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Prudence and Moxie (by Deborah Noyes)

common sense media says

Double dares test the friendship of an unlikely duo.

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this story provides a good forum for talking about friendship, peer pressure, and what to do when someone dares you to do something you just don't want to do.

Positive messages: Good lessons about friendship and handling peer pressure.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Prudence and Moxie

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about what it feels like when someone dares you to do something. Why do people dare other people to do scary or silly things? Why do some people take dares? Why do you think Moxie kissed the aquarium glass, rolled off the sled, and rode the scariest carnival ride over and over? How did Prudence feel about what Moxie did? Do you think Moxie cared? How do you think the two ever became friends? Do you take every dare, like Moxie? Or are you more like Prudence?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Just by their names, you can tell theirs is going to be a complicated relationship. Moxie is a raccoon, and always up for a dare. Her friend Prudence, an aptly named deer (or moose), is not. Still they are friends, even though Moxie's daredevil antics often spoil the game she is playing with her less rambunctious pal. However, when Prudence tries to coax Moxie onto her horse for a ride, she is amazed at the surprising result.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

The issue is a good one, the story complicated enough to arouse a good discussion, and the artwork amazing as well as entertaining. Like Prudence and Moxie, the anthropomorphic main characters, real human kids of all ages confront peer pressure daily, and they have to decide what to do with it. They also have to decide what to do with friends who let them down now and then. This book offers a gentle way to start these sorts of conversations.

The story itself presents some very unique scenarios that seem pretty silly yet, at the same time, ring so very, very true. And, AnnaLaura Cantone's artwork, her "acrylic, collage, and whimsy," brings an Italian folk art feeling to the book, and makes the whole thing all the more captivating.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Deborah Noyes
Illustrator: AnnaLaura Cantone
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Children's Books
Publication date: April 23, 2009
Number of pages: 32
Hardcover price: $16.00
Read Aloud: 4
Read Alone: 7
This review was written by Patricia Tauzer
 
 

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