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Series I Book 10: “Moose Says Goodbye” Author’s Discussion

by Ray Perseghin, Sara K Enterprises, ©All Rights Reserved

In this final book of Moose Series 1, we find that hard winter has approached the town of ‘Wayfar’. We must reflect on the good times we had and look now to the future. Moose and his friends prepare for a brief yet sad break from their activities as they make preparations for the long winter. As they do, they reflect on their individual friendships and discover the pain and sadness that comes with their separation. Even as Moose reminds them that this is only a temporary separation, it does not change the fact that this feeling of loss is uncomfortable. Care must be taken in the reading and discussion of this story, as you look for anything that might trigger an emotional response.

Maintain a focus on the positive aspects of growth and renewal. Discuss the resemblance to nature and the cycle of seasons, which form a rebirth. Keep any discussion within controlled bounds and highlight the positive aspects of anticipation and reformed friendships. Even Moose closes the story on the positive when he talks about joining the friends again in the ‘New Spring’, reminding Snowman that this is only a brief separation. In the end, the friends all move on to their winter homes, dreaming of the time they will return.

Above all…Have Fun!

Sarah K Enterprises

SUGGESTED QUESTIONS TO GENERATE DISCUSSION

1. Why was the weather changing? (learning about the seasons)
2. Who, in the story, first noticed that the weather was changing?
3. Why do you think that all the friends were sad? (loss)
4. When did the friends say that they would meet again?
5. When are the times that you are separated from your friends, like the animals?
6. What do you think will happen when the friends come back together again?
7. Can you name someone who you do not see often and are very glad to see when you are together? (summer vacation, distant relatives, non-custodial parents, etc)
8. Do you think that the animals will all look the same when they get back together? (growing up)