Kelly Bingham

Reading "Z is for Moose" is like watching a skillful kindergarten teacher quell an overwrought kindergartener for the benefit of all.

Zebra, the coach who is orchestrating this alphabet show, remains calm as Moose anxiously awaits his appearance & is shortly undone by being upstaged by unprepossessing Mouse. Moose throws a tantrum, obliterating Owl and Queen, and Zebra has to protect the later players from Moose's temper. Finally, though, Zebra, good friend and mollifier, saves the show more alphabet.

This title was very well-received by the Primaries I tested it on. Pair it with Lester's very funny "A is for Salad" for readaloud alphahysterics. show less

The traditional alphabet book gets a humorous remake from author Kelly Bingham and illustrator Paul Zelinsky, as a harried zebra attempts to organize various creatures and objects into the proper alphabetical order. Unfortunately for him, eager Moose interrupts the process, continually trying to insert himself on the incorrect page. When 'M' finally does arrive, and is given to Mouse (!), the cervine interloper is beside himself, spending the rest of the book alternately whining and sobbing. show more In the end, Zebra finds a way to include him after all...

One of the few alphabet books I have encountered that is also an engaging story, as well as a good read-aloud selection - I have seen it performed by two readers at story-time, and it is always a winner! - Z is for Moose is an amusing look, not just at the alphabet, but at the younger child's penchant for wanting what he wants when he wants it. In that sense, I was reminded a bit of the feeling of Mo Willem's pigeon books, which is high praise indeed! The artwork here, although not in the more ornate style Zelinsky has used for his award-winning fairy-tale retellings, is engaging and fun, adding to the entertainment value. Recommended to anyone looking for humorous stories for toddlers, and/or for innovative alphabet books. show less

Moose wreaks havoc on Zebra's carefully thought out plans. You either think moose is an adorable goof or a super jerk who ruins everything, throws a violent and destructive fit and then manipulates the animal screwed over by this bad behavior into apologizing for being victimized.

Is this an allegory for domestic violence?

Zebra is very excited to stage everything properly for an alphabet book. The problem is his friend Moose is equally excited and thus unable to wait his turn for the "M" page. As Moose continually interrupts, anxious for his turn, he inadvertently causes disaster across the alphabet! How will he and Zebra fix everything?

This adorable picture book takes a fun twist on the usual alphabet book for beginning readers. While its silliness will certainly appeal to many ages, I think it's better show more suited for a child with an already good grasp on the alphabet so that they get the humor a bit more. Though it's just a small hint, there is a message in here about friendship that adults can expand on when reading this book to youngsters. The illustrations are lively and exciting as well as perfectly complementing the text with the Moose's unintentionally caused problems. show less