How a Moose Helped Santa at Christmas by Phil Riggs (Author) and Corey Majeau (Illustrator)

This review first appeared on Reader Views. Read the Reader Views version here.

Maxwell the Magnificent Moose is enjoying a wintry dinner when, suddenly, Mamie Ethelred the Elf approaches him. Much to Maxwell’s shock, Mamie tells Maxwell that Santa needs his help. With a bit of Santa’s magic dust, Mamie and Maxwell make it to the North Pole, where Santa explains the problem. The weather is changing all over the world—even the North Pole—and now the snow is too soft for his reindeer to take off in. But, as Santa points out, moose are used to trekking through deep, soft snow.

Maxwell agrees to help Santa, and soon it’s time for them to head off and deliver presents all over the world. Although Maxwell was once scared of flying, he gets the hang of it, and Santa even invites him to dinner, but Maxwell just wants to get home.

Author Phil Riggs has crafted a fun picture book for kids ages three to ten. Riggs’ playful story will engage readers with its whimsy. There is also a hint at an overarching problem—climate change. While this is not explored in depth in How a Moose Helped Santa at Christmas, Riggs provides kids and those who read to them a chance to discuss it.

How a Moose Helped Santa at Christmas is a fun Christmastime story with a new character—Maxwell the Magnificent Moose. Maxwell, while identified as the largest, strongest, and kindest moose in all the world, still needed a pep talk and reassurance to literally take off flying. This is reassuring for young readers because it shows that we may be great and just not know it.

Illustrator Corey Majeau’s cartoonish (and I mean this in a positive way—like the images could be used in a children’s cartoon) artwork adds to the playful nature of How a Moose Helped Santa at Christmas. Majeau’s style is lighthearted and has enough detail to intrigue a young reader, but not so much that it’s difficult to parse what’s happening on any one page.

How a Moose Helped Santa at Christmas is a kind, playful, Christmas-y story. Author Phil Riggs weaves a story of reassurance and helpfulness, while illustrator Corey Majeau’s artwork adds additional playfulness. If you’re looking for a fun, new holiday tale, take a gander at How a Moose Helped Santa at Christmas.

How a Moose Helped Santa at Christmas by Phil Riggs (Author) and Corey Majeau (Illustrator), Independently published