There Are No Moose on This Island

by Stephanie Calmenson, Jennifer Thermes (Illustrator)

Jake’s excited about going on a trip to an island, and he really, really, really wants to see a moose. But his dad insists that there are no moose on this island. But both Jake and a friendly moose would like to disagree! In playful rhymes, author Stephanie Calmenson brings the reader along with Jake and his dad, as they explore the mammals, birds, insects, and sea life on and around the island. With graceful illustrations by Jennifer Thermes, Jake—and the reader—start to see the moose, a little bit at a time, but Dad’s either got his nose in a book or binoculars glued to his eyes. In the end, it’s Jake who shows his dad the value of putting aside the guidebook and ferry schedule to truly experience the beauty and magic of the outdoors.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, Humor

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 11, 2013

About the author

Stephanie Calmenson's many popular titles include concept books, funny school stories, poetry collections, books about dogs and, with Magic School Bus author Joanna Cole, anthologies and beginning reader chapter books.

Stephanie's books have been called "marvelous" (PW), "lyrical" (SLJ), "hilarious" (SLJ), "sweet, funny, and right on the mark" (Booklist).

Before turning to writing, Stephanie was a teacher, a children's book editor, and Editorial Director of Parents Magazine's Read-Aloud Book Club.

Website: my link text

Reviews

[Sarah Threlkeld · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, rhyming picture book with a hide and seek component that will delight young readers. I also learned some interesting facts about moose, which was a bonus.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

In a similar fashion to Are the Dinosaurs Dead, Dad? this picture book follows a well-meaning but slightly clueless and definitely unobservant father on a father-son outing. The boy is eager to spot a moose once they sail to a Maine island. His father pooh-poohs the idea and reminds his son to watch carefully for other interesting animals. To the boy's great delight, a curious moose keeps crossing their paths. The father fails to see him until they are heading back across the bay. Young readers will enjoy catching a glimpse of the moose's antlers throughout the book's pages. This one would be a great read aloud title, enabling young readers to pay attention both to text and illustrations.

[Katt Hansen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book of possibilities. Not everything that happen is expected, and certainly isn't about to, if the (stupid) father doesn't get his nose out of his book once in a while. Not liking how preoccupied the father is here, barely noticing or interacting with his child at all. He certainly isn't paying attention to what the child is trying to say. Sadly, this has become a standard of modern parenting, seen far too often. That just make me sad, and so the book loses the wonder that it's trying to develop.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jake and his father go on a trip to an island. Jake really hopes to see a moose. His dad assures him that there are no moose on this island. But Jake keeps telling his dad there are. Readers will love seeing how the moose appears and how Jake's dad repeatedly misses seeing him. I like that this explores the idea that when something is unlikely, it doesn't mean it is impossible and we should always keep our ideas open for the magnficent creatures and sights around us.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

We read this after our trip to MA earlier this month. Our adventure involved seeing wildlife (a seal!. This story was reinforcement that just sticking your nose in a book and expecting what SHOULD be there will mean that you might miss some extraordinary things. I thought it taught good lessons :)
Ozman got bored.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why don't parents ever listen? Jake's dad is so sure that it's impossible to see a moose on this trip, that he doesn't even pay attention to right in front of him. Guess what...it's a moose.

An enjoyable picture book for those who love to travel and explore, and of course for moose lovers.

[Cait · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun picture book that made my seven year old giggle. He loved reading about our local wildlife.

[Chara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was just the hope I needed on my trip to Maine when we stayed on MDI. Such a cute story. Can you find the moose on every page? Don’t forget to read the author’s notes!

[Madeline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book in the mail today from Goodread's "first-reads" program. The simple, charming story and beautifully bright and playful illustrations are fantastic to look at even as an adult and are sure to delight any child. I can't wait to share this book with my nephew and any other kids who happen to be around.

[Lara · Rating 2 out of 5]

The idea is cute and kind of fun, but I'm not a big fan of the illustrations, and I really hate the font used. It's probably dumb, but those things just got in the way too much for me to actually enjoy the story. Kids might be a lot less picky though.

[Pamela · Rating 2 out of 5]

Why could the dad not see the moose? The boy sees it everywhere. Despite this, I like the introduction to the island habitat that this book offers, and the fun moose facts at the end.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I MAINE I was hoping to see Moose..and didn't see ONE. But this is a fun book about a moose...a fun look and find book. Can you spot the moose in each picture?? I enjoyed it! Lots of fun!

[Jessica Simmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a good book! It shows a good relationship between a dad and a son. They try to look for moose on the island but somehow they can't find one!

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable kids book about paying attention and being aware of your surrounding.