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Jul 16, 2015
Alas, the work of a director is often difficult and frustrating … especially for this particular film maker. Intent on creating a documentary about the mighty moose, Director Billy is becoming very irritated with the leading star. Why? Well, this “mighty moose” has no interest at all in doing moose-like things such as wading through marshes, eating leaves, drinking from the lakes or emitting mournful moose calls. Instead, dressed in an astronaut helmet and space boots, Moose is ready to blast into outer space at any moment. (Our moose is clearly an unconventional animal with unconventional interests. Perhaps unconventionality runs in Moose’s family … his grandmother wishes to be a professional lacrosse player.) Nevertheless, various filming attempts of Moose are made, none to the director’s satisfaction. Then, suddenly, Moose is launched into outer space! With this, Director Billy becomes completely fed up. He yells “CUT!” and lectures the cast about what is expected from them. (Moose, of course, is no longer around to hear him.) At this point in the story, readers discover that the director is also very unconventional and doesn’t fit the general perception of a film director at all. Instead, he’s a short duck who wears a beret. The ridiculous animal antics and general chaos continue until Director Billy finds a very surprising but entirely satisfactory solution to his filming woes. Is there a theme to this picture book full of mayhem and madness? Yes, putting aside stereotypes and accepting the unexpected is the message revealed by this witty parody for children. ** Recommended for ages 5 to 8 years.