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    Z is for Moose, by Kelly Bingham & Paul O. Zelinski | Book Review

    Trevor Laurence JockimsBy Trevor Laurence Jockims2 Mins Read ABC's Ages 4-8 Animal Books Humor Picture Books Reluctant Readers
    Z is for Moose by Kelly Bingham; Illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky
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    Trevor Laurence Jockims | The Children’s Book Review | February 15, 2014

    Z is for Moose by Kelly Bingham; Illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky

    Z is for Moose

    Story by Kelly Bingham; Illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky

    Reading level: 4-8

    Hardcover: 32 Pages

    Publisher: Greenwillow Books (February 28, 2012)

    What to expect: Animals, Alphabet, Humor

    A fresh and funny twist on alphabet books that will have parents and children laughing.

    Moose is so excited to be in this ABC book that the letter M is simply too long to wait. Already at the letter A—for Apple—Moose can be seen peaking around the corner of the page, anxious to make his entrance. By the letter D he has jumped in front of a patient Duck, scaring him out of the way. At this point, a funny and tumultuous battle ensues between Moose and Zebra (cleverly cast as a referee, stripes and all), as Moose—awkward, clumsy, but loveable—makes his way up and down the pages, bumping into an Elephant, mugging in front of a Hat, and even hiding inside the pouch of a Kangaroo.

    When his big moment finally comes, and the page is turned to the letter M … there’s a Mouse on the page! The Zebra, sounding like a heartless casting agent, dismissively says, “I’m sorry. We decided to go with the mouse this time.” At this point, all bets are off, as Moose tramples past an Owl, a Pie, and a Queen. Thankfully, the Zebra sees how much it means to Moose to be in the book, and even though Moose thinks it’s too late, it isn’t: On the page for the letter Z, Moose and Zebra stand together to describe the last letter of the book: “Z is for Zebra’s friend, Moose.”

    Kelly Bingham is to be credited for writing an ABC book that enlivens a genre that is pretty difficult to make new, and also for using humor to teach. Illustrated with playfulness by Paul O. Zelinsky, Z is for Moose is a great book for children who know their alphabet well enough to understand the humor of a Moose trying to enter before his letter has come up.

    Add this book to your collection: Z is for Moose by Kelly Bingham; illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky

    Reviewed by Trevor Laurence Jockims.

    Discover more picture books on The Children’s Book Review illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky.

    What to Read Next:

    1. Caveman, ABC Story, by Janee Trasler
    2. Brownie Groundhog and the Wintry Surprise, by Susan Blackaby | Book Review
    3. Don’t Feed the Elephant, by Sherry Ellis | Dedicated Review
    4. Giraffe Problems, by Jory John | Speed Interview

    *Disclosure: Please note that this post may contain affiliate links that share some commission. Rest assured that these will not affect the cost of any products and services promoted here. Our team always provides their authentic opinion in all content published on this site.

    Alphabet Alphabet Books Animals Humor Kelly Bingham Moose Paul O. Zelinsky Zebra
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    Trevor Laurence Jockims

    Trevor Laurence Jockims lives in New York City with his wife, daughter, and son. He has reviewed books for The Times Literary Supplement, Book Forum, The Believer, and elsewhere. He completed a PhD in Comparative Literature, and teaches writing at New York University.

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