Perfect Picture Book Friday - Z Is For Moose

I'm so excited that it's Perfect Picture Book Friday because this week I found a brand new book that is so good I can't wait to share it with you!

(As we have not yet settled on an official PPBF snack, grab your cheesecake, popcorn, milk and cookies, or fruit inspired treat and get ready:))

I don't know about you, but for me, there are some books I love because I loved them as a child, and some I love because I loved them with my children.  There are some I like that end up growing into love.  But of the many, many picture books I read, there aren't a lot that grab me from the first read and make me want to tell everyone I know about them.  Today's book is one of those books.  I was genuinely delighted when I read it, and afterwards all I could think was man! I wish I'd thought of that and written that book!!! :)

Are you ready?  Here it is :)

Z Is For Moose
Written By: Kelly Bingham
Illustrated By: Paul O. Zelinsky
Greenwillow Books, 2012, Fiction

Suitable For: ages 3-7

Themes/Topics: alphabet, friendship, humor, patience, problem solving

Opening: "A is for Apple.  B is for Ball.  C is for Cat.  D is for Moose.  "Moose? No. Moose does not start with D.  You are on the wrong page."

Brief Synopsis:  (from the book summary) "Moose, terribly eager to play his part in the alphabet book his friend Zebra is putting together, behaves rather badly until Zebra finds a spot for him."

Links To Resources: This book was released on February 28 (I told you it was brand new!) and try as I might, I couldn't find any activities online!  No coloring pages or anything - nothing on Kelly's or Paul's sites.  So here are a few other things to try: Alphabet Activities, More Alphabet Activities, How To Draw A Moose, How To Draw A Zebra, have kids "direct" their own alphabet book - what would they choose to illustrate each letter?  Now have them do the illustrations!

Why I Like This Book:  Well, it's just perfect!  It's so simple, yet so fun!  It starts out as you'd expect an alphabet book to - A is for Apple.  But by the D page things have already turned topsy-turvy.  D is not for moose!  But Moose is so eager to get involved he can't wait (and what child can't relate to that?!)  On the E, F and subsequent pages he wonders, now? now?  He bumps into Elephant,  He sneaks in around the edges.  He runs along the label of the jam jar.  K.  L.  And at last, M!!!  But Moose is in for a rude surprise... followed by angry Moose.... followed by sad Moose... until in the end, Zebra finds a way to make it right, leaving Moose so delighted that on the end papers he begs, "Can we do it again?"  The story plays on the alphabet's predictability/familiarity by going in an unexpected direction.  The art is absolutely fabulous, chock full of humorous detail, making the most of every opportunity for fun.  Do you want to know how much I love this book?  I am buying a copy for my granddaughter!

For the complete list of books with resources, please visit Perfect Picture Books.

As you all know, as a small thank you to all of you who work so hard on Perfect Picture Books, I randomly pick a winner from the PPB bloggers each month to receive a prize - you get one entry for every book you add in the month.  November's winner was Stacy, December's winner was Clar, and January's was Miranda.  This month 32 bloggers added 112 books (not counting me)!  Thanks to the wonder that is random.org I am happy to announce this month's winner is Jackie C of The Castle Library!  Jackie, please email me (handy button in sidebar) and let me know which prize you'd like.  I always have a random mixed bag of goodies lying around which changes from month to month... this month's choice is hmmm.... you probably don't want raccoon nest material... or those old socks... Here!  How about one of the following: a copy of Ann Whitford Paul's book Writing Picture Books, or a copy of Anne Mazer and Ellen Potter's book Spilling Ink, or a copy of The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson, or a signed copy of April Fool, Phyllis! from yours truly.  Your pick!

Perfect Picture Book bloggers, please remember to add your post-specific link to the list below, and I hope you'll all join me on Monday for the February Pitch Pick - it promises to be a good one!  Have a great weekend! :)