The Wonderful World of Rudolpha: The day Storm was born

In the North Pole, there’s a winter storm raging. Rudolpha the reindeer, teacher at the North Pole Animal Day Care, has no choice but to keep the children overnight. There’s no way their parents are going to be able to pick them up.

To take her friends’ minds off of the weather, Storm the fox says, “Do you know why I’m called Storm?”

The others look intrigued, momentarily forgetting the heavy winds and snow whipping forcefully against the windows.

“What a good idea, Storm,” says Rudolpha, who knows the answer. “Would you like me to tell the story?”

The fox nods her head enthusiastically, and Rudolpha begins.

“Four years ago, not long before Christmas, Serena the fox and her husband Minstrel were on their way to the hospital. They were expecting a new arrival! However, they were surprised by a violent storm that suddenly descended on the North Pole. The trees bent in the wind, and snow was blowing so hard it was impossible to distinguish the ground from the sky. They tried to keep going, but they soon realized that they’d never make it to the hospital and that they wouldn’t be able to get back home either.

“Minstrel dug a hole in the snow to protect them from the wind. Despite the weather, the couple were over the moon with happiness. They had hoped for a kit of their own for many years. Unlike her cousins, Serena was only carrying one baby, and not 10 or 12. Still, she was excited to welcome her own little Christmas miracle. She was sure everything would be okay.

“She was right. The most adorable fox kit I’ve ever seen was born that night in that hole in the snow. When the storm finally subsided, Minstrel ran as fast as he could for help. When Serena and the baby finally made it to the hospital, they were both in perfect health.

“‘What’s this beautiful kit’s name?’ asked Dr. Stethoscope the medical elf.

“‘Storm,’ said Serena, with a radiant smile.

“Minstrel nodded in agreement, ‘Yes, my winter Storm.’”

“Wow!” says Bianca the rabbit, “what a nice story.”

“It’s my favorite,” agrees Storm. “My father tells it to me sometimes at bedtime. He says that my name really suits me, which always makes my mom laugh. I don’t know why she thinks it’s so funny.”

Rudolpha smiles. She knows her student well and has a good idea why her mother finds it amusing.

“Okay, children, time for bed. Tomorrow we’ll make a huge snowman.”

“Yay! Goodnight Rudolpha,” say the kids as they make their way to their sleeping mats.

“Goodnight,” the reindeer says and blows out the candles. “Sweet dreams.”

Written by Johannie Dufour and Sarah Beauregard
Translated by Cyan Caruso-Comas