I’m so excited that it’s Perfect Picture Book Friday because this week I found a brand new book that is so good I can’t wait to share it with you!
(As we have not yet settled on an official PPBF snack, grab your cheesecake, popcorn, milk and cookies, or fruit inspired treat and get ready:))
I don’t know about you, but for me, there are some books I love because I loved them as a child, and some I love because I loved them with my children. There are some I like that end up growing into love. But of the many, many picture books I read, there aren’t a lot that grab me from the first read and make me want to tell everyone I know about them. Today’s book is one of those books. I was genuinely delighted when I read it, and afterwards all I could think was man! I wish I’d thought of that and written that book!!! 🙂
Are you ready? Here it is 🙂
Z Is For Moose
Written By: Kelly Bingham
Illustrated By: Paul O. Zelinsky
Greenwillow Books, 2012, Fiction
Suitable For: ages 3-7
Themes/Topics: alphabet, friendship, humor, patience, problem solving
Opening: “A is for Apple. B is for Ball. C is for Cat. D is for Moose. “Moose? No. Moose does not start with D. You are on the wrong page.”
Brief Synopsis: (from the book summary) “Moose, terribly eager to play his part in the alphabet book his friend Zebra is putting together, behaves rather badly until Zebra finds a spot for him.”
Links To Resources: This book was released on February 28 (I told you it was brand new!) and try as I might, I couldn’t find any activities online! No coloring pages or anything – nothing on Kelly’s or Paul’s sites. So here are a few other things to try: Alphabet Activities, More Alphabet Activities, How To Draw A Moose, How To Draw A Zebra, have kids “direct” their own alphabet book – what would they choose to illustrate each letter? Now have them do the illustrations!
Why I Like This Book: Well, it’s just perfect! It’s so simple, yet so fun! It starts out as you’d expect an alphabet book to – A is for Apple. But by the D page things have already turned topsy-turvy. D is not for moose! But Moose is so eager to get involved he can’t wait (and what child can’t relate to that?!) On the E, F and subsequent pages he wonders, now? now? He bumps into Elephant, He sneaks in around the edges. He runs along the label of the jam jar. K. L. And at last, M!!! But Moose is in for a rude surprise… followed by angry Moose…. followed by sad Moose… until in the end, Zebra finds a way to make it right, leaving Moose so delighted that on the end papers he begs, “Can we do it again?” The story plays on the alphabet’s predictability/familiarity by going in an unexpected direction. The art is absolutely fabulous, chock full of humorous detail, making the most of every opportunity for fun. Do you want to know how much I love this book? I am buying a copy for my granddaughter!
For the complete list of books with resources, please visit Perfect Picture Books.
As you all know, as a small thank you to all of you who work so hard on Perfect Picture Books, I randomly pick a winner from the PPB bloggers each month to receive a prize – you get one entry for every book you add in the month. November’s winner was Stacy, December’s winner was Clar, and January’s was Miranda. This month 32 bloggers added 112 books (not counting me)! Thanks to the wonder that is random.org I am happy to announce this month’s winner is Jackie C of The Castle Library! Jackie, please email me (handy button in sidebar) and let me know which prize you’d like. I always have a random mixed bag of goodies lying around which changes from month to month… this month’s choice is hmmm…. you probably don’t want raccoon nest material… or those old socks… Here! How about one of the following: a copy of Ann Whitford Paul’s book Writing Picture Books, or a copy of Anne Mazer and Ellen Potter’s book Spilling Ink, or a copy of The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson, or a signed copy of April Fool, Phyllis! from yours truly. Your pick!
Perfect Picture Book bloggers, please remember to add your post-specific link to the list below, and I hope you’ll all join me on Monday for the February Pitch Pick – it promises to be a good one! Have a great weekend! 🙂
Susanna Leonard Hill 
I love A to Z books. The more clever and witty the better. This one sounds like just the ticket!
I love today's PB choice! What a fun book. I'm going to try and find this one. I think my kids would have a blast with it, and they're at the perfect age 🙂
I know 🙂 I am still part child 🙂 Maybe why I like to write PBs 🙂 Sorry about your posting troubles. I sent you an email. We shall find a way!
It is very fun! I don't know what's up with the internet in general today… it's not cooperating at my house! And no, you didn't duplicate anything and I love Kevin Henkes – did you see the great videos on Cynsations yesterday? – so can't wait to hop over and read your review 🙂
welcome 🙂
Gosh, you're so nice! Thank you so much!!! 🙂
I think they really will – it's so fun! 🙂
Inter-library loan at my library charges money. Is that really worth it? I thought libraries were supposed to be free! I could always buy it…
Check it out and let me know what you think!
Ooh! have fun with the gift card!!! Can't wait to see what it is you've got your eye on 🙂 And yes – isn't it awesome, our group of dedicated PPBF bloggers?! 🙂
Well, it's probably cheaper than buying the book, but seriously? You have to pay? Where do you live? My library you just go online and if they don't have the book they get it from one of the other libraries in the system – no charge – and you pick it up from your closest branch!
Christie Wild wrote, in response to Susanna Leonard Hill:
Inter-library loan at my library charges money. Is that really worth it? I thought libraries were supposed to be free! I could always buy it…
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This sounds like a really fun one. I'll have to check it out!
Let me know if you like it as much as I do 🙂
Grabbed my virtual cheesecake and loved this PB choice. Yes, I can see children loving this and relating all too well to Moose's anxiousness to be “in it” already.
Wow! I loved your synopsis. That book sounds amazing. I might just read it!
I wish my kids were younger so they would read picture books again. The closest we come to it is early chapter books with pictures.
That is one raving review Susanna! I've just put this on my MUST READ list!! 🙂
yes, I saw that yesterday and linked to it on my PPBF post!
I have found virtual cheesecake to be much better for my figure – such as it is 🙂 – (and my cholesterol level :)) And this is a very fun book 🙂
I think you'll enjoy it. Certainly, as a writer, it is both inspiring and humbling to see such a simple idea executed so well.
I know. Sigh. They have that habit of growing up!
I think you'll like it even if you're “too old” for PBs!
Awww, thank you, Susanna!
I'm not crafty at all, either! My mom makes gorgeous quilts for the boys since I am an inept crafter.
🙂
Heather Newman wrote, in response to Susanna Leonard Hill:
Awww, thank you, Susanna!
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I would like to be crafty… in my heart I am crafty… but in reality, not so much 🙂
Heather Newman wrote, in response to Susanna Leonard Hill:
I'm not crafty at all, either! My mom makes gorgeous quilts for the boys since I am an inept crafter.
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I think it's terrific (as you can probably tell by the review :)) so I hope they'll like it too! 🙂
What an adorable idea! I'll have to check it out for sure.
It will make you laugh 🙂
Hi–Just wanted to mention that I've never read, seen, or heard of Kipper's A to Z. But I'll go check it out now! And thank you to everyone for such wonderful praise and support! I hope you all enjoy the book!
Hi Susanna, I just saw your review and am so thrilled and honored that you liked the book so much. Thank you for the delightful review and for letting everyone know about Moose. I hope everyone here enjoys it, too! I actually wrote this book for my son when he was learning his abc's and I couldn't find any “funny” picture books in our library…so he asked me to write him one. That is how Moose came to be….eight years ago! My son is now 13 but I tell him this is still “his” book and it was worth the wait. I am so delighted with Paul's artwork and feel so fortunate to have shared the book with him. I am very proud of Moose and I hope everyone loves him as much as you do! Best wishes to everyone…and thank you again.
Kelly Bingham
Hi Kelly – I am honored that you stopped by my blog, and I'm glad you liked the review. As you can tell, I loved your book! I'm sure everyone else will too! Be sure to let us know when your next book is coming out 🙂
Susanna, my local library just got this book in. My kids loved it! Well, we all did even my husband. He thought it was the funniest children's book he ever read. 🙂
I'm so glad you liked it! I really thought it was terrific – and I am surprisingly hard to please in this department 🙂
Jennifer Young wrote, in response to Susanna Leonard Hill:
Susanna, my local library just got this book in. My kids loved it! Well, we all did even my husband. He thought it was the funniest children's book he ever read. 🙂
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This sounds like a great one for my K class! Thanks Susanna!
Oh I love this book so much. Genuinely made me laugh out loud on first read!
Isn't it wonderful?! I love it. So funny and so cleverly done. Thanks so much for stopping by, Caryn!
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This was a hilarious book and DD loved to see how Moose was so desperate to “get in”
I'm glad you're a fan, too, Reshama! I love this book – so much fun! 🙂
Sounds absolutely delightful! Moose reminds me of my 3 year old! I'm so glad you shared about this book at Booknificent Thursday! Hope to see you again soon.
Tina from mommynificent.com
Susanna, I just wanted to take a second to thank you for visiting and commenting on so many links from Booknificent Thursday (and mentioning that you came from there)! I really appreciate it and it helps to foster the kind of community we're trying to build!
Tina
You're very welcome, Tina! It's a wonderful idea and I enjoy seeing the books that others recommend. I'm glad we met at Sarah's blog 🙂
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I'm very glad we met too! 🙂