The World According to Musk Ox

Gr 2–5—Long-suffering Zebra tries to interest self-centered Musk Ox in other parts of the world besides his home in the Arctic. During brief visits to each continent, Musk Ox focuses most of the attention on himself and his interests. He flirts with gnus in Africa and hangs paintings featuring musk oxen on the Great Wall of China. The highlight of the trip to Europe is a visit to the Austrian ice caves. Zebra manages to include a few facts about lakes, mountains, climate, and wildlife, but humor definitely trumps geography. "Hysterical Facts" sign boards, corny jokes, and goofy cartoon illustrations provide a host of opportunities for repeat readings. Unlike A Is For Musk Ox (2012) and Musk Ox Counts (2013, both Roaring Brook), which capitalize on reworking familiar concept-book formulas, this third outing introduces less familiar material. Older fans of the bickering duo, including adults, will welcome their return, but younger listeners may be puzzled by some of their exchanges.—Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University Library, Mankato