Making the Moose Out of Life

The moose who had a cameo in Oldland’s 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: “Not this moose. Too cold.” Sensing he’s “missing out on something,” the moose decides to “take life by the antlers” and sets sail in a boat that breaks apart in a storm. Stranded on a remote island, he not only summons survival skills—foraging for food, building shelter and a fire—but happily swims and surfs with a new tortoise pal. Oldland’s 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 3–7. (Aug.)