Inga Moore, Moose’s Book Bus, Walker Books Australia, September 2021, 48 pp., RRP $27.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781406385694
Moose’s Book Bus is an ode to reading, and how it brings people together in the best way!
One day, Moose discovers he’s told his family all the stories he knows, so he heads out to ask his neighbours for books to read. However, no one has any! So what is a Moose to do?
He goes to the library of course!
There he borrows heaps of books to read to his family, but on his way home, Bear sees all his books, and that evening she brings her cubs to listen to Moose read! From there word spreads in the best way, and soon enough, Moose’s living is packed with different animals wanting to hear him read!
Moose realises this can’t go on, and decides he’s going to build a bus to bring the library to his neighbours and friends – and so Moose’s Book Bus is borne.
The story from there is a lesson in how everyone is brought together through their love of reading, and through Moose who does his best to bring books to his friends – and even teach them to read in some cases. They in turn teach others, and this passing of knowledge, of the love of reading in essence is so heart-warming.
Coupled with warm colours and illustrations, this is the type of book any budding young reader will adore! Moose’s Book Bus also reminded me that in real life, I can see communities come together through consistently well stocked street libraries, and cafes who have taken to having shared libraries.
The lesson in Moose’s Book Bus is one I hope young readers will never forget!
Reviewed by Verushka Byrow
