not capable enough? Not smart enough? Broken like an old used toy?

It's actually a very relatable struggle. Now, this book approaches it in a somewhat wordy way, but if you approach this as a middle-grade or 9+ book, it works out fine.

What's especially nice to see if that Ranger isn't alone in his struggles. He has people who love and care for him just as he is, whether he can fly or not. For example, there's Norgrum, the older elf who tells Ranger the all-important line "the secret lies within!" This line resonates throughout the book, and Ranger misinterprets it as meaning that the secret is inside of the workshop, warehouse, or the reindeer stables.

Big brother Rudolph himself reiterates to Ranger that the statement is true and that the secret lies within himself.

Gee, thanks, Rudolph!
(He does kinda come across as cold and unhelpful for a big brother who has experienced ostracization in the past). For comparison's sake, Rudolph is the equivalent of the star player who has his own locker room and private jet. We got those John Cena vibes from him (Cena reportedly told rookies, "You'll figure it out" instead of giving them clear and direct advice).

Anyway, there's also Carlanna, the daughter of one of the toymaking elves, who befriends and joins Ranger on his journey to find the secret to flight. It is said that Ranger is Carlanna's favorite reindeer, which is rather special.

Other elves like Sergeland also help and try to keep Ranger's spirits up.

Zarvett also becomes the steady adult in the room. When the main team falls ill, he does not panic. He organizes an urgent run to Krystalwite for the medicine, brings Ranger along, and quietly tests him with real responsibility. Their trek gives the book its pulse. Ice. Wind. Distance. A crevasse that might as well be a canyon between who Ranger is and who he needs to become. In that moment, Zarvett’s calm presence and Ranger’s decision to act give us the breakthrough the story has been promising.

What pays off is the theme the book keeps humming: the secret really does lie within. Not in the warehouse. Not in the stables. Not in a shortcut. It is courage, focus, and belief taking form as skill. When Ranger finally lifts, it is not a cheap miracle. It is the natural next step of a kid who has been practicing, listening, and choosing to try again.

There are other warm touches. Mrs. Claus tending the reindeer with her salve early on signals care and community. Norgrum, the old hand, treats Ranger with respect and straight talk. Sergeland and the elves keep him included. Carlanna’s friendship gives Ranger a human anchor, reminding readers that being seen matters even when you feel behind.

Parents will appreciate the messages. Effort counts. Mentors matter. Comparison can crush you if you let it. The book also models that leaders can step aside. Santa literally lets a trusted elf drive so he can walk among children. That small detail mirrors the larger lesson. The point is not who is in front. The point is serving the mission.

Ranger, like Rudolph before him, is the black sheep and the underdog of this story who overcomes what seems like a disability or a disadvantage to save the day!

Against all odds, he gets his time to shine! He does the things that others can't or aren't able to.

This also sends the powerful message that you don't have to be like everyone else. You don't have to do what everyone else does. You can be YOU, and YOUR time to shine will come!

It's a reminder that everyone has a purpose, even if you don't see it or realize it right away.

Lastly, we just have to say that the highlights of this book are the charming illustrations by Roberta Baird! The characters are adorable. The art is appealing. They're not something you'd hang in the Louvre, but they don't need to be. They're just right, just like Ranger himself.

Check it out on Amazon!