Finley: A Moose in Chartreuse

by Candace Spizzirri, Chantelle Thorne (Illustrator), Burgen Thorne (Illustrator)

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication April 28, 2026

About the author

Candace Spizzirri grew up in a small town in New Jersey with tree-lined streets and old Victorian houses. As a child, she spent hours playing at the park, catching minnows in a nearby stream, and exploring the woods at the end of her street.

Passionate about education, Candace is a co-founder of an elementary school and high school in Southern California. She now splits her time between SoCal and Pennsylvania. Candace loves spending time with her husband, grown children, daughter-in-law, and five grandkids.

Candace's debut picture book, FISHING WITH GRANDPA AND SKYE, illustrated by Beverly Love Warren published with Clear Fork Publishing/Spork on April 19, 2022. Her second book, FINLEY: A MOOSE ON THE CABOOSE, illustrated by Chantelle & Burgen Thorne released on April 18, 2023, with Gnome Road Publishing.

Learn more about Candace at candacespizzirri.com and follow her on Twitter at @CCSpizzirri1 and on Instagram at @CCSpizzirri.

Reviews

[Susan Minite · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finley: A Moose in Chartreuse by Candace Spizzirri finds the friendliest moose on a new adventure. He’s very polite and so excited to visit Paris (he even tries to speak a little French). I love Finley’s persistence and optimism as he tries to make his new dream come true. The fun-to-read-aloud text combines with Chantelle and Burgen Thorne's gorgeous illustrations to bring this charming story to life.

[Jocelyn Watkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If anyone can make a moose a fashionista, it's Candace! What an adorable and fun story with lots of fun French words mixed in. Another amazing Finley story! The art is of course amazing too!

[Kris Tarantino · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Moose in Chartreuse by Candace Spizzirri is the 2nd Finley story. In this fun sequel, Finley is a friendly moose who wants to go to Paris for Fashion Week. But no one wants to design for a moose! An unexpected encounter brings Finley a stitch away from the perfect posh chartreuse outfit. An adorable story with fantastic illustrations by Chantelle & Burgen Thorne showing all the sights and glamor of Paris. Layered with French words, this story is “Joie de vivre”, or “lots of fun!” Highly recommend.

[Katelyn Aronson · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHO is the absolute cutest moose? Finley, that's who! And he's back for his second adventure in one of my favorite cities: Paris! Oui oui! Our debonaire moose whisks himself away to Fashion Week, eager to find a stylish outfit all his own. Even when all the houses of Haute Couture slam the door in his face, Finley will find his own way to make a fashion splash in the City of Love (and Light)!
(P.S. I think PIGLETTE and FINLEY would be best of friends don't you?)

[Kelly Rice Schmitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delight! Finley is such fun in book 1 and now in this sequel, he’s back and ready for a close up. I love seeing Finley in Paris with puns on fashion brands, great scene changes throughout Paris, and a fabulous ending where we finally see him as a moose in chartreuse. A great reminder to be kind and have a open mind to be inclusive to all. Kids will love having a pretend fashion show just like Finley!

[Melissa Stoller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this sweet sequel! Finley the friendliest moose is back and he’s headed to Paris! He hopes to participate in fashion week and tries his best to make it happen despite hearing lots of negative replies. Brilliant illustrations perfectly complement the charming text about persevering and going after your dreams. A must for families, schools, and libraries!

[Reading By Faerielight]

Finley: A Moose in Chartreuse
Author: Candace Spizzirri
Illustrator: Chantelle and Burgen Thorne

All Finley the Moose wants is to travel to Paris for fashion week and wear a lovely suit made just for him. But when he arrives in Paris after sneaking about a flight, none of the fancy fashion designers will make a suit for a moose! This story was sweet and silly, with adorable illustrations and definitely will be a hit amongst kiddos!

Thank you to NetGalley and Gnome Road Publishing for an advance review copy of this book!

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love following along with Finley on his adventure through Paris for Fashion Week. He is a moose with a dream and won’t give up until it comes true!

[Ameliessa Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fan of the first book, I had high expectations for this sequel, and Candace Spizzirri absolutely delivered.

Finley: A Moose in Chartreuse is a sparkling story about ambition, the sting of rejection, and the ultimate triumph of character over couture. The Parisian setting is brought to life with whimsical, vibrant illustrations that practically jump off the page. I especially loved the message that Finley's true "perfect fit" came not from a designer’s measurements, but from his own heroic heart and kindness. It’s rare to find a book that manages to be this funny while carrying such a deep, empathetic core. Perfect for fashion lovers, animal enthusiasts, and anyone who’s ever felt like a "moose in a dress shop."

Special thanks to the author and Gnome Road Publishing for the ARC! All opinions are my own.

[Mark Ceilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this fun sequel to Finley, A Moose on the Caboose, Finley dreams of traveling to Paris for fashion week. When he arrives, he is snubbed by several fashion designers who refuse to make a suit for a moose. But when Finley rescues Giselle, a fashion designer from falling in the street, she is indebted to him. Finley fulfills his dream and gets to wear a chartreuse suit down the runway and is the star of fashion week. This humorous story will have you laughing and smiling all the way to the end. With fun onomatopoeia and alliteration, the story is a delightful and fun read-aloud. The illustrations are charming, colorful, and complement the story perfectly. I would highly recommend this book!

[Cynthia Prosser · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a delightful story of a Moose, Finley, who travels to Paris for Fashion Week and wants a new suit to attend the festivities. He runs into to trouble with the various fashion house but perseveres until he finds the perfect couturier. The illustrations are bright and capture the excitement of Paris. Particularly fun are the puns on famous fashion houses - but you need to look to see them. I also liked the inclusion and repetition of French phrases. They added extra flavor to the story and would help to expand a child's vocabulary. Would recommend for children who enjoy somewhat silly animal stories, those who enjoy stories in exotic locations, and those that enjoy a children's book that has a complete story.

[Deb Adamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

In book two of this adorable series, Finley, everyone's favorite, friendly moose is off to Paris for Fashion Week! Finley longs to be a part of all the glam by having a suit designed especially for him but things don't go exactly as planned. Bravo Candase Spizzirri on another heartwarming, fun Finley adventure! Children and adults who have traveled to Paris, will love the vivid illustrations by Burgen Thorne and Chantelle Thorne, who have perfectly captured the essence and all the familiar sights of the city of light. This is a perfect follow up to FINLEY A MOOSE ON THE CABOOSE. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for more Finley adventures to come!

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finley is a moose that loves fashion. They sneak on a plane and head to Paris fashion week where they get told no at every door. Upon lending a helping hand, Finley has a custom-made suit that everyone wants to see. This story is fine. This is one of those times where I think the artwork is better than the story. I really like Finley the moose, but the shutting of doors in his face: no moose, no moose, makes it feel like it’s trying to be a metaphor for tourism or for immigration where they’re only accepted when they look like others. I like this book, but I didn’t love it and definitely the artwork is what makes this book not the story.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Gnome Road Publishing through NetGalley.
Finley is back and yearning to go to Paris for Fashion Week. He figures out a plan and arrive in the City of Love to find little of it for him. None of the fashion houses will make him a suit. Then, he helps someone and Giselle not only thanks him but makes him a wonderful chartreuse suit. I love the page spread where all of the designers see him on the runway and cheer for Giselle's design and Finley's style. A delightful read and an opening for dialogue about getting to know someone before judging.

[Lindsay Bonilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finley returns in this fun sequel that has him headed to Paris for Fashion Week! When not one designer will fit him with a suit, Finley worries his fashion dreams are over. But when he steps in to help someone in need, he ends up with the suit of his dreams in his favorite color. The art is bright, colorful and full of humorous wordplay related to fashion designers -- and most importantly a moose suit that turns heads, especially those of my kids who wanted a moose suit as fashionable as Finley’s!

[Norene Paulson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second Finley adventure does not disappoint. This time Finley's adventuresome spirit whisks him away to Paris and Fashion Week. Of course finding a designer outfit to wear creates a problem for Finley as no design houses seem willing to help. An unexpected moment of kindness opens the door for Finley to proudly "rock the runway" appropriately dressed in designer chartreuse. The team of "words by" Candace Spizzirri and "illustrations by" Chantelle and Burgen Thorne once again hits the mark. Highly recommend you don't miss this Finley sequel!

[Charlotte Sherman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finley's back! This time our lovable moose pursues his dream to attend Fashion Week in Paris. But he needs to find someone to make a suit in a certain color in order for him to look his best. When he shows up in the Parisian shops, no one wants to help a moose. Finley's act of kindness leads to the fulfillment of his Fashion Week dream in this delightful tale. Vibrant illustrations bring the charm of Paris to life. Children will love to hear this story read aloud and can learn a few French words in the process. A delightful read!

[Jengill · Rating 5 out of 5]

C’est magnifique, this adorable story of a moose with a dream: Paris Fashion Week. After enduring a crowded cargo hold, multiple rejections [SLAM—“NO MOOSE!”], and a not-so-unfortunate mishap with a fashion designer, Finley finally finds a way IN. This enchanting Moose in Chartreuse tale will delight the littles and be the one a parent are happy to have in the read/re-read stack. A perfect writer-illustrator pairing. It’s simply superb.

[Jolene Gutiérrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readers will love Finley's newest adventures--this time during Fashion Week in Paris! Finley wants to wear some kind of designer outfit to Fashion Week, but no matter how politely he asks, doors are slammed in his face. No one wants to design for a moose! Until...his kindness leads to a connection that leads to a moose in chartreuse at Fashion Week! Adorable illustrations and a fun text = a book that belongs in all homes, schools, and libraries!

[Lisa Riddiough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finley, the friendly moose, is back! And this time he’s going to Paris. Finley hops a plane to the City of Love in hopes of getting one of the famous fashion houses to design an outfit for him for fashion week. But no one wants to design anything for a moose! Luckily, Finlay does not give up on his dream. With humor and heart, this gentle story demonstrates the power of persistence and the importance of kindness - as well as the beauty of chartreuse!

[A.J. Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite friendly moose is back! I adore this follow up to FINLEY: A MOOSE ON THE CABOOSE by Candace Spizzirri and Chantelle and Burgen Thorne. Finley dreams of visiting Paris and participating in Fashion Week, but no one will design a suit for a moose. Poor Finley! Eventually Finley makes a friend and rocks the runway! FINLEY: A MOOSE IN CHARTREUSE is a super fun read aloud with absolutely adorable illustrations. A fantastique picture book about a magnifique moose!

[Gary Pacitti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finley is such a delightful and uplifting character. The way that it is written makes it so fun to read out loud....a symphony of words. Finley's trip to Paris has such wonderful themes for children and adults alike. He follows his dreams, perseveres in the face of disappointments and overcomes obstacles, all the while maintaining his characteristic optimism and kindness. It is wondrously illustrated... A beautiful read!

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first Finley book and this one is fantastic as well!! Finley dreams about fashion week in Paris but will anyone design a suit for a moose? Candace Spizzirri has packed this book with fun and heart. Combined with Chantelle and Burgen Thorne’s incredible and hilarious illustrations, this book is sure to be a hit!

[Maria Wen Adcock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun story! This story is part of a series of picture books featuring Finley, a moose. In Finley: A Moose Chartreuse, Finley wants to participate in the fashion show in Paris, but the designers keep saying no...until eventually his friendliness leads to someone helping him. Kids will love the playfulness in the story and illustrations. Super cute!

[Moni Ritchie Hadley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored the second book featuring Finley the Moose. This time, he dreams of attending Paris Fashion Week in a stylish suit. The story beautifully weaves in themes of kindness and perseverance, showcasing how Finley overcomes challenges to achieve his goal. The charming illustrations bring Finley and the atmosphere of Paris to life. I heart this story!

[Nadia Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finley: A Moose in Chartreuse follows Finley, the super friendly and adorable moose on adventure to Paris for Fashion Week. Finely is looking for a suit, but as one may imagine, it's not a very easy task. This is such a fun and sweet story that shows that kindness can go a long way. I think readers of all ages will be amused and warmed by this wonderful and super cute story!

[Benson Shum · Rating 5 out of 5]

A FINLEY, A MOOSE IN CHARTREUSE by Candace Spizzirri and Chantelle and Burgen Thorne is an adorable story where we follow Moose as he travels to Paris to live his dream of attending fashion week! Candace's charming and fun text dresses perfectly with Chantelle and Burgen’s colorful illustrations. A really fun read aloud for all ages.

[Cindy Schrauben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finley is back and he is as adorable as ever! This time, instead of riding on a caboose, this adventurous Moose follows his dreams to Paris. His journey is fraught with disappointments, but Finley does not give up. Oui-oui!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a delight! It's silly and sweet and I couldn't stop smiling. The illustrations are so vibrant and fun and fit the story perfectly.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC! Opinions expressed are entirely my own.

[Amanda Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cute sequel to Finley the friendly moose's fun-filled adventures! Travel with Finley to Paris in this wonderful tale about following your dreams and never giving up-even when others can't see your vision.