Reading a big bold picture book is one of the most delightful things you can do with a tiny tot and they don’t come much bolder or brighter than The Moose is Loose; a silly story of wayward animals aboard an old-fashioned train.
Written in rhyming verse and using interesting vocabulary, this is a story to engage and inspire its young audience. Carthew’s words are well complemented by Matt Stanton’s robust illustrations. Together, the words and pictures create a wonderful reading experience, full of action and emotion.
There is a Dr Seuss feel to the book, but while The Cat in the Hat and Green Eggs and Ham were basically nonsense tales, The Moose is Loose sets up a problem – how can train driver Mac entice the run-away animals back to the caboose?
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As with husbands and children, the way to get what you want is to put on a good spread: “some cake for the slithery snake, a steaming fish pie for the big bear to try…and some stinky blue cheese for the rat and his fleas….”.
And there is a masculine quality to the story that would enable big brothers or serious dads to read it without feeling awkward.
The Moose is Loose is a perfect read-aloud romp. I defy anyone to read this book aloud and not put on a silly voice. Go find a toddler to read it with immediately!
The Moose is Loose (picture book) with words by Mark Carthew and illustrations by Matt Stanton is published by ABC Books, $24.99.