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Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer first appeared in a 1939 booklet written by Robert L. May and published by Montgomery Ward. Since then, the story has been told and retold in many different ways including one of the most popular Christmas songs and major feature films. Perhaps the most memorable telling is the original television classic.
From the time I was old enough to sit through an entire tv show, watching Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer the week before Christmas has been an undeniable tradition for my family. We’d check the TV Guide (remember those?) and my mother would plan a night for me and my little brother. Hot chocolate, popcorn and a fire in the wood stove would set the scene for the best night of the season. And, as time went on, there were more sequels added to the lineup. We knew the lineup well: We cheered for Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, then sang along with Rudolph & Frosty and finished up by giggling at the crazy faces made by Charlie-in-the-Box during The Island of Misfit Toys.
To this day, you’d be hard pressed to find anyone who isn’t familiar with the iconic bright-nosed fellow. We’ve all come to love him. Even though you know how the story ends – you can help but feel sad at the beginning and cheer at the end. Every single time.
Did you know? Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is the longest-running and highest-rated holiday TV special of all time. And this year is extra special because it’s the 50th Anniversary.
50 Years and Still Glowing – What To Expect!
The Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer TV special turns 50 this year and it’s time to celebrate! The anniversary festivities are going to be BIG and include:
- U.S. Postal Service special items
- Tribute promos from CBS
- A collector’s edition DVD with new bonus material
- A new stage musical
- Theme park
- In-mall entertainment
- and a social media campaign – #ShineBright to celebrate uniqueness in association with PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center.
AND a brand new book set from Square Fish (an imprint of the Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group). Spend winter nights curled up and reading with your children as you explore 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!
OFFICIAL LINKS – Visit Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group Official Website and Follow Macmillan Kids on Twitter #Rudolph50
ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN
One (1) RJ reader will win a collection of SIX special edition books featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and all of his pals. *Giveaway ends December 1st, 2014. Prizing provided and delivered by Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group. Open to US residents only who are 18 years of age or older at time of entry.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
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