Have You Ever Seen A Moose Taking A Bath?

by Jamie McClaine, April Goodman Willy (Artist)

While waiting on road construction in Yellowstone National Park, Jamie and her husband witnessed a splendid display of a moose standing in a stream taking his morning bath.  Completely oblivious to anyone or anything around him, he tossed water over his back and shook himself clean.  They were especially amazed as he totally submerged his enormous, powerful body into the stream then stood up and shook until he was dry.  It was quite a sight to behold and thus became the inspiration for Have You Ever Seen A Moose Taking A Bath?

Genres: Childrens

24 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2001

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute story!

[Mercedes Case]

Brief review- This book is fiction. It's based off of the song "Down by the Bay". It's really catchy and funny. The writing is written to flow like a song. I think this would make a great read aloud. I really like how it's based in Yellowstone which is interesting for kids in Wyoming to read.

Content area- This could be used in both science and history. It could be used in history by discussing how national and state parks came to be. Then they could make posters or brochures for a park. In science it shows the animals habitat you could have them create a habitat for an animal I remember in school making a habitat and a potato animal and presenting it.

2 questions-
How did the main character feel during the book? Give evidences of this?
A. The moose felt happy. You could tell this because he sang and jumped in the lake to take a bath. He was so happy after he felt clean.
What would happen differently if the story had taken place in the city rather than in nature?
A. He would not have had a lake to take a bath in. It probably wouldn’t be very peaceful because there is always people walking around.

2 wonders-
Why did the moose sing in the tub?
Why did he look so funny taking a bath?

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

With the funny cover art and the title that reminds me of Raffi's "Down By the Bay," I just had to check this book out. It's cute and the rhymes are fun, although they don't roll off the tongue as easily as Dr. Seuss' rhymes do. The illustrations are big and bold and colorful. The story seems to be long, but overall it's a good book.

[Melanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The pictures were great. Really. I loved them. The story and premise were fine. In the future the author should pick a tense and stick with it. I wasn't sure if the book was about something she saw, describing something she is seeing, or telling us what we will see if we watch a moose taking a bath. It felt a little sloppy and needed better editing. Kids deserve quality, too.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a super cute book that was gifted to me after my summers working in Yellowstone... and my godmother's great fondness for moose. Some of the rhymes are a bit forced but it's fun and silly. My 5, 3, and 2 year old girls all love this book. It's pretty well loved. The pictures are bold and fun.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

I laughed out a loud a few times because of the hilarious pictures. My favorite has to be the one of him a white robe, lounging after his bath in the woods, sipping leaf tea. Although lenthy in text, it's probably best suited for older children and I wouldn't use it for a large group storytime.

[Jes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why yes, three times a day for weeks now . . .

[Peggy Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, some of the rhymes in this one seem really forced to me. However, the premise is funny and pictures are wonderful, so I'll let the short-comings slide. Besides my kids like it.

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

A funny little rhyme about the absurdity of moose bathing.

[Jorden · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute book about a moose taking a bath. Could be used to encourage children to take baths.

[Deatrice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't usually leave reviews, but this book is hilarious and worth it having been said. Good job to the author and the illustrator of this book.

[Theresa · Rating 2 out of 5]

j