Z Is for Moose (Booklist Editor's Choice. Books for Youth (Awards)) [Hardcover]

Kelly Bingham (Author), Paul O. Zelinsky (Illustrator)

Book Description

Release date: February 28, 2012 | Age Range: 4 - 8 years | Series: Booklist Editor's Choice. Books for Youth (Awards)

Z is for Zebra.

Zebra is absolutely certain he’ll be able to direct everyone to appear on the correct page, at the appropriate time, without any mishaps, unnecessary drama, or hurt feelings. It’s the ABCs, for goodness’ sake. How difficult can it be?

Oh, dear.

Zebra forgot about moose.

Product Details

• Age Range: 4 - 8 years
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Greenwillow Books (February 28, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060799846
• ISBN-13: 978-0060799847
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 9.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (41 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,993 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

*Starred Review* This laugh-out-loud romp of an abecedary features an impatient moose who just can’t wait for his turn. There is something intrinsically funny about moose (the art has a Bullwinkle feel), and this overenthusiastic one prematurely pops up onstage at D, wearing a proud grin, with hapless Duck having been pushed out of the way. Zebra (sporting a referee’s black-striped shirt) leaps out from the corner, shouting, “Moose? No. Moose does not start with D. You are on the wrong page.” Moose then wanders onto Elephant’s page, Fox and Glove are forced to share a stage, and then Moose’s irrepressibly excited mug plops down from the ceiling, obscuring Hat: “Is it my turn yet?” Basically, he is like an antsy kid anticipating his big star turn at M, only to be heartbroken when Mouse is given that letter’s starring role. Zebra, though frustrated, is not deaf to Moose’s offstage sobbing (look to the title for his resolution to the problem). Ideal for kids who are past struggling to learn the alphabet and who will fully get the humor in Moose’s goofy antics. Grades K-2. --Diane Foote

Review

“Everybody will be elated with this goofy new way of going from A to Z.” (Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review))

“This zany alphabet book will make children smile.” (School Library Journal (starred review))

“This laugh-out-loud romp of an abecedary features an impatient moose who just can’t wait for his turn.” (Booklist (starred review))

“If you think you’ve seen every possible idea for an alphabet book played out, think again.” (Horn Book (starred review))

“Just label it F for funny.” (Kirkus Reviews (starred review))

“Readers accustomed to the usual list of letters will be giggling with suspense by the time ‘L is for Lollipop’ rolls around.” (Publishers Weekly (starred review))

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Age Range: 4 - 8 years
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Greenwillow Books (February 28, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060799846
• ISBN-13: 978-0060799847
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 9.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (41 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,993 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 42 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Picture Book That Made Me Laugh March 1, 2012

By Daniel R. Gehring

Format:Hardcover

Every once in a while our library staff discovers a picture book we pass around and share. This is one of those books. It's funny. No spoilers from me, although I will say this book has a couple of surprises, one funny, one heartwarming in store for you. This would be a great book to share with youngsters that are already familiar with the alphabet. This is not a book to learn the alphabet; its a book to play with the alphabet.

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This one is going on my "forever" shelf March 9, 2012

By Jennifer Donovan

Format:Hardcover

I "know" Paul O. Zelinksy as the illustrator of Emily Jenkins' Toys Go Out books. Those books have a nice cover in color, and a few full-page black-and-white line drawings throughout. The artwork is cool, but the highlight of those books is the sparkling text.

However, in Z Is for Moose, written by Kelly Bingham, Zelinksky's artwork and Bingham's text are seamlessly integrated, creating a one-of-a-kind experience.

Before I had even read one word of it, I was charmed by the illustration on the pages before the title page (which I'm sure have a name, but I know it not). It gives the reader a peek at the characters, like a curtain being raised on a play.

It starts off as your typical picture book. A nice clear picture and "A is for Apple," but what is that zebra doing peeking into the frame? B and C are business as usual, but "D is for Moose" has the moose posing proudly and the zebra referee saying "You are on the wrong page," and pushing him out of the frame causing "E is for Elephant" to say "Look out!"

The moose continues through, trying to find his place, with the zebra continually admonishing him to move. By the time he gets to the M page (making cameo appearances on most of the other pages leading up to it, even saying on L "Here it comes!"), he is shocked to find that "M is for Mouse."

He throws a tantrum, upsetting O, P, and Q, and takes a crayon in his own hand (hoof), adding antlers to R's Ring and S's Snake as Zebra works hard to protect the other entries. When Moose realizes that he's not going to be in the book, and it's too late, Zebra takes pity on him and shares his own entry with his friend.

I give this book my high recommendation. It's not for preschoolers only.... The same set who enjoy Mo Willems `and Melanie Watt's work will likely want this book on their "keep forever" shelf. Read more ›

21 of 24 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Instant Classic! March 1, 2012

By Lou Hamilton

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Who would have thought that an ABC book could be hilarious?! Well, this one is. You will actually enjoy reading this to your little ones. Take this romp through the alphabet with magnificent Moose and zealous Zebra, and enjoy the adventure with someone you love.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Crazy Alphabet Fun! March 31, 2012

By Valerie A. Baute

Format:Hardcover

Spoiler alert~
After not so patiently waiting his turn, Moose is very disappointed to learn that M will be for Mouse in this book. He then wreaks havoc on the next few pages until finding a crayon. With the crayon, he manages to draw some antlers on other objects. Zebra, the one in charge of the whole production, has to take over and protect the other letters. Poor, dejected Moose eventually gives up, until Zebra is nice enough to share his letter.

Ah, another wild alphabet book. Eventually these could get old, but this one is such a funny, different take that it is still amazing. Another review I read was upset that Moose doesn't apologize for behaving so badly. Yes, it would be more politically correct for this to happen, but I don't think it's necessary. It is a funny book with a sweet ending, and that's enough for me. I don't necessarily think the artwork is top notch, but the pictures are still funny. I love how Moose and Zebra talk throughout. I love how all of the animals and other objects being used throughout the book interact, really bringing the alphabet to life. One cute example is the little joey in its momma's pouch asking who the moose is. (He is also in the pouch)

I won't be able to read this aloud in a story time setting due to the amount of the story told through pictures and speech bubbles, but it is still a winning book to me. Children will laugh throughout at all the funny pictures, how crazy things happen once Moose realizes he's not in the book, and how Zebra reacts. Then in the end they will learn about kindness and sharing, and parents can talk to them about how Moose should apologize if they feel it is necessary.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Funny, funny, funny March 27, 2012

By M. Heiss

Format:Hardcover

This book is hilarious. Everyone in the family loves this -- and it's a fun surprise for Gramma, who reads a LOT of alphabet books. The illustrations are funny, with the moose barging all through the pages. Irresistible... take my word for it, you'll feel happy reading this book.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Funniest ABC I ever read! August 31, 2012

By Chrissy the Hyphenated

Format:Hardcover

I am a grandma who is thousands of miles from the wee ones. My dd shares their lives with me every day via her camera phone, including what books they're reading. If our library has the titles, I get them out so I can share with them vicariously. This is one of those titles and what a treasure! Hands down the FUNNIEST ABC book I've ever read. I HOWLED with laughter. Definitely worth owning for your kids' or grandkids' bookshelf. Or for your own second childhood <VBG>.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a MOOSE read! February 3, 2013

By Lisa Tortorello

Format:Hardcover

I came across this book accidentally and loved it. As a disclaimer, I collect moose and that is what drew me to the title, but I truly loved this story!

Z is for Moose is a great way to teach children the alphabet while incorporating humor and fun and friendship. The illustrations are very creative and I just love the expressions on the moose's face throughout the story. Children will definitely get a kick out of this book!