School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1-This simple yet engaging story demonstrates the importance of friendship. Moose prefers to spend most of his time alone in the forest, "like an island unto himself." One day, a small bird falls from the sky into the lake and Moose rescues him. Bird, who has trouble flying, sticks around, and after Moose adjusts to the changes in his solitary lifestyle, the two become friends. When fire erupts in the forest, the animals flee. Bird manages to fly to safety and the two are separated. Moose spends a lonesome fall and winter but the two are reunited in the spring. From loneliness to happiness, Moose is transformed by Bird's friendship. Engaging single- and double-page paintings enhance the text. Using clean lines, Segal gives cartoonlike visages to the forest creatures, clearly conveying their emotions. Moose's expressions are particularly amusing. The warm-hued palette reflects the woodland setting as well as the story's theme. Pair this appealing book with other tales of animal friendships, such as Isabella Hatkoff's "Owen & Mzee" books (Scholastic).-G. Alyssa Parkinson, Highland Township Library, MI (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
