Finding Moose

Submitted by madeleinepundyk on
Author
Sue Farrell Holler
Illustrated by
Jennifer Faria
Toronto, ON: Pajama Press, April, 2022
32 pp., hardcover, $21.95
ISBN
9781772782448
Grades
Preschool-grade 1
Ages
Ages 4-6
Review by
Review by Nikita Griffioen (Reviewed from Advance Reading Copy)
Excerpt

Moose is the best at playing hide-and-seek. We can’t see him anywhere.

Finding Moose, a charming and informative story, tells the tale of a young boy and his grandfather out in the woods, searching for a moose. They embark on a nature and sensory journey, and, as they do so, Grandpa teaches the boy Ojibwemowin words for different things they come across. When they see a sign for moose on the trail, Grandpa stops them: “’Moose,’ he says, ‘Mooz’” (p. 7). They come across beautiful elements of the woods, such as “snow that looks like beads but drips of water…” (p. 10). Unfortunately, moose is “the best at playing hide and seek” (p. 13), and the young boy and his grandfather do not encounter one – however, young readers just might.

The illustrations are serene, detailed, and convey the crisp cold of the forest on this exploratory day. Faria utilizes textures and colour to bring the audience with the grandfather and his grandson as they go on their journey and to illuminate the movement of animals in the forest. Her illustrations also hold a surprise near the end.

Holler’s Finding Moose is an excellent addition to any bookshelf, especially for helping young learners learn a bit of the Ojibwemowin language. Lovers of nature, exploring, and spending time with dear loved ones will enjoy this story – it is a gem for all ages.

Highly Recommended
Reviewer

Nikita Griffioen is a high school teacher in Abbotsford, British Columbia, and the illustrator of
Mama’s Carnitas. When she is not too busy teaching, reading, traveling, exploring outdoors, or playing sports, you can find her writing and illustrating her own stories.