Finley: A Moose in Chartreuse by Candace Spizzirri

A Runway-Ready Tale of Fashion, Kindness, and Finding Your True Colors

Our favorite “moose on the caboose” is back, and this time, his ambitions are as high as the Eiffel Tower! Finley wants nothing more than to attend Fashion Week in Paris and find the absolute perfect suit. But the City of Love proves to be a bit of a tough crowd—the most famous designers in the world refuse to work with a client who has antlers and hooves.

Despite feeling defeated, Finley never forgets his core settings: he is a very friendly moose with a heart of gold. When a potential disaster strikes on the streets of Paris, Finley’s quick thinking and kindness save the day. In the process, he proves that true style isn’t just about the cut of your coat—it’s about the color of your character. Spoiler alert: he finally finds his signature shade, and let’s just say chartreuse is definitely his color!

Why this book is helpful:

• Promotes Self-Acceptance: Shows kids that being “different” (or a moose in a couture shop) doesn’t mean you can’t be fabulous and valued.
• Celebrates Character over Clothes: Teaches that true connections are built on actions and empathy, rather than just outward appearances.
• Encourages Resilience: Models how to handle rejection with grace and stay true to your goals, even when the “experts” say no.
• Vibrant Visual Inspiration: The stunning, high-fashion illustrations by the Thorne team are a total feast for the eyes and spark creative play.
• Cultural Introduction: A witty, “outside the box” way to introduce young readers to the sights, sounds, and vibes of Paris.

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