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Based on a real dog named Eddie, this story is a heartwarming and welcome tale for children to read with their parents or on their own. It's well known in the shelter that Eddie is "unadoptable" because he's considered naughty, but Santa comes along to make things right on Christmas Eve. Eddie isn't on the list of gifts for anyone and is almost left alone in the dark at the shelter. If not for Polly, Santa would have unknowingly left Eddie alone in the dark but finds him alone and takes him along on the journey, giving Eddie the express responsibility of guiding his sleigh along with the reindeer. Eddie proves his worth, and Santa rewards him with a special home.
In real life, Eddie was also considered "unadoptable" because people thought him aggressive, and he suffered seizures. Nobody had the patience to give him a second chance. In fact, he was almost euthanized before being taken to the adoption center. Debra Green, the illustrator of this book, was a volunteer and took care of him there, but Titus, the author of this story, stepped in and took the dog home when the adoption center had to shut down. Knowing that this act of kindness is behind the content of this children's book makes it all the more rewarding a read. The soft illustrations are fabulously well-rendered, promising a hopeful atmosphere that's acted upon throughout the story. Furthermore, not only are the pictures inviting for children, but the singsong rhyming scheme makes it even more engaging. Children are bound to want to hear or read along with their parents Eddie's Christmas adventure over and over.