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Finding Moose
The creators of Raven, Rabbit, Deer are back with another thoughtful tale of a young boy and his grandfather taking a walk through the woods and all the creatures and plants they encounter.
Walking as “quiet as mice and rabbits and deer” they come upon fresh moose droppings and set out to find the moose itself. They discover the branches where the moose ate breakfast, greet a chipmunk and goose, and inspect rosehips and pussywillows, but the moose is nowhere to be found. Finally, after accepting that they will have to try again next time, the boy and his grandfather head home…only to be met with a big surprise.
In Finding Moose, Governor General’s Award-nominated author Sue Farrell Holler gives us a glimpse into the wondrous world of nature through the eyes of a curious child. Grandpa quietly encourages this curiosity while offering answers and further lessons where he can. Illustrator Jennifer Faria draws us in with gentle paintings that make us want to reach out and touch the scenery.
Walking as “quiet as mice and rabbits and deer” they come upon fresh moose droppings and set out to find the moose itself. They discover the branches where the moose ate breakfast, greet a chipmunk and goose, and inspect rosehips and pussywillows, but the moose is nowhere to be found. Finally, after accepting that they will have to try again next time, the boy and his grandfather head home…only to be met with a big surprise.
In Finding Moose, Governor General’s Award-nominated author Sue Farrell Holler gives us a glimpse into the wondrous world of nature through the eyes of a curious child. Grandpa quietly encourages this curiosity while offering answers and further lessons where he can. Illustrator Jennifer Faria draws us in with gentle paintings that make us want to reach out and touch the scenery.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published April 5, 2022
15 people want to read
About the author
Sue Farrell Holler
4 books8 followersA Grade 4 writing assignment gone awry, set Sue on a path in which she practically stalks the neighbourhood postal carriers looking for letters addressed to her. The “ruined” assignment also began her journey as a writer, in which she is most often inspired by real people, real places and real events.
As well as writing books for children, she is a freelance journalist and a regular columnist for Sun Media newspaper, the Daily Herald-Tribune. In her weekly column, “Family Matters,” she writes about the joys and challenges of family life.
Seeing her name on an envelope -- especially one containing a cheque -- still gives her little shivers of anticipation as she slices open the side. She even opens junk mail.
As well as writing books for children, she is a freelance journalist and a regular columnist for Sun Media newspaper, the Daily Herald-Tribune. In her weekly column, “Family Matters,” she writes about the joys and challenges of family life.
Seeing her name on an envelope -- especially one containing a cheque -- still gives her little shivers of anticipation as she slices open the side. She even opens junk mail.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 25, 2022
An Anishinaabe grandfather introduces his grandson to Ojibwemowin words for the forest flora and fauna they encounter during an early spring while searching for an elusive "mooz."
November 12, 2022
Young Adult Books Central
A boy and his grandfather venture out into the early spring to look for a moose near their house in Canada. They tap on ice, and the grandfather tells the boy that all animals need water, so they can follow that. The see moose scat, and the grandfather uses a leaf to see what the moose has eaten. They see branches where the moose ate breakfast, and sit quietly by the creek to look for the animal. The see the work of beavers, collect rose hips for tea, and cut some pussy willow branches to bring home, but they do not see a moose. Finally, the give up and return home, where a moose it standing in their back yard!
Good Points
The boy and his grandfather appear to be Ojibwa, and plants and animals are labeled in English and in Ojibwemowin. It is interesting to see the Canadian landscape, and while there are plenty of rabbits, deer, and skunks in my own yard, I would certainly be surprised to see a moose! The observations about nature that the grandfather teaches the little boy to make could be a great springboard to neighborhood walks even in my more surburban neighborhood, and it's always good to help children connect to nature.
The soft color pallette of the acrylic paint illustrations reflects the colors and light of spring really well, and the style reminds me a little of the 1990s books that I read to my own children. In fact, it made me think of Werner's The Good Old Days (1988) where two kittens spend time with their grandparents in the woods, picking blueberries and seeing a moose. Of course, Finding Moose is much more educational, but does involve less pie.
This was very similar to Courtney's Poppy's House (set in Newfoundland but dealing with a lot of outdoor activities) or Henkes Little Houses, but fills a niche for much needed books about the natural world for children, and for books about grandfathers that do not involve them dying. Read this and plan an outdoor adventure into whatever season; they all have interesting things to see.
A boy and his grandfather venture out into the early spring to look for a moose near their house in Canada. They tap on ice, and the grandfather tells the boy that all animals need water, so they can follow that. The see moose scat, and the grandfather uses a leaf to see what the moose has eaten. They see branches where the moose ate breakfast, and sit quietly by the creek to look for the animal. The see the work of beavers, collect rose hips for tea, and cut some pussy willow branches to bring home, but they do not see a moose. Finally, the give up and return home, where a moose it standing in their back yard!
Good Points
The boy and his grandfather appear to be Ojibwa, and plants and animals are labeled in English and in Ojibwemowin. It is interesting to see the Canadian landscape, and while there are plenty of rabbits, deer, and skunks in my own yard, I would certainly be surprised to see a moose! The observations about nature that the grandfather teaches the little boy to make could be a great springboard to neighborhood walks even in my more surburban neighborhood, and it's always good to help children connect to nature.
The soft color pallette of the acrylic paint illustrations reflects the colors and light of spring really well, and the style reminds me a little of the 1990s books that I read to my own children. In fact, it made me think of Werner's The Good Old Days (1988) where two kittens spend time with their grandparents in the woods, picking blueberries and seeing a moose. Of course, Finding Moose is much more educational, but does involve less pie.
This was very similar to Courtney's Poppy's House (set in Newfoundland but dealing with a lot of outdoor activities) or Henkes Little Houses, but fills a niche for much needed books about the natural world for children, and for books about grandfathers that do not involve them dying. Read this and plan an outdoor adventure into whatever season; they all have interesting things to see.
May 18, 2022
With its soft, evocative acrylic illustrations, this picture book (3.5 for me) transports readers to the Great Outdoors, capturing the sights and sounds of the woods. A young boy and his grandfather set out on a walk in order to enjoy nature's beauty. The man reminds the youngster that they "must be quiet, quiet" (unpaged) so that they don't scare away the wildlife. As they walk along the trail toward the water, the destination of all living creatures, the grandfather spots moose poop, and they are excited that they might spot one of those enormous animals. Along the way, the grandfather teaches his about some of the signs left by the moose and takes note of the activities of beavers. Eventually, they head home, still hoping they might spot a moose. But even without that happening, this trip, this gentle, quiet walk to and from the creek is pleasant, offering the two a chance to be together enjoying simple pleasures such as cutting and sharing an apple or throwing sticks into the water or even gathering rosehips and pussy willows for later use. Throughout their journey, Grandpa identifies various plants and animals by their English and their Ojibwemowin names. And while the intention of finding a moose is almost secondary to their shared time together, they find a pleasant surprise when they return home. The endpapers contain sketches of the flora and fauna encountered on the hike with a pronunciation guide for each of them. There is a gentle, peaceful contentment on this book's pages as well as between the two family members. Once again, readers will be reminded that it is these small moments and experiences that make the best memories and cement bonds between individuals--despite the disparity in their ages. The text is pitch-perfect, and the illustrations evoke a sense of wonder, curiosity, and respect.
Read
April 26, 2022A little boy narrates a walk in the woods with his grandpa. They find fresh moose droppings and walk softly in hopes of seeing a moose in person. They hear the call of a chickadee and the hammering of a woodpecker, and see a chipmunk and a beaver, but no moose. Along the way, Grandpa tells the boy the Ojibwemowin words for the animals and plants they find. Finally, just as they get home: “Mooz!”
This is a sweet tale of exploring nature with a grandparent, enriched by the grandfather’s observations and Ojibwemowin words. The boy and his grandfather present as indigenous people, adding to a growing number of children’s books which feature native cultures from around North America. Endpapers have a pictorial glossary, with English, Ojibwemowin and pronunciations.
What I didn't like: the illustrations, to my eye, do not add much to the narrative. The art uses a pastel palette which is seemingly out of sync with the forest setting, and objects seem two dimensional.
This is a sweet tale of exploring nature with a grandparent, enriched by the grandfather’s observations and Ojibwemowin words. The boy and his grandfather present as indigenous people, adding to a growing number of children’s books which feature native cultures from around North America. Endpapers have a pictorial glossary, with English, Ojibwemowin and pronunciations.
What I didn't like: the illustrations, to my eye, do not add much to the narrative. The art uses a pastel palette which is seemingly out of sync with the forest setting, and objects seem two dimensional.
Read
July 12, 2022This narrative is a nice celebration of family relationships and native culture. The story is one of a young boy and grandfather exploring nature together in search of a Moose -- or Mooz in the Ojibwemowin language. The grandfather shares the Ojibwemowin words with his grandson of many natural encounters along the way and the story provides a humorous ending. Turns out the moose they never saw on their woodland adventure was just hanging out in their own yard.
I like the spirit of adventuring and the connection to family and culture.
I did not like that the narrative here reads a bit choppy and the illustration style is pretty simplistic. I think this makes for a nice read aloud to celebrate some indigenous culture but I'm not sure there is enough here for some re-read value.
***Note: I was given a review copy of this book via Publisher's Spotlight. Opinions are my own.
I like the spirit of adventuring and the connection to family and culture.
I did not like that the narrative here reads a bit choppy and the illustration style is pretty simplistic. I think this makes for a nice read aloud to celebrate some indigenous culture but I'm not sure there is enough here for some re-read value.
***Note: I was given a review copy of this book via Publisher's Spotlight. Opinions are my own.
March 21, 2023
Picturebook. Indigenous. Boy with grandfather walk a trail looking for moose. See forest plants and animals. Includes indigenous Ojibwemowin vocabulary with pronunciation for beaver, pussy willows, moose and rose hips. The illustrations are soft and warm. Good for storytime, lap time, diversity, or a kindergarten-grade 2 lesson on family or nature. Illustrator is a member of Chippewas of Rama First Nation.
Want to read
December 7, 2021Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
July 22, 2022
Probably not a good story time read. This book does a good job illustrating the culture of the First Nations of Canada. It includes a few words translated into the Ojibwemowin language.
May 11, 2023
Forest - a place to pay attention to details but also to have fun
November 20, 2023
A grandpa and grandchild explore the woods and animal signs for an illusive moose.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews