Schmuck the Buck: Santa’s Jewish Reindeer

Title: Schmuck the Buck

Author: EXO Books

Publication Date & Publisher: Exo Books, LLC, September 3, 2018

Genre(s): Holiday Humor, Fiction

Length: 60 Pages

ISBN: 13: 9780997590296

Description (from Goodreads):

Larry was just your regular caribou, who was cruelly excluded from his crew. He and his kin happened to be the sole Jewish reindeer in the North Pole. Larry was bullied and treated the worst way, until his plan saved one Christmas Day.

A contemporary satirical take on Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Schmuck the Buck introduces Larry, a young Jewish reindeer. He overcomes his awkward and sometimes painful youth to save Christmas. His tale of acceptance and inclusion is sure to warm the hearts of anyone who loves Christmas, Hanukkah, or both. Sixty pages of vibrant illustrations bring his story to life. A unique modern addition to any holiday library.

My review:

The humor in Schmuck the Buck isn’t something you’re used to in your everyday reindeer Christmas story. While it’s told in rhyme and looks like a children’s book, I’d say it’s definitely geared more towards adults and older teens.

Poor Schmuck has been bullied his entire life at the North Pole. It’s not easy being Jewish and celebrating Hanukkah in a land of Christmas reindeer and elves (not to mention Santa)! But Santa’s Christmas deliveries don’t always go according to plan, and when this years blunder happens… it’s Schmuck to the rescue!

Just like Rudolph back in the day, all the other reindeer have to follow Schmuck (real name, Larry) in order to save Christmas.

While I definitely wouldn’t recommend this to anyone looking for a family-friendly Christian read over the holidays, I think anyone looking for a non-traditional, tickle the funny bone, Christmas time gift would benefit from picking this one up.