The World According to Musk Ox

August 1, 2014
The wisecracking musk ox and buttoned-up zebra take off to travel the world. These pals (last seen in Musk Ox Counts, 2013) have a half-fond, half-irritated, very entertaining relationship. When the zebra finds their globe shattered and his companion utterly ignorant of geography, he whisks them off on a tour of continents, lecturing all the way-while the musk ox quips. Some of the humor is genuinely rib-tickling, in particular their banter. Also funny are the musk ox bestride a camel, penguins toppling hilariously in Antarctic wind gusts, and various "Hysterical Marker" signs with attitude ("In 1911, the South Pole was discovered by 5 men and 16 dogs. Guess who took the credit?"). Other jokes fall flat, such as the musk ox's pickup-artist lines: Zebra introduces some animals "called gnus," and musk ox says, "Well, I just want to call them. Hello, ladies! Is it hot out here or is it me?" Jazzy information (Antarctica's a desert!) tussles with artistic license (Bactrian camels erroneously show up in Africa). The portrayals of the continents employ a lazy reductiveness: Africa's all nature and animals, while Europe has the Eiffel Tower-and humans. Target-age readers are too young to unpack this problematic implication. Myers' paintings are visually bold, truly funny and richly colored. Great art and (some) fabulous humor, but the geographical implications requiring correction make this a difficult choice. (Picture book. 5-8)

COPYRIGHT(2014) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

July 1, 2014

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

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.