This Is a Moose

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. (May)

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