Weekly Round-Up: Moose Books!

I haven't done one of these Weekly Round-ups in a while--I've been up to my ears in schoolwork (mine and the kids'). But one of my delights this year is to be a room mom in my boys' kindergarten class. Amidst other duties (most of which I've farmed out to other parents) is the occasional storytime with their class. What a delight! They've just finished reviewing "M" and "N" for sounds and hand-writing. So, I brought in a new favorite of Megan's and mine both: Z is for Moose by Kelly Bingham and illustrated by the amazing Paul O. Zelinsky. I also read Moosetracks and Imogene's Antlers ("M" for Moose in case you're wondering...). The children were rapt and loved the books--but particularly Z is for Moose.

Did you know that there are a LOT of moose-themed picture books? Who knew. Here is a lineup of some of my favorite moose-themed books, all of which make excellent read alouds to the upper preschool-kindergarten-early elementary crowd.

Z is for Moose
Kelly Bingham, author
Paul O. Zelinsky, illustrator
Greenwillow, 2012

Zebra is trying to stage an ABC show in which characters come on stage according to their letter. Moose, Zebra's friend, is very impatient and so desperately wants to be on stage... he can hardly wait for his letter to show up. But there are other animals who also start with "M," so will Moose be picked? Hilarious--especially to those who've just mastered their ABC's.

Moose Tracks
Karma Wilson, author
Jack E. Davis, illustrator
Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2006

I'll confess that this isn't one of my favorite Karma Wilson books (although Megan and I shower our love on her here and here). It's the illustrations; they're a bit clunky to me. Yet this is a fun read aloud and has a nice twist at the end. It's a worthy addition to a "Moose" themed round-up.

Thidwick, the Big-Hearted Moose
Dr. Seuss
Harper Collins Children's Books, 2004 (first published 1985)

A classic, this chronicles a very hospitable moose who puts those antlers to good use! Dr. Seuss books are a bit longer than modern picture books, so plan accordingly with your audience and your other read alouds.

If You Give a Moose a Muffin
Laura J. Numeroff, author
Felicia Bond, illustrator
Harper Collins, 1991

One of the endearing If You Give A... series that began with If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, this book shows a large moose ambling through a small boy's house after the boy gives him a muffin. Circular and funny, especially to the older preschool-first grade crowd. Many of these books are small, so if you want to read this to a large group, check with your library for a larger copy (so everyone can see the wonderful, detailed illustrations!).

Morris the Moose series
Bernard Wiseman
Harper Collins, 1991 (originally published 1959)

If you have a new reader in the house (or a soon-to-be-reader), try this silly series. From the early days of the I CAN READ books, Morris the Moose books are quirky and silly and will charm new readers. A bit dated in feel, that doesn't seem to bother most children, especially if they can read it themselves!

The Invisible Moose
Dennis Hasley, author
Stephen Kellogg, illustrator
Dial, 2006

The Invisible Moose is classic Kellogg style in terms of illutrastions: lavish and detailed and multi-colored. It's a sweet story of a young moose who falls in love with another young moose and follows her to rescue her after she gets captured. A bit longer than some of the others (save for Thidwick), so factor that in to your line-up. Always consider your audience!

Imogene's Antlers
David Small
Crown Books, 2010 (first published 1985)

While not a book about a moose, this is a delightful book that does feature antlers--rather prominently. I couldn't pass up including it. I love the message in this book: make the most of your own unique qualities, even if they are antlers! Children love the ending to this funny little book, and David Small's illustrations are top notch as always.

Do YOU have a favorite moose book to share with us?

Many thanks to goodreads for cover images!