Elmore the Christmas Moose

PreS-Gr 2–Santa Claus is hiring for lead reindeer. When Elmore the moose reads the ad in the newspaper, he decides to apply. His enthusiasm gets him an interview, but when he fails to fly, Santa sends him back home. Through a series of handwritten letters delivered back and forth between the two, Santa agrees to give Elmore multiple chances to prove himself. The letters give readers an inside peek to the emotions each character is feeling. With Santa’s belief in him, Elmore keeps trying to improve himself; he even tries to fly. Mixed throughout the spreads are snowman, Mrs. Claus, various elves and reindeer, and a surprise animal named Abner that will make children chuckle when they see the kind of animal Santa has made a spot for at the North Pole. This book will have readers wondering what job Santa will eventually have for Elmore. When they finally see what sweet duties it entails, they will cheer for Elmore and clamor for the next book, as the author provides hints of a follow-up with a new ad involving elves. Christmas colors of green, red, and gold dominate the playful artwork.