"Gaawii bmaadgaa-sii
dbishkoo mooz.
Enji-shpashkaak bmi-
giimoodzi, dbishkoo
gnebik.
She doesn't walk through
water like a moose.
She sneaks through tall
grass like a snake."
Mooz is the Anishinaabe word for Moose. In truth, Mooz may not have much in common with the moose, but the comparisons by the author make for a fine book for toddlers. She certainly doesn't look like a moose; she is more like a lynx. She is not as tall as the moose; she is small like the marten. She is doesn't bound like the moose; she races like a hare. She doesn't rub against trees; rather, she climbs them like a raccoon. She doesn't yawn like a moose; she yawns like a coyote.
In truth, Mooz doesn't have much in common with the moose; she does compare to other animals in the great lakes region where Mangeshig grew up, and where he adopted the tiny kitten to take her on a road trip with him to Vancouver where the two live today with her Pawis-Steckley family. This second book in a series, following the publication of Boozhoo! / Hello! (Groundwood, 2024), is meant to introduce the Anishinaabemowin language to a young audience. Neither one tells a story; their connection is the language, and I look forward to seeing more in this series.
If you have seen other books illustrated by this fine artist, you will recognize the bright colors and its striking beauty. Black-outlined images of Mooz keep her front and center for little ones as the book is shared with them. Actions are appealing and make for a most enjoyable read. Mooz is a character; sure of herself in every situation and cat owners will recognize that.
Text is presented in both English and Anishinaabemowin. Notes from both author and translator add to the book's charm. It will be read aloud repeatedly and thoroughly enjoyed each and every time.
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