Exactly as Planned

by Tao Nyeu

In this clever, funny book, kids will love comparing the two sides of one friendship story. Read Fox’s version of the eventful day, then discover how Moose experiences it!

Fox has invited her friend Moose over for tea, but the brownies she baked have disappeared. What’s she to do? A good host always has something sweet to offer. She’s about to despair when she notices some yarn blowing in the breeze and comes up with a new idea. Will Fox’s visit with Moose end up being as terrific as originally planned?

Meanwhile, Moose is delighted to have been invited for tea. He has just finished knitting a scarf that he will give to Fox, because good guests never arrive empty-handed. Little does he know that the scarf is unraveling as he walks to Fox’s. When he discovers that his gift is gone, he’s about to despair. But there are new ideas ahead. Maybe his visit with Fox will end up being as terrific as originally planned.

This two-sided story, about expecting the unexpected and appreciating just being together, is a joyful delight.

Genres: Picture Books, Friendship, Animals, Childrens, Juvenile, Fiction, Knitting

40 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2024

About the author

Tao Nyeu was born in Akron, Ohio, and grew up in Kiskayuna, New York. She attended the School of Visual Arts in New York City, receiving her MFA in Illustration in 2007. Wonder Bear was her thesis project inspired by an odd-looking gummy bear with magical powers. (It was promptly eaten.) She lives with her husband in Los Angeles, California.

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was so cute i cried

[Lauren Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t normally rate kids books but this is my new favorite for sure!

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book starts out just okay, but the subtle build up of complexity makes it stand out by the end. The illustrations are charming and the themes of thoughtfulness and adaptability were uplifting.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn't realize it was double sided at first, the kids liked seeing the same story with different view points.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

1/27/2026 - Loved how both sides of the story were depicted!

[carolina howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

perfect kids book. so charming and sweet and just because it’s not what you planned doesn’t mean it can’t be wonderful 🥹

[Meredith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Moose and Fox prepare to drink afternoon tea together.

This picture book is two stories in one:
• Exactly as Planned: Fox
• Exactly as Planned: Moose

Both stories take place during the same timeframe, one from Fox’s perspective as she prepares for Moose’s visit and one from Moose’s perspective as he prepares to visit Fox. For both Fox and Moose, things do not go as planned. A crow carries off the cookies Fox baked to go with the tea, and the scarf Moose knitted for Fox gets snagged on a bush and unravels. Both characters move reluctantly forward with an alternate plan, and things work out okay in the end.

Readers of all ages will relate to the experience of things not going as planned. The story also encourages flexible thinking in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

I didn't have an issue with Moose and Fox crying when something went wrong. That is a natural response, especially in children, who are the book's primary audience. But as a parent, and as a reader, I would have preferred it if Fox and Moose had received assistance from the other animals that wasn't a bribe for them to stop crying, and I would have preferred it even more if after crying, the characters would have demonstrated flexible thinking skills by coming up with an alternative themselves without help from the other woodland creatures. Cognitive flexibility is a crucial life skill, and it would benefit young readers to see examples of flexible thinking when things don't go according to plan.

My favorite book by Tao Nyeu is Squid and Octopus Friends for Always, which a story of gentle friendship that approaches Frog and Toad Are Friends quality.

The illustrations were done using colored pencil and silkscreen.

[Kasey Edge · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when nothing goes as planned? 


In "Exactly as Planned,” we follow Moose, who knitted a red scarf and intended to give it to his friend Fox, but loses it on the way to her house.


On his search to find it, he runs into a raccoon, a group of playful bunnies, and a goat, who haven’t seen the scarf but give him other gifts for Fox, who is delighted by his present and presence. She gifts him a beautiful blue yarn he doesn’t already have in his collection and he uses it to make a hat for her. She already has a scarf.


Then, we flip over the book to read the story from  Fox’s point of view, who makes brownies to greet Moose with only to have them stolen. After trying and failing to get them back, she finds a red string of yarn that she decides would be a great gift for Moose.


She has no idea.


Unfortunately for her, in the time it’s taken for the string to appear and her to collect it, other woodland creatures have taken it upon themselves to use it for their own purposes.


As Fox happens upon them, she asks them for it, and they all initially refuse but then compromise and give her the yarn they don’t need, along with other offerings, culminating in a gift for Moose she’s happy with. When Moose arrives, he gives her something she is able to make a sweet treat, so she is able to make him a dessert after all.


“Exactly as Planned”  has an easy-to-follow story arc and engaging characters. The second point of view that starts with the back cover is a fun surprise that my four-year-old loved. It's compelling how the reader can put together what happened before they read the second POV by paying attention to the illustrations.


As someone who has read going on a thousand children's books, this one stands out because it offers several lessons for kiddos without being preachy.

To read the full review, go here : https://open.substack.com/pub/kaseyed...

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fox invites Moose over for tea. Moose has the perfect gift in the scarf he just finished knitting. But on the way to Fox's Moose loses the scarf. Frantically he questions each animal he encounters as to whether they've seen the scarf. Of course no one has b/c it has unwound behind him on his walk. But Raccoon offers some apples from her tree and the rabbits suggest he gather a bunch of flowers and the goat just happens to have a basket that he dyes blue. Moose now feels prepared.

On the other side of the forest, Fox has just finished baking brownies for Moose's visit when the crow steals them. Feeling disheartened that she won't have brownies for Moose, she notices a length of yarn flapping in the breeze. She know that Moose loves yarn so she begins to collect it. However Raccoon is using part of it for her nest but doesn't need all of it. And the rabbits are jumping rope with the yarn but also don't need all of it. Goat can't spare any yarn as he has too much laundry but he offers to dye the yarn a beautiful blue. Fox now feels prepared for Moose's visit.

The only drawback is that both characters begin to cry each time they encounter a "no" or some other disappointment. In real life we teach children to look around for a solution as children can often get lost in their emotions.

[Roben · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun book! Read all about Moose and Fox and their exciting afternoon. Moose knits a scarf and goes off to visit Fox. Unfortunately, unbeknownst to Moose, the scarf unravels on the way. Now what can Moose bring Fox? Once you reach the end of Moose's tale, flip the book and you can read the story from Fox's perspective. Don't worry - everything works out. Exactly as planned!!

This book has a couple of lovely messages - first and foremost, it is about thinking of others before yourself. Both Moose and Fox are concerned about being a good friend. And are disappointed when their plans to present gifts fall through. The scarf moose has knitted unravels but the yarn benefits many people in the community. Fox bakes brownies that disappear when set out to cool. Even though both are disappointed, they persevere in their efforts to bring joy to their friend. Making lemonade from lemons! Good coming from perceived ill fortune. All good things to ponder and remember.

Add in the novelty of finishing one story and then flipping the book over to read the other - and you have a book that kids will want to read more than once!

[Kirsten - Children's Library Lady]

A story about friendship, told from two different perspectives. This reversible book allows readers to see and understand both sides of a shared experience between Fox and Bunny.

Exactly as Planned promotes discussions on understanding different perspectives, adapting to unexpected situations, and the joy of shared experiences.

Discussion Questions
How do Fox's and Bunny's versions of their day differ?
Why do you think it's important to understand different perspectives?
Can you think of a time when you had to adapt when things didn't go as planned?
What does this story teach us about the value of shared experiences?
How does the story show the importance of being flexible and adaptable?
Can you relate to the characters' experience of having plans change unexpectedly? How did you feel, and what did you do?
In what ways does the story encourage us to appreciate the joy of just being together with our friends?

[Mavis’s Dad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes we want life to be perfect. This tale told from two perspectives shows that time spent with friends should always be exactly as planned.

Moral: Things will be okay, I promise.

Length: It’s essentially two stories in one, so it’s on the longer side of picture book. Trust me, it doesn’t matter.

Favorite Line: “I’m off to see a dear friend.”

Overall Impression: Picture books can, in fact, be classified as literature. The themes within this story are meant for the adult as much as the kid. Moose and Fox both have gifts ready to give, but life gets in the way before their date. They still make the best of it. Read Moose’s version first, then flip the book over and read Fox’s version. There are plenty of crossovers to enjoy for those paying attention. Reading this Christmas present after a particular tough holiday reminded me that we can roll with the punches and find joy… even if the experience didn’t start the way we thought it would.

[McKenzie Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

For more bookish opinions, visit my blog: Craft-Cycle

3.5 stars

A heartwarming two-sided picture book celebrating adapting to the circumstances and spending time with good friends. Read the book one way to follow Fox's preparations for tea with Moose. Flip it the other way to follow Moose's journey to Fox's tree for tea. The stories meet in the middle in a sweet resolution.

A lovely representation of going with the flow and accepting that things won't always go the way you think they will. Also a great way to talk about different perspectives.

The illustrations are soft, soothing, and gorgeous with a muted palette. I loved the character designs and settings, especially the animals' tree-homes.

Delightful and sweet. This was such a fun read.

[Sirah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fox invites Moose to tea, and both try to find the perfect gift to make sure the day is special. But everything seems to go wrong. But then they realize that things can still be perfect even if they don't go as planned.

This book is told in two parts (you rotate the book to read the second story). One shows Moose's side of the story; one shows Fox's. I have seen plenty of books that are told in two parts like this, but few do such a brilliant job fitting the two stories together so that each page of the second story is an "ah, so that's how that got there" moment. If that weren't enough, the illustrations are absolutely delightful. I love the treehouses, the colors, the style, and the artist's choice of accessories for each scene. This book was a joy to read, certainly the most huggable I've read so far this year.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is told in two sections (you flip the book around for the other side of the story). I loved the fact that we got to see the same story from both the perspective of the moose and then from the fox too. I think that readers will love the aspect of flipping the book and reading the story from another viewpoint. It is simple and easy to read, but they may need some instruction about how to start the second story. The illustrations are absolutely beautiful. I love the little treehouses and all of the colors used throughout. The illustrations were created with silkscreen and colored pencil. I would 100% recommend this cute book and/or use it in a storytime. It is just such a fun little book with lots of heart. (Diamond 25-26)

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of those books that had me literally "awww" at the end. It was so sweet, but the sweetness is cut by the continuing frustration throughout the book, as well as by the slow discovery of what happened.

I read through moose's point of view first, then fox, and the whole thing was like a warm hug. The soft illustrations, the earnest friendship, the endless frustrations met with assistance. The whole thing is lovely, and as an added bonus, the depictions of knitting are done very well.

[Ashley Chabrecek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I reserve 5 stars for the best of the best. Even fantastic books are still 4 stars for me. This is exceptional. The idea is genius and the execution was done to perfection. Two stories from two different perspectives, that literally meet in the middle. Moose’s story starts at the front of the book and Fox’s starts at the back. I can’t do the story justice. Just get the book and read it. My kids are 2 and 4 and they had me read it through twice in one setting. I’m a school librarian and I’m buying it for our library as soon as possible.

[October Murilla · Rating 2 out of 5]

Or "Emotional Manipulation for Small Children." If someone has something that you want just burst into tears when they refuse to give it to you and they will shower you with gifts to make you stop. I liked the concept of this book, but that particular recurring theme just became more distasteful with each repetition. Things aren't going the way you want them to? Cry and pout until other people make things better for you. That's just gross.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

You get two precious stories in one in Exactly as Planned, one from Moose's perspective, and another from Fox's! They each run into problems as they prepare to spend the day together... but sometimes when things seem like they aren't going your way, it turns out to be exactly as it should be. What a sweet and gentle story of friendship and kindness!

[KMitch · Rating 5 out of 5]

With gorgeous colored pencil illustrations, this is a book that you read two ways. (Read from one perspective, then flip upside-down and read from the other character's perspective). It's also just a great way to talk to kids about finding the positive in a situation when things don't go according to the original plan

[The Thirsty Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was sent to us from the Imagination Library. It’s incredible. I might buy a copy for my adult friends without children because the lesson is so lovely.

The illustrations are darling and my children loved pointing out the connections between both perspectives in the story.

I wish I could give this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely art for a lovely story about how a day doesn't go exactly as planned, but everything ends up okay anyway. I really loved the unusual layout - a reversible book to tell both sides of the story.

Just completely delightful

[Cara Byrne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the creative concept of this book and the message - which readers of all ages need! Fox and Moose are thoughtful, caring friends whose plans change. They each go on a separate journey to come to terms with the new challenges they are facing, but the resolution is sweet.

[Shaelie Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

New favorite kids book. The illustrations are delightful, the reversible book is such a cute way to tell two perspectives of the same story. Literally for all ages. Cute story to teach children about disappointments and finding silver linings/ tender mercies

[Marcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A novelty book, in that the story can be read from both ends, coming to the same resolution in the middle. While being very cute and celebrating friendship, the two stories were just too weak for me, and it didn't feel like the two sides of the story were distinct.

[Casey Andryushchenko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute book! I didn’t realize it had two stories in one. My boys loved the book! And I really enjoyed it as well. Storyline is nice and the illustrations are beautifully done!
If you’re thinking of reading it I definitely recommend!

[Hailey Corman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not sure how I would use it in a read aloud. But having it in a classroom library would be fantastic! The way the book turns and you have to flip the book over is so silly the kids would love that element.

[Elaine Fultz, Teacher Librarian, MLS · Rating 4 out of 5]

A colleague received this as a Dolly Parton book for her own child, and it is SO good! Adorable artwork (fox and moose are friends) and important messages about worry, kindness, persistence, and acceptance.

[Maeve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fox invites Moose over for a visit. They both want to be polite, and prepare a lovely gift for one another; but along the way, things don't go as planned. They adapt and come up with a new plan, and have a lovely visit...exactly as planned.

[Ashlee Vogelsang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly As planned, by the moose and the fox. A neat little flip book that shows empathy and resilience. Both were invited to each other's and both wanted to bring a gift. However life continued to mess up the gift. They both needed to overcome obstacles.