Make Christmas Reading a Habit with E. Dorinda Shelley’s “Dasher and The Sleigh-Train”

E. Dorinda Shelley, the author of The Helium Books series, released a new version of her illustrated children’s book “Dasher and The Sleigh-Train” (2019). Formerly titled “Santa’s Sleigh-Train” (published in 2015), the holiday children’s book features artwork by Eleanor A. Hutton, Shelley’s long-time collaborator and co-author, and dazzles as a charming, magical Christmas story that extols a message that nothing – not even an untimely illness and logistic problems – can stop Christmas.

“Dasher and The Sleigh-Train” has been well received by book reviewers from different book review publications, mostly for its storyline and artwork.

Beth Adams of Pacific Book Review praised the illustrated children’s book for its story development, artwork, and layout. “Details both within the storyline and embedded in the drawings are embellished all throughout this charming Christmas story. The drawings have enough ‘eye candy’ to keep the imaginations of children being read this story, and the text is simply ideal to convey the theme.

“The combination of text and pictures are synergistically balanced and will come to life with the credibility of kids everywhere already familiar with Santa and his reindeer. The characters are developed in a way for children to enjoy the escapade having elements of adventure, kindness, and healing of an illness.”

Kat Kennedy of The US Review of Books calls “Dasher and The Sleigh-Train,” “a nice addition to the family’s Christmas story time” and “a delightful little book for young and old alike.” She wrote, “Children will love following the plight of Santa as he deftly, and sometimes magically, navigates problems from having a very sick reindeer to having a sleigh that is bursting at the seams as Christmas Eve is drawing near.”

“A cute children’s Christmas book,” said Rachel Dehning of Manhattan Book Review, “although it could be read at any time of the year. The story is well-plotted, with a storyline that can be understood by readers of all ages… The illustrations in the book are bright and colorful, especially with the red and green Christmas colors being prominent.”

Jennifer Padgett praised “Dasher and The Sleigh-Train” for its originality and artwork, calling it “an original festive treat.” In her review for the San Francisco Book Review, she wrote, “Unlike many others, it’s not a rendition of an already-told tale with a few new twists and turns added; its storyline is unique.

“The prominent illustrations sweeping across its pages are equally distinctive. They’re filled with brightly colored hues and have a soft, textured appearance, almost like that of velvet. They resemble pictures created from a rich array of markers, blended with a touch of pastel-colored chalk. Young children will likely find them unusual and intriguing. They’re apt to be a topic of discussion.”

Helen Vernier of Seattle Book Review wrote: “‘Dasher and the Sleigh-Train’ definitely has an interesting plot. Instead of Santa riding his iconic sleigh, he is whizzing around the world, delivering  presents to children in a locomotive. Children, especially train lovers, will delight in this story in which the train and a little magic will be the answer to Santa’s problem. The illustrations are very colorful and Christmas colors abound.”

Megan Walvoord of Portland Book Review wrote, “I like the story concept. I think it is interesting to explore the issue of what Santa would do if the reindeer got sick. It’s a great idea to use a train as the solution. Kids love trains. Overall, the plot was well done.”

Spread holiday cheer and make Christmas reading a habit with E. Dorinda Shelley’s “Dasher and The Sleigh-Train.” Order today on https://www.dorindashelleybooks.com/, Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Dasher and The Sleigh-Train
Author | E. Dorinda Shelley
Publisher | PRGott Books Publishing (print); Authors Press (print); ReadersMagnet (ebook)
Published date | July 24, 2019
Book retail price | Print $12.95, E-book: $2.99
 
 
Author Bio
 
Dr. E. Dorinda Shelley is a retired dermatologist who now runs used bookstores and art galleries in Grand Rapids, Ohio.  She and her husband, dermatology icon Walter B. Shelley, MD, Ph.D., co-authored “Advanced Dermatologic Therapy” (1987, 2001), “Advanced Dermatologic Diagnosis” (1992), and “Consultations in Dermatology: Studies of Orphan and Unique Patients” (2006). She also updated Walter’s autobiography, “The Skin Around Me: Adventures in Dermatology” (2007,2009), and wrote a chapter about him for inclusion in “The Pantheon of Dermatology” (2013), a German book about dermatology legends. Together they wrote a monthly column, “A Dermatologic Diary: Portrait of a Practice,” for the peer-reviewed journal Curtis for five years (1990-1995). She is the author of the following children’s books: “The Helium Table” (2010), “The Helium Egg” (2010), and “Helium Heels” (2012).

Illustrator Eleanor A. Hutton is a graduate of Maumee Valley Country Day School in Toledo, Ohio and The College of Wooster, Ohio. Ms. Hutton illustrated Shelley’s The Helium Books series. They co-authored the children’s book “Toronto and Ned” (2014).
 

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