Horn Book

An overly cautious moose decides to take more chances and discovers that a sense of adventure makes life more satisfying. Since his momentous decision comes early in the narrative, the story line that follows is relatively flat (albeit entertaining). Digitally created illustrations with areas of muted color show a googly-eyed moose embarking on one new experience after another.

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

The moose who had a cameo in Oldland%E2%80%99s 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: %E2%80%9CNot this moose. Too cold.%E2%80%9D Sensing he%E2%80%99s %E2%80%9Cmissing out on something,%E2%80%9D the moose decides to %E2%80%9Ctake life by the antlers%E2%80%9D and sets sail in a boat that breaks apart in a storm. Stranded on a remote island, he not only summons survival skills%E2%80%94foraging for food, building shelter and a fire%E2%80%94but happily swims and surfs with a new tortoise pal. Oldland%E2%80%99s 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%E2%80%937. (Aug.)

School Library Journal (Fri Oct 01 00:00:00 CDT 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