Seeking the Reclusive Rackhead: Elusive Moose by Joan Gannij

Did you know that there are moose in Russia? And that an Alaskan moose's rack can be six feet wide? That frogs are found on every continent except Antarctica? The appendix to Joan Gannij's Elusive Moose has these and many other fascinating bits of information about the subject of this book and other animals of northern lands. A section on animal tracks is also appended.

A Hide-and-Seek lap book, Elusive Moose uses Claire Beaton's exquisite fabric applique collages in double-page spreads which feature many North Woods animals--horses, geese, marmots, bears, eagles, and flying squirrels--in which the reclusive moose manages to hide one of his distinguishing characteristics (his bell, his rack, his enormous size), among the bright, checkered fall foliage. In the midwinter scene, his just-shed antlers lie discarded in the snow, but only his departing feet may be seen.

"I've tracked down moose hoof prints
On land white with snow.
I've seen Arctic foxes
And hares come and go.
But moose are elusive.
Moose roam where they please.
I wish I could see one
Just once. May I, please?"

At this final request the elusive moose appears, stepping out of the evergreens with a big smile on his face.

Toddlers and young preschoolers will love spotting the reclusive moose hiding in the background of each page and will learn the names of other wild animals as they trek through the woods following the tracks of the elusive moose.

The wonderful art and rhyming text make this book one that children will request over and over, and the back matter gives the parent or teacher many ideas to continue the nature experience.