This Moose Belongs to Me



Last updated Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Author: Oliver Jeffers
Date of Publication:
ISBN: 0399161031
Grade Level: 1st    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jul. 2013

Synopsis: Wilfred is a boy with rules. He lives a very orderly life. It's fortunate, then, that he has a pet who abides by rules, such as not making noise while Wilfred educates him on his record collection. There is, however, one rule that Wilfred's pet has difficulty following: Going whichever way Wilfred wants to go. Perhaps this is because Wilfred's pet doesn't quite realize that he belongs to anyone. (Amazon.com)

Note to readers:
•  This is a short book, so you might want to do a picture walk first.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Who is "Me" on the cover?
•  Who do you think the moose belongs to?
•  Where are they in this story?

Vocabulary:
•  record collection - music recorded on vinyl discs, before CDs were invented
•  proximity - a short distance; close by
•  dumbstruck - to be speechless, from surprise or shock
•  proper - make right or correct
•  enraged - very angry
•  haste - to move in a hurry; hurrying in a careless or rash manner
•  brilliantly - distinguished; outstanding; with great intelligence, talent, etc.
•  perilous situation - very hazardous or dangerous
•  compromise - a middle way between two extremes; when two sides give up some demands to come to an agreement
•  suited - to please; satisfy: a choice that suits us all.

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  How many rules did Wilfred have for Marcel? (answer: at least 73)
•  If you had a moose, what would you name him/her?
•  How many people thought they owned the moose?
•  Do you think the moose thought he belonged to anyone?
•  Did the moose follow Wilfred's rules? On purpose?

Craft ideas:
•  Make moose antlers to wear. Make a strip of paper to go around your head like a headband. Trace your hand (one for each side), cut out 2 pieces and attach to the headband.
•  Make a moose shaped picture. Trace one foot (you can leave your shoe on) to make the face. Trace your hand (one for each side), cut out two pieces for the antlers, and attach to the head. Add big googly eyes, and a nose and mouth by drawing or with more cut-outs.
•  Draw a picture of yourself with a pet and a rule they might follow.
•  Make a list of rules for your own pet. How many of these rules would be easy to follow?

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!