Elmore the Christmas Moose (Elmore the Moose) by Dev Petty, Mike Boldt
ISBN: 0593487168
Genres: Holiday
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

Written by the author of Don’t Eat Bees (Dev Petty), Elmore the Christmas Moose is a lighthearted and fun Christmas book about finding our place in the world. Elmore is so eager to be a reindeer and, when he finds out that Santa is a reindeer short for the season, he excitedly applies for the job! However, when he shows up for his interview he realizes he doesn’t exactly qualify. On his way home he writes to Santa and asks for another chance. Santa feels for him and brings him back only to discover he cannot fly. Elmore again writes to Santa on his way home. Santa brings him back one last time and Elmore asks if he finally got the job but Santa has another plan. This book is not only feel-good but also laugh-out-loud funny with unexpected moments, wit, and humor that kids and adults will giggle at. The plot highlights how we can all find our unique talents and place in the world, even when it’s not what we thought we wanted. This one is already a family favorite and I know K-4th or even 5th graders will love the personality, humor, and Christmas fun in Elmore the Christmas Moose. While not the main focus of the book, it’s also a fun look at job applications, interviews, and qualifications, which could be a seasonal pairing for a job or community helper unit. Five stars.

Reviewed by Katy Jones, Gardiner Area High School Library, Gardiner