This Is a Moose

February 24, 2014
Morris (Bye-Bye, Baby!) and Lichtenheld (Steam Train, Dream Train) preside over loud and cheerful mayhem as animal moviemakers try to film a serious moose documentary (“This is the mighty moose,” it opens) but are thwarted by a group of stars that refuse to be typecast. Their subject, wearing a homemade space helmet, announces that he wants to be an astronaut. In lipstick and pearls, Grandmother Moose says that she always wanted to be a lacrosse goalie: “Go ahead! Whip a shot in!” she challenges, “I’ll stiff you, sonny!” Defying the documentary project and its bossy, imperious director, the other woodland creatures (including a giraffe with medical aspirations) conspire to send the astronaut moose into space with an oversize rubber band: “SPROING!” Deadpan delivery, sharp timing, and Lichtenheld’s antic artwork all contribute to high-octane entertainment that also addresses defying expectations, not to mention gravity. Amid the fun, the punchline (the duck director’s realization that he isn’t acting any more “natural” than the moose is) offers an opportunity to discuss double standards. Ages 3–6. Author’s agent: Alice Tasman, Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency. Illustrator’s agent: Amy Rennert, Amy Rennert Agency.

April 1, 2014

K-Gr 2-Moose is the subject of a film, but the director is not happy with his performance. Moose's ideas of "moosehood" do not match the traditional expectations of the script, frustrating Billy Waddler to no end. Moose wants to be an astronaut and is well on his way to achieving his goal. With the support of his lacrosse goalie grandmother and his giraffe friend, an aspiring doctor, Moose just may do it and stretch the perspective of one enlightened movie director. With text in bold type and hand-lettered speech bubbles, this title will find itself in the hands of beginning readers as well as those who are a little more advanced. Created in ink, colored pencil, and gouache, the full-color, often full-page illustrations are hilarious, and Lictenheld's attention to detail will have kids scouring every page. The message to break down stereotypes and push past social constraints is clear but isn't delivered in a sappy, predictable manner. A perfect vehicle to introduce such topics in a safe and engaging way, this fun picture book be appreciated by students, teachers, librarians, and parents alike.-Amy Shepherd, St. Anne's Episcopal School, Middleton, DE

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from March 15, 2014
Moose is steadfastly determined to achieve stardom amid the stars. The "Mighty Moose" is the subject of a nature film--or so the director intends. The moose, however, has donned a space suit and persists in his intention to be an astronaut through multiple takes. His lacrosse-playing grandmother intrudes on the set as does a giraffe (the "Regal Giraffe"). Moose don't play lacrosse, and giraffes belong in a safari film, according to the increasingly irate director. Grandmother, giraffe and assorted friends nonetheless launch the moose into space, allowing him to leave his natural habitat far behind. Director Waddler, evoking the spirits of Billy Wilder, Daffy Duck and Mo Willems' Pigeon, finally gets the picture and resets and retitles his film as This Is an Astronaut. Morris' story is filled with child-friendly humor that is cleverly matched by Lichtenheld's comic ink, pencil and gouache paintings. The pair captures personality (lots of it), action and adventure, along with some old-fashioned filmmaking tropes. The blues and browns of the background craftily evoke both a natural and astral setting, while the literally colorful text, both typeset and hand-lettered, could adorn any traditional production set (or playground). And for a witty final touch, there is a Glossary of Filmmaking Terms. Certain to elicit gales of giggles. A humorous--make that hysterical--homage to movies and big dreams. (Picture book. 4-7)

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Starred review from May 1, 2014
Grades 1-3 *Starred Review* Filmmaking can be tough work, especially if the star of your documentary on the mighty moose isn't interested in moose things, like drinking from lakes or eating leaves. When Moose dons his astronaut helmet and space boots, the fed-up director yells, Cut, and everyone gets an earful about what moose are supposed to do. Of course, Moose isn't the only one who's defying expectations: his grandma always wanted to be a star lacrosse player. A nearby giraffe wants to be a doctor. The absurd chaos on the set continues to build until the director is left shouting Will somebody PLEASE find me an animal that acts like it's supposed to!!! That director, by the way, is a beret-wearing duck who may remind readers of a certain demanding pigeon. Lichtenheld (Exclamation Mark, 2013) fills each page with serene nature scenes in soft, fuzzy earth tones. But with each interruption, things get downright goofy with chuckle-worthy background details, silly asides in speech bubbles, and hugely expressive fonts that crowd the pages and add a colorful touch of mania to the director's growing frustration. A rambunctious and hilarious story of embracing the unexpected.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)