“I have always believed there is something truly magical about reindeer…”
About the Author
Whitney Cummins is a reindeer enthusiast who loves having outdoor adventures with her husband and daughter. Together, they’ve traveled to magnificent national parks, bustling cities, vast deserts, and many amazing places in between. When she’s not out exploring, Whitney enjoys visiting family in Missouri and cuddling up with her two furry pets, Henry and Mercer. When Reindeer Appear: Jingle’s Story is her first children’s book.
Get to Know Whitney
What inspired you to write about reindeer?
I have always believed there is something truly magical about reindeer. As a child, I was far more fascinated by them than by Santa himself. Each Christmas Eve, I would listen closely for the sound of their hoof steps, secretly hoping I might one day have a reindeer of my own.
Then as so often happens when we grow older, we tend to forget about some of the magic that shaped our childhoods. When I had my daughter, all of the wonder and magic came rushing back. Through her, I was inspired to rediscover these extraordinary creatures and to imagine how their stories could help her navigate the challenges she may encounter. Writing about reindeer became a way to blend nostalgia, imagination, and gentle lessons for her—and for other children, too.
What is your favorite holiday memory?
I remember one Christmas Eve a package fell from Santa’s bag and landed on the roof beside our chimney. Thankfully, my father spotted it and climbed up to retrieve it just for me. I still remember the sense of awe and excitement I felt in that moment – it felt like pure magic.
Now, as a parent, I have a deeper appreciation for the love and effort that goes into creating those once-in-a-lifetime moments. I’m so grateful to my mom and dad for the cozy traditions and beautiful memories they gave me. I’ll carry them with me always.
What is your favorite place to travel?
That’s almost impossible to answer – there are too many places with too many unique features! But if I had to choose… Marfa, TX holds a special place for our family. My husband and I began visiting in 2019 and we have returned every year since. The never-ending skies, jagged mountains and immense desert keep pulling us back to discover new things.
What was your favorite book when you were in elementary school?
The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams. If you couldn’t tell already, I’m easily hooked on animal stories. This is one that now as a parent, I’m able to revisit and fall in love with all over again with a different perspective.
What do you hope young readers take away from When Reindeer Appear: Jingle’s Story?
I hope that readers will begin to believe in their abilities and have the courage to try something new. It can seem overwhelming in the moment and there can be a fear of failure, but it’s worth taking that first step.
What’s next for When Reindeer Appear?
Jingle is just the first of Santa’s other reindeer. As you know, the reindeer travel all around the world, so there are adventures in new places with new friends. I look forward to bringing more of their stories to young readers soon!
About the Illustrator
Ruxandra Maille is the phenomenal artist behind the illustrations of When Reindeer Appear: Jingle's Story. Specializing in oil and watercolor paintings, Ruxandra brings a sense of nostalgia and dramatic detail to her artwork. Her favorite thing to paint? Bunnies of course! When she’s not in her studio, Ruxandra enjoys spending time with her son and husband in the French countryside where she was raised.
You can view and purchase her art at:
“When things seem tough, sometimes you just need the reminder that you trust yourself, and that gives you courage.”
About Summer Triangle Publishing
As the name suggests, Summer Triangle Publishing draws on the star pattern made by Altair, Deneb and Vega. Though each star belongs to a different constellation, together they create a bold, brilliant triangle that lights the summer sky.
At Summer Triangle Publishing, we embrace a similar philosophy. We believe that each person has a unique perspective and purpose. But it is when we come together that we burn the brightest. We are dedicated to telling stories grounded in universal themes – stories that connect us, inspire possibility and reflect the transformative power of shared knowledge, compassion and kindness.
