Book Review: Trixie the Three-Legged Deer

Reviewed by Toni Woodruff

Brightly shining and filled with love—a beautifully illustrated children’s book about an inspirational three-legged mama deer

In most cases, a children’s book is only as good as its illustrations. The text is important, sure. We need to be reading to our children, telling them stories, teaching them things, but to foster their reading comprehension, we also need to get our children matching up some words with images on the page. But the illustrations have to captivate in order to catch and keep our little ones’ attention. 

Luckily, Trixie the Three-Legged Deer is filled with vibrant colors and artful nature scenes that will engage anyone. This book’s art is beautiful.

The story is about Trixie, a three-legged deer living in the magical Forest of Whispers. She’s got squirrel friends and butterfly friends and rabbit friends and passes the time with stories and food until she finds a tiny, orphaned fawn lost in the forest. She takes her in, calls her Meadow, and proves to her that anyone is capable of overcoming adversity, whether it is being orphaned or thriving with only three legs. 

As the seasons change, Trixie and Meadow seek food, shelter, friendship, and surprisingly, even venture into the city.

My little one has asked to read Trixie nearly every day since we got it. The gorgeous illustrations definitely play a part in her wanting to snuggle up close with me to hear this adventurous story. But it’s also got such a great backbone in being about courage and love, an inspirational message rooted in the power of togetherness.

The book goes in some surprising places, and it also has some surprising lines. The surprises are nice, but at times they can feel like they don’t always fit the story we’re hearing, like when they inspire their fellow critters for being courageous even though they’re kind of just doing their own thing. The venture into the city is unexpected and welcome, but making human friends with a family is another piece that feels out of place. 

The book is a little lengthy, but since the art is so nice, my toddler and I gladly ventured through the whole story more than a few times. Trixie’s having three legs doesn’t play too big a role in the plot, but perhaps that’s because Trixie doesn’t let that define her—a great attribute to this colorful nature-based story.

This would be a great pick for those who enjoy reading to their kids about wildlife, disabilities, and building community.

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