The Useful Moose: A Truthful, Moose-Full Tale [Hardcover]

Fiona Robinson (Author)

Book Description

Grade Level: P and up

In this sweet friendship story, a girl who is obsessed with moose brings some home to live in her townhouse in the city, where they quickly make themselves useful. Their hilarious housekeeping efforts and endearing friendship with the heroine make this a warm-hearted pick.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2 - Molly's tale begins, "Some children like cats. Some children like dogs. I like moose." After traveling to Alaska with her family to see these animals, the girl discovers that they are all vacationing in her own city. Back home, Molly overhears three young moose complaining about their aching feet and invites them to her apartment. They soon exhibit their exceptional housekeeping skills ("Monty was a great cook. Munroe was a fantastic washer-upper. Milligan and Monty were terrific at dryng laundry. And Munroe was wonderful at winding wool"). Inevitably, the animals get homesick and return to Alaska, but send their friend postcards and even drop in for a surprise appearance at her birthday party. On the last page, Molly changes her beginning statement to, "I love moose!" The textured oil paintings are done in cartoon style and reinforce the mood and action of the story. Children will love examining and discussing the humorously exaggerated pictures. With its broad and comical appeal, this original picture book is an excellent choice for individual or group readings. - Jessi Platt, Auburn Public Library, AL
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About the Author

Fiona Robinson is a British-born and trained artist now living in Brooklyn, New York. She has been honoured by the Royal Academy of Arts, illustrated articles for The Wall Street Journal, and has had her work appear in several London galleries. This is her first book.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams (September 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810949253
• ISBN-13: 978-0810949256
• Product Dimensions: 12.4 x 9.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #307,681 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A delightful new childrens book, September 2, 2004

By 

Carol A. Moore (Tarrytown, NY) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Useful Moose: A Truthful, Moose-Full Tale (Hardcover)

This book has lovely colorful illustrations that easily catch the attention of the reader and small listener. By looking closely at the illustrations there are subtle humorous finds that add to the written content. The larger size of the book makes it easier to hold during reading for an adult or a child. This book is a wonderful addition to any classroom or childs collection.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mooses on the Looses!, December 16, 2005

By 

M. Allen Greenbaum (California) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Useful Moose: A Truthful, Moose-Full Tale (Hardcover)

"Some children like cats. Some children like dogs. I like moose." Young, red-headed Molly declaration is somewhat of an understatement, as her bedroom contains a Moose - "Next 3 Miles" sign, a moose clock, moose slippers, moose bookends bracketing a shelf of moose books (including "Moose or Mooses?") and even a cactus resembling moose antlers!

When Molly's parents take her to Alaska to see some moose, she can't find anything but....a goose! The goose say the moose are on vacation in the city: "And Mr. Goose was right. My moose were in the city-our city! Hundreds and thousands of moose!" They're walking into the natural history museum, buying postcards, shopping, and eating at fine restaurants! Within just six pages, Fiona Robinson establishes an imaginative, witty, lively story, that is is so appealingly zany that you want to believe it. Molly takes three moose (or is that mooses?) home: Monty...Munroe...Milligan..." They complain a bit and they snore, but they also play a wicked game of broom hockey, are whizzes in the kitchen, and use their antlers in many helpful ways (winding wool and drying clothes among them).. Robinson depicts all this in large, big-hearted, whimsical pictures, and writes a fun, surprise last section in which the moose-who had heard the call of the wild and returned home-- drop by (via parachute) for Molly's birthday party. She LOVES moose, and you and your young audience will love this witty, enchanting moose-capade.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enor-moosely fun, October 4, 2004

By 

Peter H. Millen (Brooklyn, New York) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Useful Moose: A Truthful, Moose-Full Tale (Hardcover)

Very warm and funny story with plenty of visual humor and beautiful illustrations which remind me of the best classic 50's children's books - very nicely presented in a top quality printing. Bravo!