Mortimer and Lily: Moose in Training by Kathie McMahon is a lively and good-natured children’s book that brings together friendship, school adventures, and one very unusual moose. Lily Robertson is an enthusiastic third grader living in Peabody, Wisconsin, where her days are filled with family, friends, and a seemingly endless supply of ideas. Her most remarkable companion is Mortimer, a lovable moose who’s become something of a local celebrity. When Lily’s teacher assigns a community service project, Lily decides that Mortimer would make the perfect helper. Of course, training a moose to perform helpful tasks comes with some unexpected complications. McMahon builds a playful story around this wonderfully silly premise while exploring the everyday experiences that matter to young readers.

Lily is an especially entertaining narrator. She’s confident, imaginative, occasionally bossy, and determined to make things happen, even when her plans become a little too ambitious. One of her most endearing habits is inventing new words by combining familiar ones, such as “marvelsome” and “amazellent.” Each chapter introduces another of these creative expressions, giving readers a fun opportunity to experiment with language themselves. Her friendships with Keiko and Gabriel add warmth and personality to the story, while her interactions with her older brother, Jimmy, capture the familiar mixture of affection and sibling frustration. Mortimer, meanwhile, provides plenty of physical comedy. His enormous size, unpredictable behavior, and eagerness to participate in human activities make him an amusing presence throughout the book.

Beyond the humorous situations, McMahon weaves in meaningful lessons about kindness, responsibility, teamwork, and understanding others. Lily and her friends encounter teasing, disagreements, and the challenges of working together, all of which feel recognizable within an elementary school setting. Their teacher, Mrs. Murphy, brings additional personality to the story through her Irish heritage, introducing students to traditions, dancing, and cultural activities. These details give the classroom scenes a distinctive atmosphere and add an educational dimension to the adventures. McMahon also treats community involvement as something children can actively participate in, encouraging readers to consider how small acts of service can make a difference.

Tanja Bauerle’s charming black-and-white illustrations complement the story with expressive characters and delightful details. Mortimer’s shaggy coat, oversized antlers, and comical expressions are particularly appealing, while the drawings of Lily and her classmates capture the energy and emotions of childhood. The illustrations are sprinkled throughout the chapters, giving readers visual moments to enjoy alongside the text. Although the format is closer to an illustrated chapter book than a traditional picture book, the artwork contributes significantly to its personality. With its approachable storytelling, imaginative humor, and emphasis on friendship and compassion, Mortimer and Lily: Moose in Training is an enjoyable choice for elementary school readers, especially those who love animals, school stories, and characters whose big ideas lead to even bigger adventures.

Pages: 177 | ASIN : B0GV1XBZBM