Agate: What Good is a Moose?

by: Joy Morgan Dey; Illustrated by Nikki Johnson

Published by: Lake Superior Port Cities

Reviewed by Elizabeth Bright

Joy Morgan Dey is the designer of Old Turtle and The Quiltmaker’s Gift. Both of these books were BookSense award winners. Agate: What Good is a Moose won the Midwest Bookseller’ Choice Award, Midwest Independent Publishers Award, Northeastern Minnesota Book Award, Moonbeam Children’s Book Award and was a finalist in the Benjamin Franklin Award.

Agate is a moose with a huge problem. That problem is self-esteem. He really doesn’t think very highly of himself. In fact, he finds himself ugly, plain, inadequate and just not as good as his beautiful friends. These friends are named after beautiful gems.

Agate continually compares himself to his friends, and he doesn’t rate himself very high on ANY scale. It’s his friends who point out how special Agate is and tell him he’s good at being a moose. They remind him of a simple rule: “Let yourself shine, and let others find…” how remarkable you are. Agate is a jewel also.

The illustrations are delightful, colorful and will appeal to children. The message is one that everyone will benefit from. I love that the book includes an informative section about agates and birthstones.

Armchair Interviews says: Agate: What Good Is A Moose? is not only fun for children, but it is also educational and would make a wonderful addition to any children’s library.