Moose and Magpie – A Review
August 28, 2009 by Writing for Children
Filed under Book Reviews
If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!
Reviewed by Amy M. O’Quinn for the National Writing for Children Center
Title: Moose and Magpie
Written by: Bettina Restrepo
Illustrated by: Sherry Rogers
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Sylvan Dell Publishing (June 10, 2009)
ISBN-10: 1607180421
ISBN-13: 978-1607180425
Moose and Magpie is one of the new books in the Sylvan Dell Fall 2009 line-up, and young readers will be double-served by this witty anthropomorphic tale by Bettina Restrepo as they learn fascinating facts about moose while also having their funny bones tickled. Mrs. Restrepo uses a clever play on words to create jokes and riddles within the text that are sure to garner a few giggles throughout the book. Educational material with a humorous twist—definitely a win-win choice for this age group!
Readers will discover all sorts of interesting information as they follow Moose, Magpie, and several of their friends on their adventures and activities through the seasons of one year and find out what changes happen during that time. For example:
How do moose antlers grow and why do they fall off? Then what happens to the antlers?
What is a girl moose called? A boy?
What is a moose’s bell?
What does a moose eat?
How is a moose’s hair different from the hair of other animals?
Does a moose migrate?
Is a moose a good swimmer?
How does a moose get a mate?
Of course, since Magpie is Moose’s joke-telling sidekick, we also learn more about magpies as well—and why the two animals get along so well. Do you know the reason? It’s a good one!
Sherry Rogers has done an outstanding job on the illustrations as well, and children will enjoy perusing all the hilarious and whimsical pictures on the full color two-page spreads. The illustrations of the “literally interpreted” antics of the raccoon, beaver, and skunk are wonderful!
I also like how the publisher has added in ‘fact boxes’ on certain pages to highlight pertinent facts throughout the story. And as always, the ‘For Creative Minds’ section at the back of the book is excellent, as well as helpful for parents and teachers. Included are: Is It For Real: Moose and Birds, What Do Moose Eat?, Moose Antlers, Moose Life Cycle, Match The Moose Body Part to Its Adaptation, and Moose Fun Facts. You can also find more activities and free online resources and support for Magpie and Moose, as well as other titles, at www.SylvanDellPublishing.com.
About the Author: Bettina Restrepo lives with her family in Texas, and this is her first picture book. However, her writing has appeared in Highlights for Children, Nature Friend, and Boys’ Life magazine. Restrepo loves nature and traveling.
About the Illustrator: Sherry Rogers lives with her family in Northern California. She spent twelve years as a corporate graphic designer and artist before becoming a freelance illustrator. She has also illustrated several other books for Sylvan Dell.
Visit Amy at amyoquinn.com or www.homeschoolblogger.com/picketfencemom.
