Moose and Goose on the Bus by Grace Diane

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


A spring day with Goose and Moose is bound to leave the readers warm within

When you read the story the first time, the illustrations are bound to grab your attention. Despite the muted colours or neutral tone, there is a certain charm that is both beautiful and soft like the spring sunshine. But what attracts us the most is the thoughtful expression on the reindeer's face. We get introduced to three different characters in the story - Goose, Moose and Bruce. Surprisingly, even in spring there is a lot that doesn't sit well with either Goose or Bruce. They have reasons to not enjoy it as much. Bruce feels it's still too cold, he appears to be grumpy, whereas Goose gives us the impression of being indifferent to March.

The second time you visit the two strange friends, you are also on the bus, riding along with them, bumping over the puddles and feeling the slight chill in the spring air. Yet it is Moose time and again who reminds us about how the crocuses and tulips would bloom around spring, how bright the sun shines in our faces, how we should dress up as it fits the season. Sensitively portraying how friends can have a difference of opinion and still remain friends, the author takes us on a journey of kindness and an invincible spirit of optimism. Reading this story would help young people to learn by imitation to care about our friends even if they have a unique way of thinking that is different from that of ours.

When Moose finds out why Bruce is unhappy, he tries to think of a way to make him feel better by gifting him a tuque. He even attempts to present Goose a daffodil, encouraging her to appreciate nature's beauty. But when that plan fails, he brings her a pair of polka dot socks and finally manages to cheer her up. She always wanted boots as keeping her feet warm and dry is important to her. This shows the significance behind understanding what a person desires in life without trying to impose our beliefs on them.

Being an educator, this book seems ideal for teaching children the real reason behind trying to have a positive outlook in life. If you are determined to make the best out of any given situation, you have already won half the battle because then nothing can bring you down. This story is recommended for all children, especially for new parents to read aloud stories before bedtime.

(Note: ARC obtained on Reedsy Discovery)



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