Making the Moose Out of Life

August 2, 2010
The moose who had a cameo in Oldland’s Big Bear Hug (2009) makes the most of this starring role. Though he lives in the wild, the timid, wide-eyed fellow is anything but. While his friends go puddle jumping in the rain, he cowers under an umbrella, and he looks on shivering when others go skiing: “Not this moose. Too cold.” Sensing he’s “missing out on something,” the moose decides to “take life by the antlers” and sets sail in a boat that breaks apart in a storm. Stranded on a remote island, he not only summons survival skills—foraging for food, building shelter and a fire—but happily swims and surfs with a new tortoise pal. Oldland’s digital illustrations are as spare as the text, combining spot images and scenes that reveal expanses of sea and sky in lovely aqua and teal tones. His friends warmly welcome the moose after a cruise ship drops him home, where his newfound sense of adventure thrives. A fable with a valuable message, delivered with understated humor. Ages 3–7.

October 1, 2010

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

Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.