Z is for Moose by Kelly Bingham (Illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky)

Z is for Moose is written by Kelly Bingham and illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky. Zebra is the director for the staging of an alphabet book. However, Moose becomes impatient and keeps getting in the way.

     Kelly Bingham starts with the traditional: a is for apple, b is for ball, c is for cat, d is for moose... wait, moose? She starts out with a normal alphabet book, but when Moose starts getting in the way you realize that the book is more about patience and friendship than it is the alphabet.

     Z is for Moose would fall under the fantasy genre of picturebooks. But do not let the "fantasy" title distract from the education purposes this book contains.

     Paul O. Zelinsky has drawn fantastic pictures that enhance the story Kelly has written. He has made it feel like Moose really has taken over the set. The use of a frame around each page really makes Moose and what he does stand out.

For Teachers: 

     Z is for Moose is ideal for a kindergarten class; however could be stretched into a first grade classroom depending on the lesson plan. This story is perfect for not only teaching the alphabet, but also patience and friendship as well. Some activities that would go along with the book could include: 

•  Moose: What is a moose? Where do they live? Have students color a moose picture, or even create antlers to wear out of construction paper. 
• A-Z: Have students practice writing their letters. Or focus on the letter 'M'. What else starts with 'M'? 
• The Stage: Split students into groups and have them put on their own alphabet book. Utilize items in the classroom or outside to represent each letter. 
• Discussion: Why didn't Moose wait his turn? Why do you think Zebra decided to use Mouse instead? Do you think Moose reacted the right way, why or why not? Do you think Zebra reacted the right way, why or why not? 

My Thoughts: 

     I love this book. My husband and I have read it to my two-year-old every night since we checked it out from the library. It is a book that we will be looking to add to our home shelves at some point. I do have to say that I liked it a lot better than the Interrupting Chicken book by David Ezra Stein. The interruptions seemed more fluid and more relevant to the story.

Additional Resources: 

   If you liked Z is for Moose,  Kelly Bingham and Paul O. Zelinsky will be teaming back up for Circle, Square, Moose that comes out September 23, 2014. 

Z is for Moose original book trailer: 

References:

Bingham, K. (2012). Z is for moose. New York, NY: Greenwillow Books.