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This Is a Moose
Lights! Camera! Moose!
MOOSE? Yes, Moose! When a movie director tries to capture the life of a moose on film, he's in for a big surprise. It turns out the moose has a dream bigger then just being a moose—he wants to be an astronaut and go to the moon.
His forest friends step in to help him, and action ensues. Lots of action. Like a lacrosse-playing grandma, a gigantic slingshot into space, and a flying, superhero chipmunk.
In this hilarious romp, Richard T. Morris and bestselling illustrator Tom Lichtenheld remind us to dream big and, when we do, to aim for the moon.
MOOSE? Yes, Moose! When a movie director tries to capture the life of a moose on film, he's in for a big surprise. It turns out the moose has a dream bigger then just being a moose—he wants to be an astronaut and go to the moon.
His forest friends step in to help him, and action ensues. Lots of action. Like a lacrosse-playing grandma, a gigantic slingshot into space, and a flying, superhero chipmunk.
In this hilarious romp, Richard T. Morris and bestselling illustrator Tom Lichtenheld remind us to dream big and, when we do, to aim for the moon.
42 pages, Hardcover
First published May 6, 2014
8 people are currently reading
591 people want to read
About the author
Richard T. Morris
10 books22 followersRichard T. Morris is the author of This Is a Moose and Bye-Bye, Baby! and a former E.B. White Award Honoree and Midwest Bookseller Choice Award winner. He lives in New Jersey with his family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 297 reviews
August 13, 2017
An interesting story, set up to be a quasi-documentary about the moose. However, each time to story progresses, the 'director' is forced to halt the scene, as there is a glaring error that presents itself. Eventually, everyone tosses in the towel and fun takes over the set. Neo got a kick out of how so many errors kept popping up and nothing could get done. He asked if animals could actually go to space for fun, and if there were special helmets to protect them.
February 3, 2014
Totally stupid. And well worth reading.
March 29, 2016
Loved it. Because some elves really wanted to be dentists.
January 22, 2020
Moose just wants to be an astronaut in this hilarious picture-book adventure from author Richard T. Morris and illustrator Tom Lichtenheld, but the filmmaker who has come to create a documentary about him is having none of it. Moose are not meant to be astronauts! Or lacrosse goalies, in the case of Grandma Moose. Nor are giraffes supposed to be anywhere in the woods. Despite the director's many arguments, Moose proceeds with his plan to reach outer space, aided by his friends and family. Eventually the director himself, revealed as a
An amusing tale of following your dreams, and defying expectations regarding the supposedly proper course of action for people (or moose) of one's sort, This Is a Moose is a book that, with its frequent outraged interruptions by the director, makes for an excellent read-aloud. I have seen it performed at story-time, and it is inevitably a hit with its young audience. I enjoyed both story and artwork here, and think that Lichtenheld's ink, pencil and gouache illustrations perfectly capture the humorous hi-jinks to be found in the text. Recommended to anyone looking for humorous, entertaining picture-books.
An amusing tale of following your dreams, and defying expectations regarding the supposedly proper course of action for people (or moose) of one's sort, This Is a Moose is a book that, with its frequent outraged interruptions by the director, makes for an excellent read-aloud. I have seen it performed at story-time, and it is inevitably a hit with its young audience. I enjoyed both story and artwork here, and think that Lichtenheld's ink, pencil and gouache illustrations perfectly capture the humorous hi-jinks to be found in the text. Recommended to anyone looking for humorous, entertaining picture-books.
March 18, 2018
Entertaining read, with a moose who wants to go into space.
July 8, 2019
So funny. I picture my friend Marcus as the director who is trying to film a documentary about moose in this book--"CUT!! WILL SOMEBODY PLEASE FIND ME AN ANIMAL THAT ACTS LIKE IT'S SUPPOSED TO!!!" Lol!
July 6, 2022
I started reading this book exhausted and frustrated with kids who were tired and not listening. But, the book was fun. The kids laughed so much and because I was already frustrated my frustrated voice was ready for the director’s part. By the end, my mood was better. Fun book!
July 29, 2022
You can be anything you want to be. Dream big.
January 18, 2025
Duck is just trying to make a documentary about Moose doing moose things. Buuuuut all the animals have different plans.
October 1, 2014
Behold! The Mighty Moose. Wild, strong, and...an astronaut. "Cut!" yells the off-screen director. This is a nature documentary, and a moose acting un-moose-like is unacceptable. Over and over he calls for retakes only to become more and more frustrated because the moose and other animals aren't behaving as they should. Nor should they act according to preconceived notions. This hilarious "film" focuses on the meaning of "you can't judge a book by its cover" by bringing in some very wild ideas, and plenty of random humour. With its grainy mixture of inks, pencil-crayons and gouache, images easily transition from a noble wilderness feel, to funny cameos, all while still baring a resemblance to film. All the animals act "naturally", but the director can't see that. His speech bubble usually appears on the left page, and gets progressively more expressive text as he gets rattled. Only at the end is the film crew revealed. By this point, we are entirely amused, but the author has one last surprise in store for us. This final bit of irony serves the dual purpose of making us laugh out loud, and firmly planting the author's message in our minds.
April 21, 2014
A moose is just a moose, but when a director tries to capture his life with his camera, it turns out that this moose has great expectations. He comes by his ambitions honestly since his grandmother had goals of her own. After several takes, the director is ready to throw in the towel since none of his actors are behaving as he expects them to. The text is funny and the illustrations, created in ink, colored pencil, and gouache, are filled with action and unique perspectives on the animal world and the dreams of a would-be moose astronaut.
December 27, 2014
Love Mélanie Watt's "Chester"? Have you laughed over Z Is for Moose or More Bears!?
Add this one to your list of deadpan humor in the tradition of Daffy Duck in "Duck Amok" where someone is earnestly trying to do things the right way and the characters take over. More please!
Add this one to your list of deadpan humor in the tradition of Daffy Duck in "Duck Amok" where someone is earnestly trying to do things the right way and the characters take over. More please!
October 2, 2014
So funny! Truly laughed out loud! Great concept! A page turner! Do you enjoy seeing hilarious movie outtakes and viewing life through the lens of a movie director? This one's for you! Read this one out loud with a documentary voice, then add in sarcasm.
May 21, 2015
I am not sure if this is science fiction or fantasy, but is definitely funny! Great illustrations and unique plot.
May 17, 2014
Fantastic! Humor that appeals to both kids and the kid in all of us, with big bold illustrations sure to attract attention. Would be fun for a storytime read as well.
June 3, 2014
Hilarious! Loved it.
February 9, 2015
I laughed aloud while reading this book which combined with the illustrations made for a great read.
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May 11, 2017An astronautical cinematic 'mooseterpiece!' - Monty K.
August 23, 2016
Astromoose!
February 2, 2018
So, as parent of a young child, I find myself in the midst of a constant, unending search for books to read to her. She's not quite three so, generally, we're still in that delightful phase of existence where we can filter out most of the books that are driving us slowly insane. This is a Moose is one of my very favorite books for her at the moment as it's cute, funny and the content really encourages the usage of silly voices of which I'm always a fan.
Plus, it manages to meet my three major criteria for any children's book I buy for my daughter. Basically, it's a fun read both in content and in rhythm, interesting to look at and I can read it to my daughter repeatedly every night for a week without wanting to take it out back and light it on fire. This is a Moose meets all these criteria quite handily and is genuinely one of my favorite children's books. Framed as a documentary film about a moose, the story is a simple one about expectations and dreams and animals doing unlikely things with style and aplomb. So, I can absolutely recommend this book to folks who have small children and want something interesting to read to them at bedtime. Or to adults who just happen to enjoy a fun storybook from time to time. :)
Plus, it manages to meet my three major criteria for any children's book I buy for my daughter. Basically, it's a fun read both in content and in rhythm, interesting to look at and I can read it to my daughter repeatedly every night for a week without wanting to take it out back and light it on fire. This is a Moose meets all these criteria quite handily and is genuinely one of my favorite children's books. Framed as a documentary film about a moose, the story is a simple one about expectations and dreams and animals doing unlikely things with style and aplomb. So, I can absolutely recommend this book to folks who have small children and want something interesting to read to them at bedtime. Or to adults who just happen to enjoy a fun storybook from time to time. :)
December 8, 2018
This is a Moos, but not an ordinary moose. When a movie director tries to film the life of a moose, this moose has big dreams to be an astronaut.
The story did not have a serious lesson or topic, but it was telling that you should dream big and take action to achieve the goal. By adopting a filming process, the author described this message well. The determined impression of the Moose on the book cover, illustrated that the Moose has confidence in what he is doing. Compared to his posture and impression, the film director was looking for a moose who would play “proper” roles as a moose. That is, a moose should do this or do that as an animal moose. It was an interesting contrast when it comes to the constructed roles according to the species of animals. By contrasting the director's order and the Moose's dream to be an astronaut, readers could learn that they could dream of being in any profession no matter who they are. Regarding the illustrations, the illustrations created filming scenes with professional equipment such as clapper, boom microphone, and a megaphone. Multiple colors and various font sizes created an active and vibrant atmosphere of filming site.
The story did not have a serious lesson or topic, but it was telling that you should dream big and take action to achieve the goal. By adopting a filming process, the author described this message well. The determined impression of the Moose on the book cover, illustrated that the Moose has confidence in what he is doing. Compared to his posture and impression, the film director was looking for a moose who would play “proper” roles as a moose. That is, a moose should do this or do that as an animal moose. It was an interesting contrast when it comes to the constructed roles according to the species of animals. By contrasting the director's order and the Moose's dream to be an astronaut, readers could learn that they could dream of being in any profession no matter who they are. Regarding the illustrations, the illustrations created filming scenes with professional equipment such as clapper, boom microphone, and a megaphone. Multiple colors and various font sizes created an active and vibrant atmosphere of filming site.
August 19, 2021
"This is a Moose" is an adventurous tale about seeking your dreams.
Duck is making a movie, a simple tale about what Moose "should do", but Moose and Giraffe are not interested in following what "should" be done, they are their own individual! Duck becomes frustrated, yelling about where Giraffes actually live and how Moose actually live. In the meantime, Giraffe helps Moose achieve his goal - an astro-moose!
Duck demands, "All animals are going to play their proper roles from now on!!". Then duck looks around to find the movie crew are animals who are not functioning as they "should". A monkey is running the camera, a bear is handling the boom mic and an elephant is a sound technician, just to name a few. Duck realizes each individual can be who they want and achieve what they want too.
So, without further ado, they move the movie to the Moon and create "This is an Astronaut" instead.
Duck is making a movie, a simple tale about what Moose "should do", but Moose and Giraffe are not interested in following what "should" be done, they are their own individual! Duck becomes frustrated, yelling about where Giraffes actually live and how Moose actually live. In the meantime, Giraffe helps Moose achieve his goal - an astro-moose!
Duck demands, "All animals are going to play their proper roles from now on!!". Then duck looks around to find the movie crew are animals who are not functioning as they "should". A monkey is running the camera, a bear is handling the boom mic and an elephant is a sound technician, just to name a few. Duck realizes each individual can be who they want and achieve what they want too.
So, without further ado, they move the movie to the Moon and create "This is an Astronaut" instead.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2018
I really liked this one - possibly more than Miss 3; certainly, I appreciated different levels and irony in the humour. I also kept thinking of film director friends who might find this amusing.
The book is set in a forest / lake environment with a film crew trying to shoot a documentary about a moose BUT the moose doesn't want to be a boring ol' moose, he wants to be an astronaut! His granny and other friends also keep going off-script to talk about what they want to be. The increasingly irate director just wants the animals to act like animals - despite that all of the film crew are gradually revealed to be animals and the director turns out to be a duck. At last they embrace destiny and build a rocket so that they can make a new movie - MOOSE IN SPACE!
The book is set in a forest / lake environment with a film crew trying to shoot a documentary about a moose BUT the moose doesn't want to be a boring ol' moose, he wants to be an astronaut! His granny and other friends also keep going off-script to talk about what they want to be. The increasingly irate director just wants the animals to act like animals - despite that all of the film crew are gradually revealed to be animals and the director turns out to be a duck. At last they embrace destiny and build a rocket so that they can make a new movie - MOOSE IN SPACE!
November 26, 2018
This book is about a moose that wants to be an astronaut and he is in shoot for a nature channel, all these other animals keep coming in and the director gets mad because no animal is acting like it should. Then he realized he is a duck and neither does he.
The illustrations in this book are amazing and very well done. It is very engaging and fun I liked this book.
I would use this book for teaching children to be who they are. Using it as a prompt on what they want to be when they get older.
The illustrations in this book are amazing and very well done. It is very engaging and fun I liked this book.
I would use this book for teaching children to be who they are. Using it as a prompt on what they want to be when they get older.
August 8, 2017
This is a funny picture book with interesting dialogue that you can’t help but want to put voices to! It also has a moral lesson about accepting others for who they are and not trying to mold people into your expectations. Throughout the book a movie director tries to film a documentary about moose behavior. Unfortunately for him, the moose he is filming wants to be an astronaut instead. There is a surprise twist toward the end of the book.
Miss Emily
Miss Emily
November 18, 2019
I loved this. I loved the story in general, as well as the illustrations. I like the little details of filmmaking as well as behind the scenes and little Easter eggs, like the guy holding the Clapper needing a band-aid.
The characters were fun and their personalities definitely well established.
The ending was really cute and I love the director's realization and action taken after the realization. Fun story. I definitely think kids would enjoy this book.
The characters were fun and their personalities definitely well established.
The ending was really cute and I love the director's realization and action taken after the realization. Fun story. I definitely think kids would enjoy this book.
September 9, 2020
This book is hilarious! A documentary filmmaker wants to make a documentary about a moose in its natural habitat. The film becomes a study in Murphy's Law where everything goes wrong, but not in the way you expect. First problem is the moose wants to be an astronaut. It goes downhill toward out of control.
June 16, 2017
I thought this book was funny but I am not sure if I would want to use if for storytime because it is all dialogue and I am not a huge fan of reading dialogue heavy books for storytime. It was really cute seeing all the animals behaving like humans.
July 8, 2017
Cute story about wild animals, and about things getting out of control, until you realize nothing really was under control to begin with. Highly enjoyed by younger folks. My favorite line: "Would somebody please remove Grandma?"
July 13, 2017
This is a silly story about a director shooting a scene with a moose but it keeps getting interrupted with silly events, comments, etc. It is just silly. I'm not sure kids would like it. Not recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 297 reviews