  | Full Text Reviews: Booklist - 04/15/2016 Do you love cake? You probably love cake. But you might not like cake as much as Moose loves cake. In fact, Moose’s inordinate love of cake creates something of a tragic situation at Rabbit’s birthday party: he tried to take just one bite to make sure the birthday cake was OK, but, as he exclaims, “is it my fault my mouth’s so big that the whole cake kind of fell right in?” He apologizes, but Rabbit is still mad, and their friend Porcupine is pretty cranky, too. What’s a contrite Moose to do? Laid-back language and a subtle rhythm—all three characters make small comments in speech-bubbles on each page—make this happy-go-lucky picture book fun to read aloud. Rozelaar’s loose, brushstroke-heavy digitally colored artwork nicely fits the tone of the text, while each character’s googly eyes roll just right to express all the emotions of a grave misdeed, its consequences, and the joy of reconciliation. For more moose mishaps, check out Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen’s Duck, Duck, Moose! (2014). - Copyright 2016 Booklist. School Library Journal - 05/01/2016 PreS-Gr 1—Moose, Porcupine, and Rabbit are three best friends who love playing together. They enjoy the playground and woods but are excited to join together for Rabbit's birthday party. First, the three jump on the trampoline and then take turns playing "Pin the Tail on the Chipmunk." Observant readers will notice that Moose is very distracted during the games. Finally, it is time for cake. Unfortunately, Rabbit and Porcupine cannot find the cake or Moose. When they locate Moose, he is reclining in a chair with crumbs all over his sweater. Initially he denies his involvement with the missing cake, but his confession rushes out once his friends start crying. Ultimately, the friendship is saved when Moose redeems himself by making a new cake to share with his friends. This is a standard narrative, with interjections and comments from the characters along the way. Rendered with brush, India ink, and Photoshop, the cartoon animals are sweet and expressive. - Copyright 2016 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Bulletin for the Center... - 06/01/2016 Rabbit invites best buds Porcupine and Moose to her birthday party for fun, games, and-Moose’s favorite-cake. While Rabbit and Porcupine play a rousing game of “Pin the Tail on the Chipmunk,” Moose slips out of view; when Rabbit and Porcupine head for refreshments they find, suspiciously, both Moose and the cake missing. Moose, when discovered, has telltale crumbs and cake breath, so he fesses up, first rationalizing his gluttony (“Is it my fault my mouth’s so big that the whole cake kind of fell right in?”) and finally apologizing. His pals are still mad, though, and it’s not until Moose bakes and brings them a replacement cake that the three make up and Moose realizes that you can have your cake and eat it, too-as long as you share with your friends. Sauer skillfully incorporates a bit of pattern and repetition into the text to add structure, and that foundation mixed with the humor and the kid-friendly conflict are blended into a sweet little snack of a story. Moose’s goofy jokes, crazy patterned sweater, and page-long bluster about his guilt make him the comical center, and kids will giggle at him even as they sympathize with both Moose’s cake-lust and Rabbit’s disappointment and anger. Rozelaar’s warm, painterly illustrations (created with a brush, India ink, and Photoshop) emphasize both the comedy of the text and the cuteness of the pop-eyed critters. The animals’ milieu is a cozy one, with red-capped mushrooms and birch trees punctuating the landscape, while vases of flowers, subtly patterned wallpaper and a multihued stand mixer enhance the interiors. Share this with any number of cake- or critter-themed titles or, better yet, serve it up with a slice of something sweet. JH - Copyright 2016 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois. Loading...
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