Picture Book Review: Moose's Book Bus by Inga Moore (2021)

Quick Booktalk

Moose, the neighborhood storyteller, runs out of stories to tell, so he starts borrowing books from the library, eventually leading to a literary renaissance among his fellow creatures.

About the Illustrations

The pastel illustrations in this book are timeless and very cozy and gentle. The animals have all the features appropriate to their respective species, but they are also infused with sweet hints of personality in their facial expressions and body language. Their homes and the natural world surrounding them are very warm and homey, as is the environment in the library itself. The pictures are the perfect complement to this snug story about spreading literacy and the love of reading. 

Story Time Possibilities

This picture book is a children's librarian's dream! In a public library setting, I'd be taking this on every outreach visit for things like National Library Card Sign-Up Month, National Library Week, summer reading promotion and anything else even remotely related to literacy. It would also be a regular title in my story time rotation. Without preaching, and completely within the confines of a lovely close-knit animal community, this book communicates anything a book lover could ever want to pass onto children about the importance and joy of reading. I have a book-themed story time planned for the group that meets in my home, and I am excited to include this title. 

Readers Advisory

For families who prefer older, more traditional picture books, Moose's Book Bus will be an ideal read. It reads like a classic, and its illustrations have that feel as well. It reminds me a little bit of the Mr. Gumpy books by John Burningham, and the illustrations also made me think of artwork by David McPhail.  There is an earlier book about the same characters, called A House in the Woods (2011). Inga Moore is also author and illustrator of that old story time favorite, Six Dinner Sid (1990). This is one of the best picture books I have received for review in 2021. 

Disclosure

I received a finished copy of Moose's Book Bus from Candlewick Press in exchange for an honest review.