Moose Blasts Off! (Duck and Moose #2)

A worthy proposition that effortlessly achieves liftoff.

K-Gr 4--The adventures continue for the lovable odd couple, friends Duck and Moose. Although these two have their differences, their desire to spend time together puts them in funny situations that turn into laugh-out-loud moments for readers. In this the second series installment, Duck interrupts Moose while he's playing astronaut--his "favorite thing ever." True to form, Duck has a lot of questions about what this imaginary game is all about and wants to add his own flair. As the two try to play together, Duck's imagination runs wilder than Moose can handle. A story about two characters gets a special addition with transparent drawings of what is happening in their imaginations. The chance to see the inner workings of a silly animal's brain is another layer to an already strong visual representation of the characters' external characteristics, like Moose's frustration and Duck's enthusiasm. Each pencil, ink, and digital illustration is carefully constructed to enhance the humor and chaos that is Duck and Moose's relationship. Not only will this be a book series kids gravitate towards, but it has extensive opportunities for social-emotional lessons on communication, friendship, flexibility, and emotions. VERDICT A must-have series that is among the best that graphic novels have to offer.--Danielle Schwessinger