Santa's Moose

by Syd Hoff

Milton, the big clumsy moose, helps Santa one Christmas when his load is too heavy for the reindeer to pull.

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Childrens, Holiday

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1979

About the author

Whether you’re seven or seventy, the chances are you’ve probably come in contact with one of his many books (150 plus), or cartoons that have appeared in over 200 magazines in the course of his lifetime, including Laugh it Off which was syndicated for 20 years. His comic strip Tuffy, about a little girl who did funny things, was declared essential for national morale during WWII by William Randolph Hearst.

Syd has worked in diverse genres. He had the distinct honor of working with Alfred Hitchcock and Ellery Queen as a contributor of short fiction writing. He was awarded national advertising commissions for large companies such as Chevrolet, Maxwell House Coffee and others. He had his own TV show (Tales of Hoff on CBS), traveled the world as entertainment on cruise ships and entertained children and teachers in schools and libraries across the country.

Reviews

[Mischenko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this one by Syd Hoff. Nice illustrations. Hopefully Milton the moose can help Santa!

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Milton the moose encounters eight little reindeer on their way to help Santa with his sleigh, he decides he wants to come along as well. Unfortunately, his first efforts at pulling Santa's sleigh don't go smoothly - he has trouble landing on roofs, and wants to watch Santa put the presents under the tree - but with practice he improves, and eventually his strength comes in very handy in completing the Christmas Eve night deliveries...

Having loved Syd Hoff's classic early reader, Danny and the Dinosaur , as a girl, I was curious about this holiday selection when I saw it on a Christmas display at work, and picked it up. It's a sweet little tale, one in which goodhearted effort wins out in the end, and the Christmas spirit prevails. The artwork is classic Syd Hoff, and is well-suited to the humor of the tale. Recommended to anyone looking for Christmas-themed early-readers, especially if they have enjoyed other titles from Hoff.

[Jules]

Another wonderful Syd Hoff story for beginning readers with a positive message. Milton the moose helps Santa and the reindeer delivery presents. At first, it's not easy to land softly on rooftops or contain Christmas curiosity, but with the support of his new friends, Milton discovers that nothing is impossible.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hoff, Syd Santa’s Moose EARLY READER Harper, 1979. $3.99 Content: G.

All of the forest animals are preparing for Christmas when Milton the Moose sees eight reindeer going to help Santa. Milton offers his help to pull the big sleigh and Santa and the reindeer are happy to have him because of his strength. Milton has to learn a few skills along the way, but by the end of the night when the reindeer are tired, they are glad to have his help. Milton promises to help Santa the next Christmas as well.

Syd Hoff’s illustrations have always been fun and this is no exception. The simple words and sentences are great for beginning readers. My only hang up is that at one point Milton falls of the roof and takes all the reindeer with him and when they land there are “X”s on their eyes, which to my kids translates that they are dead (instead of disoriented)-that took some explaining.

EL (K-3) – OPTIONAL. Reviewer, C. Peterson.
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017/...

[Gmr · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the mind who brought you Danny and the Dinosaur (whom we'll be visiting with momentarily), comes a story of Santa's reindeer that wasn't....a reindeer, that is. Yes, my friends, here we have a story about Milton the Moose who just wanted to help Santa with his sleigh and experience the holiday in a way he never had before. Did he get the chance or was he shunned like a certain well known "red-nosed" flying dynamo? Let's just say that the big S.C. is all about giving people (and animals!) a chance...even when they've a bit of learning to do.

It's a heartwarming story that encourages kiddos (and beyond!) to reach for their dreams, and never let a little thing like being different stand in your way.


**copy received for review

[Matthew · Rating 1 out of 5]

A really flat story with not much meat or story arch or character development. You might think, well, it's a children's easy reader. Yeah, but after reading Hoff's Grizzwold book, I'm comparing them all to it, because it was really a step above the others he's written. In this story, Milton the moose wants to help Santa on Christmas Eve. He does but is kind of clumsy, but with the advice of Santa and the encouragement of the reindeer, Milton will overcome any loose ends he has with his abilities and pull through. Yeah, it's a cute message, but I just wasn't impressed with the execution. One star for it being Hoff and Christmas-themed. My rating - 1/5

[Mundie Moms & Mundie Kids · Rating 4 out of 5]

Milton The Moose loves Christmas. He loves it so much that the helps Santa and the reindeer deliver presents around the world on Christmas Eve. Just hen he starts to feel like he's not good enough to help, Milton gets a lot of encouragement from Santa and the reindeer. We loved how they all rallied around Milton. Cute, beginner reading book. The illustrations where just as I remembered Syd Hoff's from when I grew up reading his books as a kid.

REVIWED http://mundiekids.blogspot.com/2017/1...

[Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Milton the Moose encounters eight little reindeer heading off to help Santa, he decides to tag along. Santa agrees to let him join his sleigh team, but pulling Santa’s sleigh has a steep learning curve.

This book illustrates the importance of perseverance especially when others are depending upon you.

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a nice story of a moose that gets to help our Santa one Christmas. But he has to learn to be quite like a reindeer, and not to try and go down the chimney. It’s a nice story, but it shows it’s age.

[Elizabeth Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the message included in this fun Christmas Children's book.

[Jesse · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the inclusion of a moose on Santa's sleigh! Very U.P. :)

[Emerson and Theodore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had never seen this 1979 book until today! What a find. We love Syd Hoff (Sammy the Seal) and this was a wonderful find. Great book w lots of popcorn/sight words!

[Set · Rating 5 out of 5]

A first grade level quirky Christmas story of a moose that wants to help Santa Claus.

[Luisa Knight · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Syd Hoff's illustrations and you can't really go wrong with his stories either. This one's fun!

Ages: 3 - 8
Reading Level: K - 3rd grades

Cleanliness: it's a story with Santa Claus.

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[Lillie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked it because it was so fun!