"Finley, a Moose on a Caboose" is a funny book with vibrant pictures. The writing combines regular narration with quotation bubbles. It works well except on the page after the train crashes, it is confusing to have all the people worried about being stuck on the train BEFORE the conductor actually says they are stuck. But I love seeing Finley save the day. This book would be great for all kinds of children who like trains, animals and costumes!

Finley, the moose, dreams of riding the rails. He greets passengers every day and hopes to join them by enjoying both the journeys and the destinations. Unfortunately, Conductor Jones intones, "No wild animals allowed." But this won't stop Finley. He uses various methods of trickery and sneakery to get on board. Will he succeed? Can the rules of travel be changed for all friendly animals? Climb aboard and find out in this lighthearted ode to railway travel with fun, engaging drawings by Chantelle and Burgen Thorne. Thanks to Gnome Road Publishing for this review e-copy through the LibraryThing GiveAways.
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This book is adorable cover to cover. I enjoyed how the text mimics the movement of the train and the breeze in places and the costumes are so cute! I loved the little details in including his bluebird friend in the costuming, especially the mustard bottle. Such a great message that he kept pursuing his dream with a positive attitude until he was able to get the conductor to see that change was necessary and that sometimes there are and should be exceptions to rules. The only thing I wish had been included was one page showing a few of the places Finley was able to visit and see after being allowed to ride.

This book could just as readily been named Finley, the Adorable Moose, or Finley, the Persistent Moose. It is a story about a loveable moose who longs to ride the train. The conductor tells Finley that it is against the rules for a wild animal to ride the train. Each day Finley hops on the caboose in a different costume, only to be caught by the conductor, who reiterates the rule. Author Candace Spizzirri uses alliteration and other fun literary devices to make the book an appealing read-aloud. The illustrations by Burgen Thorne and Chantelle Thorne are captivating. Written about the pair: "Avid bookworms themselves, they take great delight in the visual storytelling of picture books, art and text working together, every word and every image adding to the reader’s experience." The imagination of Spizzirri's costumes together with the Thorne's colorful depictions, are delightful. I especially liked the steamer trunk, with an inflatable pink flamingo, flip flops, and swimming trunks falling out. Your child might notice the tiny bluebird, obviously Finley's great friend, appearing in each illustration. A favorite is Finley's hot dog costume with Bluebird, disguised as a mustard bottle, perched on his antler. ( )

Great fun! Especially Finley in a tutu and toe shoes! Determination can be a good thing!
Can't wait to but a copy!
The illustrations by Chantelle Thorne and Burgen are simply delightful, imaginative, and colorful.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to anyone, but especially to a school or your public library!
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Acrobat Reader from Gnome Road Publishing via NetGalley. Thank you! ( )