Nov 13, 2012 | 32 Pages | 3-7 years
“It won’t take readers long to see that Wilfred has moose problems. He tries hard to make Marcel the moose obey his many rules (‘Rule 7 [subsection b]: Maintaining a certain proximity to home’), but Marcel is only vaguely interested in Wilfred. What he really likes are apples. Wilfred’s role as moose owner is further cast into doubt when a random old lady greets Marcel as Rodrigo. ‘You’re back!’ she cries. (Marcel reacts warmly, but only because she has an apple.) Eventually, Wilfred is able to recognize Marcel’s independence; it’s a useful and unexpectedly heartwarming lesson in lowered expectations. Nervous Wilfred is dressed in a geeky bowtie and suspenders, while Marcel is the size of a garden shed, with antlers like towel racks. What really ups the ante are Jeffers’s (Stuck) incongruously grandiose backdrops. Wilfred’s struggle plays out against dawn-kissed mountain ranges, brooding spruces, and sweeping American plains, giving the proceedings an air of faux-solemn dignity that’s hilariously at odds with Wilfred’s dorky personality. The moose may not belong to Wilfred, but the laughs certainly belong to Jeffers. Ages 3–7. (Nov.)”–Publisher’s Weekly, starred review — Publishers Weekly
“An eye-catching and imaginative book with illustrations that vary from close-ups of the imposing moose against a white background to landscapes of the moose standing tall in his very own Albert Bierstadt painting. Pet lovers and nature lovers alike will enjoy this offbeat and entertaining tale.” —Kirkus Reviews
— Kirkus Reviews
* “A spirited, appealing romp that hums with motley vitality and good-natured humor, certain to induce cheers and groans and chuckles galore.” -–Booklist, starred review
— Booklist
