If the S in Moose Comes Loose, Peter Hermann’s playful debut picture book with illustrations by Matthew Cordell, celebrates the limitless nature of what we’ll do for our friends.
Cow and Moose are the best of friends. But Moose has lost his “S” and his “E,” disappearing and leaving Cow alone with only a mournful “Moo”. Intrepid Cow longs to have her Moose back, so she determines to find the letters for “GLUE” and to use the sticky stuff to put her friend, Moose, back together again.
A passing Goat antes up the letter “G”—but only after Cow takes a “B” from a Bear, making the Bear an “Ear” and turning Goat into a “Boat.” The letter “L” comes from emptying the Lake, but not before turning the water into a “Cake.” The letters “U” and “E” are even harder to come by, considering there’s a raging bull that’s not too happy about the changes Cow is making to his water supply! Now Cow is on the run from Bull, but her commitment to her friend drives her onward. Page after colorful page, this action-packed story will have readers breathlessly awaiting Cow and Moose’s joyous reunion.
Hermann’s clever rhymes paired with Cordell’s rollicking drawings makes for a great romp. Adults and children alike will relish this lively tale of fun and friendship and learn to love the letters and spelling in the mix.
Billie B. Little is the Founding Director of Discovery Center at Murfree Spring, a hands-on museum in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
