Anonymoose

by Shawna J. C. Tenney

Overview

A humorous, heartfelt story about shyness, blending in, and the courage it takes to step out and speak up when it matters most.

Ana Moose feels most comfortable when she is hiding. Hiding is much more fun than knowing what to say or being picked last for the team. She enjoys being "Anonymoose"! Until one day, when she sees her classmate Peter building a fort. A fort could be a very good place to hide! But also, Ana starts to feel a connection with Peter. Will Anonymoose have enough courage to come out of hiding to make a friend?

A 2025 CBC Librarian Favorites Winner

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781506497648
Publisher:	Augsburg Fortress, Publishers
Publication date:	08/13/2024
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	11.25(w) x 9.25(h) x (d)
Age Range:	4 - 7 Years

About the Author

Shawna J. C. Tenney was once a shy kid who felt most comfortable hiding in her room, drawing. While she outgrew her shyness (mostly!) she still tucks herself away from time to time to write and illustrate stories she would have loved to read as a kid. Shawna is also the author and illustrator of Pirates Don't Dance and Brunhilda's Backwards Day. She lives in Utah with her family.

Editorial Reviews

This sweet story reassures readers that shyness is OK and can be overcome.... The fine message here: Don't shy away from the chance to be and have a good friend. —Kirkus Reviews

"Themes of bravery, connection, and personality differences make it a perfect fit for social skills-themed story times, encouraging discussions about stepping out of one's comfort zone. Purchase for collections that emphasize social-emotional learning through picture books." —School Library Journal

"Charming in every way, Anonymoose addresses being shy and coming out of that shell in a very positive, fun way." —The Reading Eagle, "Books to Borrow, Books to Buy" column

"Anyone who's felt like an onlooker but wants to join in the fun will find themselves connected to Anonymoose, especially when Ana must decide whether to step outside her comfort zone and into community." —Living Lutheran

From the Publisher

2024-05-17
Stepping out is better than hiding out.

Ana Moose prefers being alone. She doesn’t have to worry about finding the right thing to say or being picked last for teams. Blending into her surroundings, she dubs herself Anonymoose. Then she sees her classmate Peter, a porcupine, building a fort and wishes she could share her own architectural ideas without revealing herself. So, day after day, Ana leaves sketches from “Anonymoose” around; Peter incorporates her plans into his creation. Ana enjoys watching the fort improving daily. Then her best idea strikes: a tall tower. Is she brave enough to tell Peter personally? Nah. Ana shares her brainstorm the usual way; Peter adds it. Alas, he tumbles and gets hurt, and the fort crashes to the ground. Ana’s dilemma: Reveal herself and help or remain concealed? While she’s thinking, Peter limps off. Next day, Ana hides again, waiting for Peter to return; he doesn’t. Remorseful, Ana slowly emerges from seclusion and attempts to rebuild the fort, unaware that Peter’s actually nearby, observing. Together, they re-create—no, improve on—the original, and they bond. Ana’s no longer Anonymoose. This sweet story reassures readers that shyness is OK and can be overcome. Peter’s fort serves as a metaphor for the walls we sometimes build to shield ourselves from relationships. The colorful, charming illustrations exude lively fun. Ana and Peter are very endearing, relatable protagonists.

The fine message here: Don’t shy away from the chance to be and have a good friend. (Picture book. 4-7)

Kirkus Reviews