The Secret Moose

A young boy living in Alaska develops an interest in moose and their habits after he sees a moose in his backyard and decides to follow it.

Grade 2-4 This low-key story concerns a boy who secretly helps feed an injured moose near his home in Fairbanks, Alaska. By reading library books, Gerald learns what to feed her and how to interpret some of her gestures. The moose's wound begins to heal, and she gives birth to a calf. Soon the two moose move on, much to Gerald's regret. The text and numerous soft black-and-white pictures nicely convey spring in Alaska as well as show Gerald's relationship to and involvement with the moose. The combination of text and illustration also gives information about moose and their habits. The print is large, but the length of some of the sentences makes the book more difficult to read than it first appears. While the pace is slow, the story will appeal to animal lovers who are ready for chapter books. Kathleen Odean, San Rafael Public Library, Calif.
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