A Home for Chocolate: Based on the True Story of an Orphan Moose

Young animal lovers will be drawn to this beautiful picture book about Chocolate, a real moose orphan who finds his forever home at a wildlife park. This hopeful wildlife rescue and conservation story builds empathy and a sense of connection to the natural world-perfect for ages 4-8 (PreK to 3rd grade).

Meet Chocolate, a moose born in the Canadian wild who, as a young calf, tragically loses his mother. He is rescued and cared for at a zoo facility for injured and orphaned animals. When he grows too big and unruly for a pen, his caretakers don't know what to do. He's too wild to stay, but too tame to survive in the wilderness.

Then they hear of an American wildlife park, called Northwest Trek, with acres of meadows, woodlands and a lake-the perfect home. The park's kindly founders help Chocolate adapt to his new environment, where he's joined by a rescued female and calf. Now an awesome bull moose, Chocolate becomes the new park's most celebrated animal.

This special story, brought to life in gorgeous watercolor illustrations, also includes fun facts about moose and the story of America's only wildlife park devoted to animals of the Great Northwest.

Connie Anne is a daughter of David and Connie Hellyer, founders of Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. After a career as a magazine writer and editor in New York and California, she returned to the Northwest to enjoy grandchildren. Now living in a Seattle apartment tower, she feeds wild birds from her balcony and wonders what they are thinking. (Visit ConnieAnneHellyer.com for more about the author, Chocolate, and the world of moose.)

Erin is an illustrator and author in Portland, Oregon. She grew up in Southern California and studied illustration at Cal State Fullerton before moving to Oregon, where she traded the waves for pine trees and rivers. She draws much of her inspiration from the world around her, and loves spending time outdoors, whether hiking or just walking around town. (Learn more about Erin at ErinHourigan.com)

Christy's lifelong love of books and reading led her to a career in publishing, where she collaborates with authors, illustrators, and creative teams to produce beautiful, high-quality books for young readers that highlight diverse voices and perspectives. Outside of work, she finds balance and inspiration outdoors, whether on the water or on the trail.