Prudence and Moxie

March 23, 2009
While this story about unlikely friends is full of imaginative details and delightfully quirky illustrations, the narrative arc is not always clear. The story opens with Prudence (a prudent, reserved moose) disapproving as Moxie (a raccoon with an equally apt name) makes “kissy faces” at sharks during a class trip. “Moxie must look funny to the fish
, thinks Prudence,” but readers may not be sure why Moxie’s behavior seems wrong to Prudence. Prudence continues to stew as Moxie accepts dare after dare. “It’s always the same: 'I dare you, Moxie’ and 'I bet you won’t.’ She will
, thinks Prudence. She always does
.” Both friends have their respective fears—for Prudence, thunder; for Moxie, Prudence’s horse (named Thunder)—and both overcome them, a bit too easily, with the other’s help. The pacing is erratic, and a number of red herrings and oddly placed likes and dislikes muddy the waters considerably. Cantone’s (Three Little Ghosties
) watercolor and ink illustrations, full of animals with devious grins and kinetic red scribbles, enliven with witty humor. The eccentric characters have appeal, but readers may find the story a struggle. Ages 5–8.

April 1, 2009
K-Gr 2-Opposites attract in this story starring two woodland animals. Prudence's careful reserve placates rebel Moxie, who follows every dare anyone proposes. She rolls off her sled, stands in thunderstorms, and would even drive the tractor at the county fair. Practical Prudence is often aggravated by her pal's boldness, muttering, "Moxie spoils every game." In fact, Moxie's only fear is Prudence's greatest love: horses. After much hesitation, Prudence coaxes her into conquering her equinophobia; the final image shows wide-eyed Moxie holding tight to her friend as they ride a horse. Cantone's mixed-media illustrations use acrylics and collage to create busy borders and sprawling spreads. Warm colors, including peachy tans and rosy pinks, abound, unifying the pictures' details. Antlered Prudence, with her large head and tiny limbs, is nicely contrasted with small, stocky Moxie, whose fat, striped tail swings at every opportunity. Children will enjoy the humorous antics of this unusual duo."Meg Smith, Cumberland County Public Library, Fayetteville, NC"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 15, 2009
Grades K-3 Moxie sure enough has moxie, accepting all manner of dares and double dares from classmates, while Prudence is more, well, prudent in her approach to life. Even though the pair are friends and do lots of things together, the shyer Prudence is sometimes annoyed by her boisterous companion. This very real issue that children face in friendship is well handled as Moxie helps Prudence work through her fear of storms, and Prudence, realizing that even brave, blustery Moxie has fears, helps her friend conquer being afraid of horses. Cantones whimsical mixed-media illustration style makes clever use of stitching in the intricately bordered pages. The art subtly complements the text with its use of opposites, playing bold colors and squiggly and straight lines against one another. Although not addressed in the text, the illustratorpictures Moxie as small in stature and Prudence as large, adding to the books strong theme of opposite types coming together in friendship.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2009
As their names suggest, Prudence and Moxie have very different personalities. Their friendship grows, however, after level-headed Prudence half-persuades, half-dares the otherwise brash and fearless Moxie to overcome her trepidation about horses. Together, they go for a ride on Prudence's beloved steed, Thunder. Scribbly mixed-media illustrations lend a quirky, humorous tone to this entertaining tale of friendship.

(Copyright 2009 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)