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Thidwick the Big-Hearted Moose
When Thidwick allows a motley collection of creatures to set up home in his antlers, the kindly moose soon finds that his guests have gone too far!
42 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1948
46 people are currently reading
1718 people want to read
About the author
Dr. Seuss
981 books18.3k followersAlso wrote as Theodore Seuss Geisel, see https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Theodor Seuss Geisel was born 2 March 1904 in Springfield, Massachusetts. He graduated Dartmouth College in 1925, and proceeded on to Oxford University with the intent of acquiring a doctorate in literature. At Oxford he met Helen Palmer, who he wed in 1927. He returned from Europe in 1927, and began working for a magazine called Judge, the leading humor magazine in America at the time, submitting both cartoons and humorous articles for them. Additionally, he was submitting cartoons to Life, Vanity Fair and Liberty. In some of his works, he'd made reference to an insecticide called Flit. These references gained notice, and led to a contract to draw comic ads for Flit. This association lasted 17 years, gained him national exposure, and coined the catchphrase "Quick, Henry, the Flit!"
In 1936 on the way to a vacation in Europe, listening to the rhythm of the ship's engines, he came up with And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street, which was then promptly rejected by the first 43 publishers he showed it to. Eventually in 1937 a friend published the book for him, and it went on to at least moderate success.
During World War II, Geisel joined the army and was sent to Hollywood. Captain Geisel would write for Frank Capra's Signal Corps Unit (for which he won the Legion of Merit) and do documentaries (he won Oscar's for Hitler Lives and Design for Death). He also created a cartoon called Gerald McBoing-Boing which also won him an Oscar.
In May of 1954, Life published a report concerning illiteracy among school children. The report said, among other things, that children were having trouble to read because their books were boring. This inspired Geisel's publisher, and prompted him to send Geisel a list of 400 words he felt were important, asked him to cut the list to 250 words (the publishers idea of how many words at one time a first grader could absorb), and write a book. Nine months later, Geisel, using 220 of the words given to him published The Cat in the Hat , which went on to instant success.
In 1960 Bennett Cerf bet Geisel $50 that he couldn't write an entire book using only fifty words. The result was Green Eggs and Ham . Cerf never paid the $50 from the bet.
Helen Palmer Geisel died in 1967. Theodor Geisel married Audrey Stone Diamond in 1968. Theodor Seuss Geisel died 24 September 1991.
Also worked under the pen name: Theo Le Sieg
Theodor Seuss Geisel was born 2 March 1904 in Springfield, Massachusetts. He graduated Dartmouth College in 1925, and proceeded on to Oxford University with the intent of acquiring a doctorate in literature. At Oxford he met Helen Palmer, who he wed in 1927. He returned from Europe in 1927, and began working for a magazine called Judge, the leading humor magazine in America at the time, submitting both cartoons and humorous articles for them. Additionally, he was submitting cartoons to Life, Vanity Fair and Liberty. In some of his works, he'd made reference to an insecticide called Flit. These references gained notice, and led to a contract to draw comic ads for Flit. This association lasted 17 years, gained him national exposure, and coined the catchphrase "Quick, Henry, the Flit!"
In 1936 on the way to a vacation in Europe, listening to the rhythm of the ship's engines, he came up with And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street, which was then promptly rejected by the first 43 publishers he showed it to. Eventually in 1937 a friend published the book for him, and it went on to at least moderate success.
During World War II, Geisel joined the army and was sent to Hollywood. Captain Geisel would write for Frank Capra's Signal Corps Unit (for which he won the Legion of Merit) and do documentaries (he won Oscar's for Hitler Lives and Design for Death). He also created a cartoon called Gerald McBoing-Boing which also won him an Oscar.
In May of 1954, Life published a report concerning illiteracy among school children. The report said, among other things, that children were having trouble to read because their books were boring. This inspired Geisel's publisher, and prompted him to send Geisel a list of 400 words he felt were important, asked him to cut the list to 250 words (the publishers idea of how many words at one time a first grader could absorb), and write a book. Nine months later, Geisel, using 220 of the words given to him published The Cat in the Hat , which went on to instant success.
In 1960 Bennett Cerf bet Geisel $50 that he couldn't write an entire book using only fifty words. The result was Green Eggs and Ham . Cerf never paid the $50 from the bet.
Helen Palmer Geisel died in 1967. Theodor Geisel married Audrey Stone Diamond in 1968. Theodor Seuss Geisel died 24 September 1991.
Also worked under the pen name: Theo Le Sieg
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 360 reviews
September 3, 2017
Nothing but good can be said about the Dr. Seuss books. Always a great teaching and learning process. The age of this one is a rare gem of a book. I'd like to thank my daughter Jen for the recommendation. 💚
September 3, 2017
This book is featured on this week's Shabby Sunday @ https://readrantrockandroll.com/2017/...
Thidwick spends most of his days munching on tender moose-moss, until a Bingle Bug comes along and expects a ride. Of course, Thidwick can’t turn him down and offers him a home on his antlers. Then comes a tree spider, Zinn-a-zu Bird, a squirrel family, and many more creatures expecting a ride. Thidwick’s virtue of kindness takes over.
“A host has to put up with all kinds of pests. For a host, above all, must be kind to his guests.”
Thidwick is stuck in a dangerous situation and must go it alone, but his guests don’t want to leave. What should Thidwick do?
This story reminds me of Aesop’s Fables and has a moral lesson of kindness. Children will ask, “Why did Thidwick toss his antlers with all the creatures still on them?” They’ll learn that kindness can only go so far. When kindness starts to hurt you, the kind-hearted person, physically or emotionally, you may need to walk away from the situation and start caring about yourself.
My hardback copy is the 1948 edition and a previous library book stamped in Chicago, IL. I bought it at a used book sale years ago. The book is colorful and written with the familiar rhyming poetry as other Dr. Seuss books. This is a great book to add to your children’s collection!
My rating on this one is 5-stars.
Thidwick spends most of his days munching on tender moose-moss, until a Bingle Bug comes along and expects a ride. Of course, Thidwick can’t turn him down and offers him a home on his antlers. Then comes a tree spider, Zinn-a-zu Bird, a squirrel family, and many more creatures expecting a ride. Thidwick’s virtue of kindness takes over.
“A host has to put up with all kinds of pests. For a host, above all, must be kind to his guests.”
Thidwick is stuck in a dangerous situation and must go it alone, but his guests don’t want to leave. What should Thidwick do?
This story reminds me of Aesop’s Fables and has a moral lesson of kindness. Children will ask, “Why did Thidwick toss his antlers with all the creatures still on them?” They’ll learn that kindness can only go so far. When kindness starts to hurt you, the kind-hearted person, physically or emotionally, you may need to walk away from the situation and start caring about yourself.
My hardback copy is the 1948 edition and a previous library book stamped in Chicago, IL. I bought it at a used book sale years ago. The book is colorful and written with the familiar rhyming poetry as other Dr. Seuss books. This is a great book to add to your children’s collection!
My rating on this one is 5-stars.
August 28, 2023
I've always been a big Dr. Suess fan! I found this book in the Country Store on the farm yesterday where I work along with another one & had to buy them!
I never heard of Thidwick before but I just read this adorable book and loved it! All poor Thidwick wants to do is to be with his herd finding moose - moss to munch. As he goes along the trail, all kinds of birds, animals and pests come to live in his antlers!! Oh no! What's Big - Hearted Thidwick to do, especially since his friends leave him? Well, Thidwick has it all figured out. Read this beautiful story and find out his solution to the problem!
Beautifully written and illustrated by Dr Suess. Fun for kids of all ages!
Enjoy and Happy Reading 💫✨🫎
I never heard of Thidwick before but I just read this adorable book and loved it! All poor Thidwick wants to do is to be with his herd finding moose - moss to munch. As he goes along the trail, all kinds of birds, animals and pests come to live in his antlers!! Oh no! What's Big - Hearted Thidwick to do, especially since his friends leave him? Well, Thidwick has it all figured out. Read this beautiful story and find out his solution to the problem!
Beautifully written and illustrated by Dr Suess. Fun for kids of all ages!
Enjoy and Happy Reading 💫✨🫎
Want to read
December 9, 2020This book, cited in chapter 8, endnote 23 of Anarchy, State and Utopia, typifies the unyielding academic rigor of Robert Nozick's treatise.
October 18, 2021
My son was down with strep throat over the weekend and I read this to him three or four times yesterday.
Thidwick The Big-Hearted Moose is straight up Seuss, with tongue twisters and dark humor. Thidwick lets a big nest in his antlers and before you know it, it's a bug, a spider, a few birds, and all kinds of crazy crap, which really weighs him down when the hunters show up.
The art is great and you feel for Thidwick. He's trying to be nice and assholes keep taking advantage of him until his life is in danger. Fortunately, Thidwick doesn't end up with his head on some hunter's wall at the end, though blood is spilled.
Thidwick The Big-Hearted Moose is straight up Seuss, with tongue twisters and dark humor. Thidwick lets a big nest in his antlers and before you know it, it's a bug, a spider, a few birds, and all kinds of crazy crap, which really weighs him down when the hunters show up.
The art is great and you feel for Thidwick. He's trying to be nice and assholes keep taking advantage of him until his life is in danger. Fortunately, Thidwick doesn't end up with his head on some hunter's wall at the end, though blood is spilled.
November 30, 2022
I am going to gift this book to my nephews and nieces and everyone who's a kid I know. Yes, I am pesky when it comes to good books.
Actually this is one of the most amazing stories ever written as a storybook for children. Actually we adults need to read this too.
It's about a big-hearted being taken advantage of and being walked all over just because they are nice and accomodating.
The way the story ends is a big lesson we all need to learn. And I am learning it still.
Dr. Seuss had something important to teach with each of his stories. Let's just all agree to that ☺️
Actually this is one of the most amazing stories ever written as a storybook for children. Actually we adults need to read this too.
It's about a big-hearted being taken advantage of and being walked all over just because they are nice and accomodating.
The way the story ends is a big lesson we all need to learn. And I am learning it still.
Dr. Seuss had something important to teach with each of his stories. Let's just all agree to that ☺️
November 16, 2016
Now, I am an avid fan of Dr. Seuss! This author is a very "Big-Hearted" person because it's what his books tell us..And we are indeed lucky for having the opportunity to read his famous books for children!^^
February 7, 2017
"Thidwick made his way
letting his horns and guests.
He found the kindess in grey,
finally,tempting done in bests."
letting his horns and guests.
He found the kindess in grey,
finally,tempting done in bests."
September 4, 2017
This is such a lovely story about 'big-heartedness' - recommended for children of all ages!
December 22, 2016
I have mixed feelings about this book. It definitely sends a dramatic message about not taking advantage of people's kindness, but what does it really teach kids about standing up for themselves?
May 16, 2017
The only thing going through my mind while reading this was: "Why the hell didn't I read anything by Dr. Seuss when I was young?" :/
Dr. Seuss's books are insanely cute and smart for the young ones! They are witty, easy to read, and poetic, let alone the life lessons the carry.
This one was really nice. As the name suggests, it teaches the kid to be nice hearted and kind, but at the same time it shows how nice people's kindness might be taken for weakness or stupidity.
I'm really impressed by how Dr. Seuss can use fictional characters, let those be animals or even creatures from his imagination, to tell a realistic story with a sold lesson.
I shall read such stories to my kids one day. <3
Dr. Seuss's books are insanely cute and smart for the young ones! They are witty, easy to read, and poetic, let alone the life lessons the carry.
This one was really nice. As the name suggests, it teaches the kid to be nice hearted and kind, but at the same time it shows how nice people's kindness might be taken for weakness or stupidity.
I'm really impressed by how Dr. Seuss can use fictional characters, let those be animals or even creatures from his imagination, to tell a realistic story with a sold lesson.
I shall read such stories to my kids one day. <3
March 21, 2021
Marching along one day, munching on moose-moss and enjoying life with his herd, the eponymous Thidwick finds himself granting a little Bingle Bug's request to ride along on his antlers**. After all, this prospective guest is tiny, and it wouldn't really effect Thidwick one way or another. Unfortunately for our cervine hero, the bug is just the first in a series of ever larger creatures that decide to take up residence in his antlers. None of these newcomers, from the spiders to the Zinn-a-zu Birds, the woodpecker to the squirrels, asks Thidwick for his permission to move in, but they all strenuously object when he attempts to follow his herd across Lake Winna-Bango, in search of the food he needs. Karma is coming for these pests however, and when Thidwick is pursued by human hunters, his realization that he is about to shed his antlers leads both to his own freedom, and to some just desserts for the freeloaders...
Originally published in 1948, Thidwick the Bighearted Moose was Dr. Seuss' sixth picture-book, following upon And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street (1937), The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins (1938), The King's Stilts (1939), Horton Hatches the Egg (1940) and McElligot's Pool (1947). It is a book that I recall reading many times in my childhood, and although I had not picked it up in many years, I still had vivid memories of the image of Thidwick stumbling along underneath the immense weight of all of his uninvited "guests." This current reread was prompted by my recently undertaken Dr. Seuss retrospective, in which I plan to read and review all forty-four of his classic picture-books, in chronological publication order. This is a project I began as an act of personal protest against the suppression of six of the author/artist's titles - And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street , McElligot's Pool , If I Ran the Zoo , Scrambled Eggs Super! , On Beyond Zebra! and The Cat's Quizzer - by Dr. Seuss Enterprises. See my review of And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street , to be found HERE, for a fuller exploration of my thoughts on that matter.
Leaving that unfortunate and highly objectionable development aside, this is an entertaining and thought-provoking picture-book, as enjoyable now as when I first had it read to me, in my early childhood. It pairs a witty story told in rhyme with appealing, humorous artwork, and explores the reality that unlimited kindness and forbearance can be very damaging for the one being kind. Through its story of Thidwick, who tries to grin and bear it, despite the outrageous and abusive behavior of his 'guests,' it seems to argue for the idea of balance, and for the notion that one shouldn't allow oneself to be taken advantage of, in the name of either politeness or generosity. Finding this kind of balance can be tricky, even for adults, so Dr. Seuss is to be commended for introducing these ideas to young children, and for giving them a model of what can happen, when one doesn't stand up for oneself. Of course, the story can also be read as a warning of how not to behave as a guest, demonstrating that those who make a pest of themselves, and who take advantage of others, will find themselves very unwelcome. The artwork, done in black and white, with reddish and blue-green accents, feels like a return to an earlier style, after the magical multi-colored world of McElligot's Pool . Despite its more limited palette however, the illustrations are immensely expressive, capturing both the humor and horror of poor Thidwick's situation.
All in all, Thidwick the Big-Hearted Moose is yet another Dr. Seuss title worthy of its status as a childhood classic, and is one I would recommend to all picture-books readers.
**Please note that although Dr. Seuss uses the term "horns," moose have antlers. Antlers are found on cervids, are made of bone, are usually branched, and are shed every year. Horns are found on bovids, are made of bone and keratin, are not branched, and are permanent.
Originally published in 1948, Thidwick the Bighearted Moose was Dr. Seuss' sixth picture-book, following upon And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street (1937), The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins (1938), The King's Stilts (1939), Horton Hatches the Egg (1940) and McElligot's Pool (1947). It is a book that I recall reading many times in my childhood, and although I had not picked it up in many years, I still had vivid memories of the image of Thidwick stumbling along underneath the immense weight of all of his uninvited "guests." This current reread was prompted by my recently undertaken Dr. Seuss retrospective, in which I plan to read and review all forty-four of his classic picture-books, in chronological publication order. This is a project I began as an act of personal protest against the suppression of six of the author/artist's titles - And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street , McElligot's Pool , If I Ran the Zoo , Scrambled Eggs Super! , On Beyond Zebra! and The Cat's Quizzer - by Dr. Seuss Enterprises. See my review of And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street , to be found HERE, for a fuller exploration of my thoughts on that matter.
Leaving that unfortunate and highly objectionable development aside, this is an entertaining and thought-provoking picture-book, as enjoyable now as when I first had it read to me, in my early childhood. It pairs a witty story told in rhyme with appealing, humorous artwork, and explores the reality that unlimited kindness and forbearance can be very damaging for the one being kind. Through its story of Thidwick, who tries to grin and bear it, despite the outrageous and abusive behavior of his 'guests,' it seems to argue for the idea of balance, and for the notion that one shouldn't allow oneself to be taken advantage of, in the name of either politeness or generosity. Finding this kind of balance can be tricky, even for adults, so Dr. Seuss is to be commended for introducing these ideas to young children, and for giving them a model of what can happen, when one doesn't stand up for oneself. Of course, the story can also be read as a warning of how not to behave as a guest, demonstrating that those who make a pest of themselves, and who take advantage of others, will find themselves very unwelcome. The artwork, done in black and white, with reddish and blue-green accents, feels like a return to an earlier style, after the magical multi-colored world of McElligot's Pool . Despite its more limited palette however, the illustrations are immensely expressive, capturing both the humor and horror of poor Thidwick's situation.
All in all, Thidwick the Big-Hearted Moose is yet another Dr. Seuss title worthy of its status as a childhood classic, and is one I would recommend to all picture-books readers.
**Please note that although Dr. Seuss uses the term "horns," moose have antlers. Antlers are found on cervids, are made of bone, are usually branched, and are shed every year. Horns are found on bovids, are made of bone and keratin, are not branched, and are permanent.
April 3, 2013
This book should be called Thidwick: The Passive-Aggressive Moose. I love Dr. Seuss but this is my least favorite book of his that I've read. I think it's crazy that there are so many good reviews all about what a great/cute message this book has.
This is the story of Thidwick, a big-hearted and passive-aggressive Moose. Thidwick lets one bug have a ride on his antlers and soon after the bug is inviting every creature he sees to take advantage of Thidwick's hospitality. Thidwick repeatedly says that he can't do anything about it because they are his guests. But they aren't all his guests, only the first bug is. Even worse is when his one of his "guests" puts holes in his antlers and invites a family of squirrels to move in to the holes. Then, when Thidwick wants to go south for the winter, his "guests" demand that he stay because they don't feel like relocating. So Thidwick does what he's told but grumbles about it just the same. Finally, he feels so weighed down by the creatures living in his antlers, that he can't run from the twelve hunters shooting and chasing him. He doesn't know what to do and then he remembers that it is the day that his antlers are going to fall off. Thidwick gets out of the whole mess not by some assertive act of his own but by the mere chance that he is a moose and that a moose's antlers fall off every year. The story ends with Thidwick escaping the hunters but all the animals living in his antlers ending up stuffed on a wall at Harvard. I don't have a problem with the guns/hunters. I think it's hilarious that it takes twelve Harvard men to shoot one moose. I also think that Thidwick's guests get what they deserve when they end up stuffed.
What I have a big problem with is the passive-aggressive story line. Sure, teach your kids to be nice to bullies, but in my house, you cannot complain about a problem if you're not going to do something about it. Thidwick didn't do anything about it. It's the equivalent of a child getting teased on the playground and then a Teacher walks around the corner and stops the teasing before it gets any worse. I would have liked to see Thidwick being assertive with his "guests" and standing up for himself.
I know I'm overreacting and that it's a kids book and I'm probably reading too much into it. But I teach my children the importance of sticking up for themselves and being assertive and I feel like this book gives no good solution that translates into real life.
I was also surprisingly disgusted with the pictures of the squirrels living in the holes in Thidwick's antlers.
This is the story of Thidwick, a big-hearted and passive-aggressive Moose. Thidwick lets one bug have a ride on his antlers and soon after the bug is inviting every creature he sees to take advantage of Thidwick's hospitality. Thidwick repeatedly says that he can't do anything about it because they are his guests. But they aren't all his guests, only the first bug is. Even worse is when his one of his "guests" puts holes in his antlers and invites a family of squirrels to move in to the holes. Then, when Thidwick wants to go south for the winter, his "guests" demand that he stay because they don't feel like relocating. So Thidwick does what he's told but grumbles about it just the same. Finally, he feels so weighed down by the creatures living in his antlers, that he can't run from the twelve hunters shooting and chasing him. He doesn't know what to do and then he remembers that it is the day that his antlers are going to fall off. Thidwick gets out of the whole mess not by some assertive act of his own but by the mere chance that he is a moose and that a moose's antlers fall off every year. The story ends with Thidwick escaping the hunters but all the animals living in his antlers ending up stuffed on a wall at Harvard. I don't have a problem with the guns/hunters. I think it's hilarious that it takes twelve Harvard men to shoot one moose. I also think that Thidwick's guests get what they deserve when they end up stuffed.
What I have a big problem with is the passive-aggressive story line. Sure, teach your kids to be nice to bullies, but in my house, you cannot complain about a problem if you're not going to do something about it. Thidwick didn't do anything about it. It's the equivalent of a child getting teased on the playground and then a Teacher walks around the corner and stops the teasing before it gets any worse. I would have liked to see Thidwick being assertive with his "guests" and standing up for himself.
I know I'm overreacting and that it's a kids book and I'm probably reading too much into it. But I teach my children the importance of sticking up for themselves and being assertive and I feel like this book gives no good solution that translates into real life.
I was also surprisingly disgusted with the pictures of the squirrels living in the holes in Thidwick's antlers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2010
“Thidwick the Big-Hearted Moose” is one of Dr. Seuss’ earlier books and it is about how a kind hearted moose allows unwelcome guests to stay on his antlers until the guests become too unbearable for the poor moose to handle. Smaller children might be a bit disturbed by the ending, but “Thidwick the Big-Hearted Moose” is still one of Dr. Seuss’ most beloved classics.
Dr. Seuss’ writing is awesome as he uses a rhyming prose to tell the story about the good-hearted moose, which makes this story extremely creative to read for small children. My favorite rhyming prose was when Thidwick was thinking about getting rid of his guests in this prose:
“You couldn’t say “Skat!” ‘cause that wouldn’t be right.
You couldn’t say “Scram!” ‘cause that isn’t polite.”
Dr. Seuss has indeed made the moral of the story extremely straightforward as he tries to explain to children that while it is good to be kind towards people, sometimes you have to stand up for yourself if you feel like the person is taking too much advantage of you. Dr. Seuss’ illustrations are highly creative as he uses mainly white, blue, red and black colors for the characters and the environment. I love the way that Dr. Seuss illustrated Thidwick as an innocent looking moose which really does indicate that Thidwick may be a bit naïve when he was trying to stand up for himself, but he always try to do the right thing in the end.
“Thidwick the Big-Hearted Moose” is a great cautionary tale about the consequences being a rude guest to someone who is kind-hearted and how one must stand up for themselves whenever people get too rude towards you. I would recommend this book for children ages five and up since the writing format is easy for younger children to read, but very small children might be upset at the disturbing ending.
From my Epinions Review:
http://www1.epinions.com/review/Thidw...
Dr. Seuss’ writing is awesome as he uses a rhyming prose to tell the story about the good-hearted moose, which makes this story extremely creative to read for small children. My favorite rhyming prose was when Thidwick was thinking about getting rid of his guests in this prose:
“You couldn’t say “Skat!” ‘cause that wouldn’t be right.
You couldn’t say “Scram!” ‘cause that isn’t polite.”
Dr. Seuss has indeed made the moral of the story extremely straightforward as he tries to explain to children that while it is good to be kind towards people, sometimes you have to stand up for yourself if you feel like the person is taking too much advantage of you. Dr. Seuss’ illustrations are highly creative as he uses mainly white, blue, red and black colors for the characters and the environment. I love the way that Dr. Seuss illustrated Thidwick as an innocent looking moose which really does indicate that Thidwick may be a bit naïve when he was trying to stand up for himself, but he always try to do the right thing in the end.
“Thidwick the Big-Hearted Moose” is a great cautionary tale about the consequences being a rude guest to someone who is kind-hearted and how one must stand up for themselves whenever people get too rude towards you. I would recommend this book for children ages five and up since the writing format is easy for younger children to read, but very small children might be upset at the disturbing ending.
From my Epinions Review:
http://www1.epinions.com/review/Thidw...
September 11, 2017
A great story doesn't pretend its readers or listeners are limited in their knowledge of the world or language skills. Of course, this is the sort of book that will be looked at and read by children many times. They will eventually get it so no harm done by a few big words.
The rhyming and illustrations are superb as always with a Seuss book. The structure is good, but a bit more resolve by Thidwick along the story arc would have done more to hold my interest. I finished though and I'm glad I did.
Thidwick is wise, but he pretends to suffer because he knows his cute irascibility will delight the kids. He knows he will get out of the mess he's gotten into. I just wish he had shown the little tykes that it's possible and necessary to stop others from taking advantage. Patience can go only so far.
I have read other books by this author and will continue until I've read all of his works.
The rhyming and illustrations are superb as always with a Seuss book. The structure is good, but a bit more resolve by Thidwick along the story arc would have done more to hold my interest. I finished though and I'm glad I did.
Thidwick is wise, but he pretends to suffer because he knows his cute irascibility will delight the kids. He knows he will get out of the mess he's gotten into. I just wish he had shown the little tykes that it's possible and necessary to stop others from taking advantage. Patience can go only so far.
I have read other books by this author and will continue until I've read all of his works.
January 7, 2018
An amusing tale of a kind moose who lets a number of animals build their homes on his horns to disastrous ends. Has the message to not let people take advantage of you.
Great end to the story! Loved it! Really felt for Thidwick the moose!
Great end to the story! Loved it! Really felt for Thidwick the moose!
March 4, 2016
I'm a huge fan of Dr. Seuss, I think his books are witty and fun and can be read to children of any grade level. I can't believe I've never stumbled across this book until just recently, the moral of the story is that it's important to be kind, but there is a fine line between being kind and too kind. The book did have some tongue twisters, but overall it was an easier read. In the book, the moose named Thidwick lets a bug hop a ride on his antlers. Shortly after the bug hitched a ride several other animals hopped on his antlers. Pretty soon the number of animals on his antlers has multiplied and now so many animals call his antlers home. Poor Thidwick is stuck in a situation because he was so kind and hospitable he let all the animals live as guest on his antlers. He wants to be polite to his guest and finds it hard to stick up for himself! The animals begin to take over and dictate his life! Thidwick doesn't know what to do until he is being chased by hunters and he has to make a decision! I thought the ending was humorous but I could see how others wouldn't agree. I think this would be a great book to use to teach children that it is important that we are kind and nice to each other but be sure to stick up for yourself when you are feeling like someone is taking advantage of your kindness.
October 22, 2012
Dr. Seuss never disappoints. In this lesser-known tale, Thidwick is too nice to say no to all the bugs and animals that want to live in his antlers. But this has some serious consequences, like not being able to get to the moose moss he needs to survive. And then some hunters from the Harvard Club come after him shooting guns! This is getting real. Luckily, Thidwick teaches us all a lesson that moose shed their antlers once a year, and the hunters kill all the animals nesting in his antlers instead. And mount them on their walls. A little grisly for Seuss, but I like it. This book would make an excellent gift for people who have trouble saying no. A good reminder for us all.
January 14, 2016
I found this quite difficult to read, some real tongue twisters in it, Moose-moss was mentioned a number of times and I said something different each time. Thidwick is one of those who always gets taken advantage off and do feel sorry for him.
I do have a question for all you moose experts out there; Does a moose lose it's horns each year? Cos Dr. Seuss seems to think they do.
I do have a question for all you moose experts out there; Does a moose lose it's horns each year? Cos Dr. Seuss seems to think they do.
August 11, 2025
Dr. Seuss was decidedly liberal, as demonstrated by his pro-war cartoons during WWII and such books as The Sneetches. That being said, Thidwick the Big-Hearted Moose is a rare and woefully underrated gem for right-wing parents. Thidwick is kind enough to let the Bingle Bug ride his antlers. But the Bingle Bug invites the Tree-Spider, and then the Tree-Spider invites the Zinn-a-zu Bird, and so on. When Thidwick tries to follow his herd, his guests hold an election and outvote him. Our poor charitable moose crumbles under their weight. Deadly danger strikes when he is pursued by a hunting club, and Thidwick only survives by shedding his antlers and abandoning them. He reunites with his own kind, now free of the awful burden, while the freeloading migrants are shot down and killed. Aside from the excellent lessons to be learned, the artwork and prose are as high quality as one expects from Dr. Seuss.
December 21, 2021
4 stars & 4/10 hearts. This was a enjoyable read! It had an interesting moral, and was fun to read aloud. :)
January 13, 2024
A host above all must be nice to his guests.
Must he be nice? What happens when the being nice causes the host to become tired, to be separated from the herd, to go hungry?
This children's book was originally published in 1948 at a time when children were always being raised to be adults, respectful of others and responsible for their ownselves. Mother mortality rates were still considerable--pregnancy/childbirth, accidents, diseases at a time when medical practitioners had less training and fewer ways to save lives--encouraging mothers to raise children with essential life skills.
These skills Thidwick learns in his story are still useful. Today we speak of setting boundaries. So this book still speaks to families where the adults know that they will not always be there to rescue their children and know that social skills are important skills.
Extra Note. The colors used in Thidwick the Big Hearted Moose are not balanced. The blue and the red are not balanced by a yellow. This color scheme works because Thidwick's understanding is off balance until very nearly the end of the story.
April 20, 2016
I thought I was going to dislike this book especially its about a moose but I was so wrong! I absolutely love this book and that ending was demented and dark. I was not expecting that coming from Dr. Seuss but clearly he believes in karma and payback. I loved the illustrations and that ending was totally unexpected!!
Thidwick the moose is following this herd as they are crossing the northern part of the Lake Winna-Bingo. As they are walking, a bug comes and ask Thidwick if he could rest for a while on his antlers and Thidwick says no problem you are more than welcome. After that bug, that welcoming gesture will take advantage as more animals arrive and rest in Thidwick antlers. Each time an animal come back whether it be a bird, squirrel, or even a bear and they see other creatures on his antlers they want to be a part of the fun as if Thidwick's antlers are like a hotel suit for these animals.
What also doesn't help is Thidwick confuses the term of addressing these animals as guests and that being a host you have to be kind and welcoming to these guests. No, they are guests they are absolutely hoarders manipulating you to become a slave while they enjoy the free accommodations. What gets worst in the story is the other moose don't want anything to do with Thidwick because of the animals that are taking up space in his antlers and if Thidwick doesn't cross the lake, he won't be able to eat food and survive the winter.
Then out of nowhere bullets are flying everywhere and you realize it is hunters (who are from Harvard) who want to kill Thidwick. He cannot run as quick as he would like because of the other animals but when he is cornered and on the brink of death he realizes something that twists the story completely. Apparently every year, a moose will lose his horns so that way new antlers can grow and when he comprehends that thought, he removes his antlers making the animals fly towards the hunters and they get killed and stuffed while Thidwick joins the rest of the herd.
I thought the storyline was brilliant and not your typical story. I was slowly developing sad emotions because I thought they were going to kill the moose and have Dr. Seuss deal with that message but I realize Dr. Seuss doesn't bring death or violence in his children's book but still that ending caught me by surprise. Normally if this was any other book or a Disney book, they wouldn't kill the animals. They would simply be upset or find a new animal to bother but obviously Dr. Seuss wants to make the point of not letting others walk all over you and misuse your kindness.
Thidwick the moose is following this herd as they are crossing the northern part of the Lake Winna-Bingo. As they are walking, a bug comes and ask Thidwick if he could rest for a while on his antlers and Thidwick says no problem you are more than welcome. After that bug, that welcoming gesture will take advantage as more animals arrive and rest in Thidwick antlers. Each time an animal come back whether it be a bird, squirrel, or even a bear and they see other creatures on his antlers they want to be a part of the fun as if Thidwick's antlers are like a hotel suit for these animals.
What also doesn't help is Thidwick confuses the term of addressing these animals as guests and that being a host you have to be kind and welcoming to these guests. No, they are guests they are absolutely hoarders manipulating you to become a slave while they enjoy the free accommodations. What gets worst in the story is the other moose don't want anything to do with Thidwick because of the animals that are taking up space in his antlers and if Thidwick doesn't cross the lake, he won't be able to eat food and survive the winter.
Then out of nowhere bullets are flying everywhere and you realize it is hunters (who are from Harvard) who want to kill Thidwick. He cannot run as quick as he would like because of the other animals but when he is cornered and on the brink of death he realizes something that twists the story completely. Apparently every year, a moose will lose his horns so that way new antlers can grow and when he comprehends that thought, he removes his antlers making the animals fly towards the hunters and they get killed and stuffed while Thidwick joins the rest of the herd.
I thought the storyline was brilliant and not your typical story. I was slowly developing sad emotions because I thought they were going to kill the moose and have Dr. Seuss deal with that message but I realize Dr. Seuss doesn't bring death or violence in his children's book but still that ending caught me by surprise. Normally if this was any other book or a Disney book, they wouldn't kill the animals. They would simply be upset or find a new animal to bother but obviously Dr. Seuss wants to make the point of not letting others walk all over you and misuse your kindness.
June 28, 2024
I didn't quite like the lesson behind this one as it would mean that one should always be kind to its guests, even if they aren't polite back or even cause trouble. Perhaps it's more of a country thing, but were I come from we only take in guests and be polite if they do the same. We are hospitable, but not as this moose, as one sees he got quite in danger for it. The ending was also a bit disturbing for a child to read and I wouldn't like to explain to my kid what stuffing animals is.
March 6, 2014
http://youtu.be/y7U4bsSUgC8
Calm down Wally. Isn't it great having a book read out loud. Such a lovely rhyming story about a member of the SERIAL KILLER breed.
hah
The moral of the story? Be wary of those that take undue advantage of your kindness, they can become a burden so shake your antlers free once in a while.
Esther, you should read on youtube for us.
Calm down Wally. Isn't it great having a book read out loud. Such a lovely rhyming story about a member of the SERIAL KILLER breed.
hah
The moral of the story? Be wary of those that take undue advantage of your kindness, they can become a burden so shake your antlers free once in a while.
Esther, you should read on youtube for us.
March 25, 2020
Not quite as endearing as a Horton tale, but still the same kind of solid personality and empathetic characterization. And again we have the hero being taken advantage of because of his manners and politeness. Stoic and kind-hearted, Thidwick has a funnier ending than Horton and the pesky guests truly get quite a comeuppance.
January 19, 2019
Thidwick is a pushover of a moose who lets a bunch of animals live on his antlers. Big-hearted is a nice way of saying he's a wimp. He's pretty unhappy about the situation but too passive to stand up for himself (except he tells himself it's because one must always be polite to guests). He lets a family of birds and squirrels, a bear, a bobcat and a fox (among others) squat on his antlers. Eventually, Thidwick's fellow moose friends decide it's time to cross the lake to the south side so they can keep eating fresh moss. They don't have time for the ridiculous situation going on on Thidwick's head, so they basically leave him behind to starve on the north side of the lake, where winter has set in and there is no fresh moss to be had.
Despite the fact that Thidwick is going to starve to death if he doesn't cross the lake, all his squatters take a vote to stay on the north side. Suddenly, when Thidwick is on the verge of crossing the lake, it dawns on him that it's that time of year when moose shed their antlers. So instead of standing up for himself, Thidwick gets rid of his antlers and all his squatters go flying in the air, and we can only assume they will eventually end up in Lake Winna-Bango, and I'm really not sure if Bobcats and squirrels can swim, so this is potentially a violent end for the squatters.
Yeah, I know Thidwick is a wimp and doesn't deserve five stars. He never stands up for himself, and instead of firmly telling his squatters they need to leave, he basically chooses to suddenly (possibly) murder them. And then he swims to the other side of the lake and meets up with the herd of moose that left him behind to starve.
And yet...this story is funny and delightful...a bird nest on top of a moose's head, a spiderweb between antlers, squirrels hiding nuts in the antlers. Very thrilling stuff. Plus, Thidwick's revenge is sweet, if not very big-hearted.
Despite the fact that Thidwick is going to starve to death if he doesn't cross the lake, all his squatters take a vote to stay on the north side. Suddenly, when Thidwick is on the verge of crossing the lake, it dawns on him that it's that time of year when moose shed their antlers. So instead of standing up for himself, Thidwick gets rid of his antlers and all his squatters go flying in the air, and we can only assume they will eventually end up in Lake Winna-Bango, and I'm really not sure if Bobcats and squirrels can swim, so this is potentially a violent end for the squatters.
Yeah, I know Thidwick is a wimp and doesn't deserve five stars. He never stands up for himself, and instead of firmly telling his squatters they need to leave, he basically chooses to suddenly (possibly) murder them. And then he swims to the other side of the lake and meets up with the herd of moose that left him behind to starve.
And yet...this story is funny and delightful...a bird nest on top of a moose's head, a spiderweb between antlers, squirrels hiding nuts in the antlers. Very thrilling stuff. Plus, Thidwick's revenge is sweet, if not very big-hearted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2021
A Dr. Seuss book I wasn't aware of. Contains depictions of moose hunting with actual gunfire, so be aware, whatever your comfort level. Also has a message I'm not used to seeing.
An insect sees a moose's big antlers and thinks it would be a nice place to settle. A spider joins in. Then birds. More and more animals make their home on the moose's head. The moose is uncomfortable but doesn't want to be rude. Then hunters show up and the moose has trouble getting away.
This is an important message, one I've had to say to a lot of people: You can't put yourself out to the detriment of your own health. You have to take to care of yourself to keep yourself in a position where you can help others.
An insect sees a moose's big antlers and thinks it would be a nice place to settle. A spider joins in. Then birds. More and more animals make their home on the moose's head. The moose is uncomfortable but doesn't want to be rude. Then hunters show up and the moose has trouble getting away.
This is an important message, one I've had to say to a lot of people: You can't put yourself out to the detriment of your own health. You have to take to care of yourself to keep yourself in a position where you can help others.
March 26, 2025
Thriftbooks sale | Probably my favorite Seuss book | This is one of the older Seuss books, and some people really dislike it, because it includes guns and bullets, named and drawn, and because the final page shows dead animals who have been shot by hunters and taxidermied. But there's excellent messages here about having self-respect and about not taking advantage of people, and as a little girl who was sometimes a bit of a doormat, that's a good book to have had.
Thriftbooks sent me a copy that was missing a few pages, I contacted customer service, and they immediately shipped a replacement no charge, telling me I could do as I liked with the unreadable one. Excellent customer service, and I'm going to craft with it.
Thriftbooks sent me a copy that was missing a few pages, I contacted customer service, and they immediately shipped a replacement no charge, telling me I could do as I liked with the unreadable one. Excellent customer service, and I'm going to craft with it.
April 28, 2018
As a lifelong Dr. Seuss fan (and having been obsessed with moose as a child), I can't believe it took me until now to read this one! Even though I wish Thidwick had stood up for himself a little more, I love the story's lesson about taking advantage of people's kindness, and the twist at the end was a great laugh. Seuss seems also to have exercised some relative restraint in making up his own words for this book, which I don't consider a positive or a negative, but that may draw in those readers who have been turned off by Seuss'--ahem--inventiveness. If you enjoy Dr. Seuss but haven't dabbled much beyond his more well-known books, give this one a try!
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