Ronaldo: Rudi’s Birthday Extravaganza (Ronaldo the Flying Reindeer #3) by Maxine Sylvester ★★★★★ #BookReview #BookBlog #Booksforkids @flyingronaldo

Primary Genre(s): Children’s Chapter Book
Page count: 167
My Format: Kindle ebook
Cover: Vibrant, Fun
Pacing: Ideal for children
Ending: Perfect
Would I recommend it: Yes
Commission Link: https://amzn.to/2RWawZP

My rating: ★★★★★

Synopsis from Goodreads
It is summertime in Beresford. Ronaldo and Rudi are beside themselves with excitement: Monty the Moose, the most incredible Magician in the whole world is performing at Rudi’s birthday party! But before the festivities begin, there’s the important matter of The Reindeer Flyover, an ancient tradition of The Reindeer Flying Academy that marks the end of school term. But Rudi might not be able to fly. He’s injured his hoof and refuses to see Doctor Kloppen. Rudi is terrified of needles and, rumour has it, the Doctor’s needle is the size of a rocket!

Meanwhile, Ronaldo meets celebrity baker, Mrs. Sorensson, and offers to deliver her cakes to ‘Carrot’s ‘N’ Cakes’ bakery before flying school. The weather is hot so Ronaldo rushes through the forest so he can deliver the cakes before the icing melts. But trouble is lurking in the woods. Dasher and his menacing brothers, Comet and Prancer, are hiding in the bushes. Waiting for Ronaldo!

My Thoughts
Back in May I reviewed the second book in this series – Ronaldo: The Phantom Carrot Snatcher – and enjoyed it very much. Like I said in that review, I actually enjoy reading children’s books from time to time, particularly when they are well done and this book is well done. Here are my pros and cons:

Pros

1. The focus on friendship and doing the right thing really stands out. Even though Rudi and Ronaldo don’t always make the best decisions, they always learn from their mistakes. The lessons are incorporated into the story in such a way that they don’t feel forced or preachy. Kids will enjoy the story and perhaps not even realize they are learning good behaviors.
2. As with the previous book, the illustrations (created by the author) are top-notch and add to the enjoyment of the story.
3. I actually giggled out loud once or twice in this story. If I’m laughing, kids will definitely be laughing.
4. I also thought it was a great, although brief, look at how children are impacted by changes in their home situation. Rudi’s home life is disrupted (temporarily) and Rudi expresses his emotions about it by reacting negatively to something Ronaldo thinks is exciting. Situations like this in books might help children better understand their own reactions to undesired and scary circumstances and perhaps allow them to learn to deal with those emotions more effectively.

Cons

None. There is simply nothing to dislike.

Summary
This book is full of great life lessons for children – being kind, helping others, interpreting feelings, and just flat out being a good friend. All that and a super cute story, too!! I highly recommend this book and the Ronaldo series.

Thank you to the author, Maxine Sylvester, for providing an electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

If you would like to read this book and form your own opinion, please consider purchasing through this link: https://amzn.to/2RWawZP. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Thanks!