Making the Moose out of Life

PreS-Gr 2—Mild-mannered Moose never joins his friends when they go puddle jumping, kite flying, or skiing. He always feels like he is missing out on something, but he's not certain what. When he sets out alone in a sailboat, he drifts along until he's caught up in a raging storm. He battles the sea and is washed away to a deserted island. It's here that he learns how to fend for himself and he meets a new friend, a tortoise named Tuesday. They swim, surf, and roast coconuts together. When Moose is rescued by a cruise ship, he embraces shipboard life, taking part in all of the activities. Finally, he returns to his former friends and is now ready to join them and have some fun. Moose made a cameo appearance in Big Bear Hug (Kids Can, 2009), and he's just too adorable not to care about him. The illustrations are in muted outdoorsy colors of brown, green, and blue with a contemporary folk-art look. The story's message is clear and Moose will inspire young readers (and the adults in their lives) to explore and savor all that surrounds them. Charming and simply told, this moose-sized tale is sure to please.—Helen Foster James, University of California at San Diego