George’s Antlers. Bruno St-Aubin. Translated by Petra Johannson. Toronto, ON: Scholastic Canada, 2007. 32 pp., pbk., $7.99. ISBN 978-0-545-98687-8. Subject Headings: Mouse-Juvenile fiction. Birds-Juvenile fiction. Kindergarten-grade 3 / Ages 5-8. Review by Tristin Burrows. ***/4

George’s Antlers is the tale about George, a helpful moose who works tirelessly to save his friends after a forest fire puts them in grave danger.

His head was spinning, and his heart was racing as he thought of his friends. They were so small and helpless! “Where are they? I hope nothing has happened to them, especially little Ruby. Oh this is awful!” George moaned.

     This repetitive text follows George as he searches for his dearest friend, Ruby. Students excitedly anticipate the identity of this dear Ruby and anxiously await her rescue. George rescues many feathered friends, Jay-Jay, Rufus, Big-Beak, Suzie and Otis. These birds find refuge in George’s antlers. Although, providing a safe home for so many of his friends weighs heavily on George, like a true friend, George puts his friends’ well-being before his own.


     Finally, when dear Ruby finally arrives, the additional weight proves to be too much for George. He collapses, and his friends reciprocate George’s kindness by working hard to help him back to his feet.


     George’s Antlers lends itself to become an interactive text. Young children can predict what will happen next with George and his friends. This book is also a great springboard for discussions about helping and giving to others.


     The illustrations by experienced artist, Bruno St-Aubin, depict the loveable wildlife in a colourful, expressive way. Children will ask for a longer look to pore over the pages. George’s Antlers is a delightful read and would make a lovely addition to a classroom or home library.

Recommended.

Tristin Burrows, an elementary school teacher with a passion for literature, lives in Winnipeg, MB, with her dogs, Bruin and Penny.

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Published by The Manitoba Library Association ISSN 1201-9364

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