This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
Mortimer & Lily: Moose in Training by Kathie McMahon is a middle-grade novel that follows the cheerful and imaginative Lily Robertson as she begins third grade in Peabody, Wisconsin. Lily narrates the story with humor, curiosity, and nonstop energy, introducing readers to her family, her best friends Keiko and Gabriel, and Mortimer, a friendly moose who regularly wanders around town and even visits the school playground. Lily loves creating “mash-up” words by combining two terms, which adds a playful touch to the story from the opening pages. When Mrs. Murphy introduces a “Tidy Towns” project inspired by communities in Ireland working together to improve their towns, Lily and her friends form a group called the Shamrock Squad. Their challenge is to create a project that benefits the town of Peabody while also involving Mortimer.
Kathie McMahon uses an upbeat and conversational writing style that fits perfectly with Lily’s enthusiastic personality. One of the book’s strongest literary devices is wordplay, especially through Lily’s “mash-up” vocabulary. These playful inventions give the novel a unique voice and reinforce Lily’s creative outlook. Tanja Bauerle’s illustrations add charm and personality to the story, especially in scenes featuring Mortimer interacting with students and teachers. Readers who enjoy school-centered stories with quirky humor, heartfelt friendships, and animal companions will enjoy the book’s playful atmosphere. Fans of imaginative classroom adventures and community-centered storytelling may especially connect with Lily’s optimism and determination. Mortimer & Lily is perfect for teaching how determination and confidence can shape a community.
