Sharon Oliver (Children's Literature)
Picture book illustrator Segal branches out here as author of his second book, to great success. The titular moose lives alone in the forest, and likes it that way, thank you very much. Moose is enjoying his solitary existence when out of the sky falls a small bird, who lands on a lily pad in the middle of Moose’s lake. Moose extends a helping antler and when it becomes apparent that the little bird cannot fly, Moose offers protection for the night. Moose and bird have a lovely summer together, picking berries, bathing in the lake, and climbing the mountain to enjoy the view. Bird struggles to resume flight, but when a forest fire breaks out Bird flies off and the two friends are separated. Moose suffers through a lonely fall, winter, and spring without Bird. One day as summer is warming up, Moose is surprised by the return of his friend, who happily announces that he has brought more friends for Moose, who finds himself covered in birds as Bird announces, “Moose, you can never have too many friends!” This simple and gentle story is greatly enhanced by lovely watercolor illustrations. The brightly colored bird and the sunshine that accompanies his arrival enhance the muted blues and greens of Moose’s world. This is an excellent book for sharing one-on-one or in story time and exploring the value of friendship. 2007, Hyperion, $15.99. Ages 4 to 8.

Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, September 1, 2007 (Vol. 75, No. 17))
An unlikely animal duo, a moose and a bird, become fast friends when the latter, unable to fly, is rescued by the moose. Contrast between the two extends beyond size and mobility as moose lives and longs for his prior solitary life, "deep in the woods" at the foot of the mountains. Visually amusing is the playful scale of each animal wrestling with a worm. Bird, forces moose into a friendship with constant, noisy chatter. A bond is forged between the two, and it's a forest fire that separates them: Bird can finally fly. Moose, alone again, misses his lost friend more than the regained solace. At last, Bird returns and, with a big chirp echoed in bold print, announces his return, "HEY MOOSE!" On the final double spread, Bird and a flock of feathered friends are perched on moose's antlers and provide enough loft to lift him off the ground. Spare text, line and form echo this simple, tender relationship. Pastel, gauzy, two-dimensional, geometric shapes define the story and characters that will appeal to young readers. 2007, Hyperion, 40p, $15.99. Category: Picture book. Ages 3 to 7. © 2007 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.

Alexis Cuff (Kutztown Book Review, Spring 2008)
Moose lived alone in the forest without any friends until one day he rescued a bird that could not fly. Even though they were so different from one another, Moose protected the bird from enemies and they spent all their time together enjoying the forest. One day a forest fire broke out and miraculously, the bird was able to fly to safety. Moose was also safe, but when the smoke cleared, the bird was nowhere to be found. The seasons passed until spring arrived again and to Moose’s surprise, the bird returned to the forest bringing with her MANY bird friends. The final page shows all the birds latched onto the moose’s antlers and carrying him up into the sky reminding us that “you can never have too many friends.” This is a delightful little book! John Segal has illustrated for many other authors and has created drawings for the Wall Street Journal, New York Times and other publications but this is his first children’s book for this publisher. The theme of friendship has certainly been told before but the humorous text and the soft watercolor illustrations allow us to enjoy the lesson once again. Bring this moose to your library! Category: Picture Book. 2007, Hyperion Books for Children, $15.99. Ages 3 to 8.

Ruie Chehak (Library Media Connection, November/December 2007)
Children who love animal tales will enjoy this delightful story about a reclusive moose, who although appearing crusty on the outside, learns to be a good friend and better "people person." Moose finds a bird clinging to a lily pad and offers his antlers to help the bird that can't fly. Bird calls Moose "My hero," and tries to feed Moose a worm. Moose finds this an intrusion in his life. During the summer, Bird and Moose spend their days doing many things together. One day they both smell smoke. After the fire, Moose can't find Bird anywhere. But the next spring Moose finds Bird with the friends he brought back with him. John Segal's soft color illustrations complement this story of reluctant friendship, and the font size and layout are pleasing to the eye. Some curriculum themes that teachers will benefit from are friendship, helping others, fire safety, and migration. The story is an excellent one to use for making and confirming predictions. It will work well as a read-aloud. Teachers, media specialists, and students will want to read this story again and again. Recommended. 2007, Hyperion Books for Children/Disney Publishing Worldwide, 40pp., $15.99 hc. Ages 3 to 8.