Z Is for Moose

Move over, Interrupting Chicken. In Bingham (Shark Girl) and Zelinsky’s droll alphabet book, Moose expects to own the letter M, and he cannot contain his enthusiasm and impatience. As a polite Apple, Ball, Cat and others take their turns, the clownish Moose barges in. He pushes Duck out of the way, annoys Elephant, and pops out of Kangaroo’s pouch (a startled joey asks, “Mommy, who is that?”). Readers accustomed to the usual list of letters will be giggling with suspense by the time “L is for Lollipop” rolls around. “Here it comes!” chortles Moose, anticipating his M. Unfortunately, a serious-minded Zebra, who directs the alphabet and wears a referee shirt over his own stripes, has other ideas. Mayhem ensues as Moose throws a tantrum, stomping and scribbling on Pie, Queen, and Ring, and then sniffling as Zebra tries to protect Umbrella, Whale, and Xylophone. Zelinsky (Dust Devil) frames the pages as a conventional alphabet book, setting Moose loose on the staged setting. He and Bingham craft a witty meta-abecedary, disrupting the predictable ABCs and reveling in Moose’s antics. Ages 3–7. (Mar.)