Moe Is Best

July 1, 2014
Veteran Torrey joins the stable of author-illustrators contributing to the I Like to Read picture-book series, crafting a family tale of persistence and confidence that serves as a timely lesson in a text explicitly aimed at the youngest budding readers.This series dares to make entertaining reads from short texts and familiar vocabulary. Repetitions of "Moe can..." are offset by contrasting images of a "little" monkey brother attempting to accomplish tasks better suited to his older siblings. Torrey takes adult caregivers on a reminiscent journey through the familiar chores and lores of home life as a kid even as he transports child readers from the bathroom sink to the outdoor basketball court. The older, playful siblings chide Moe's overconfidence ("I am the best," he says over and over) yet comfort him after countless missed baskets, helping him to realize he is the best at something: "trying." The artwork lends as much simplicity as the language, stepping away from elaborate detail for a simple, streamlined palette digitally filled from the author's illustration board. What readers are left with is a short anecdote of familial competition that delivers a quick but salient message.This lighthearted take on youthful determination and the value of continued effort successfully avoids undue complexity, allowing both message and story to reach their emergent-reader audience. (Early reader. 4-6)

COPYRIGHT(2014) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

August 1, 2014

PreS-K-A young monkey goes through his day declaring he is the best at everything, from brushing his teeth to feeding the cat. His older brother and sister follow along, pointing out his mistakes. Finally, after trying to play basketball but not making any baskets, he realizes that he is not the best. His siblings cheer him up with the idea that he is the best at trying. The message may be helpful for toddlers who are feeling too small to do anything right. The illustrations are clear and bright, but the big-headed characters are only identifiable as monkeys by their tails. Otherwise, they look, act, and dress like most children. The simple text and relatable story will make for a pleasant read but won't likely lead to many repeated readings.-Laura Stanfield, Campbell County Public Library, Ft. Thomas, KY

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.