Shawna Lee Corbould

There, in the middle of the forest, the young calf stood alone. 

When a young moose calf gets lost in a storm, he is found by Nana and Papa, a kind couple who offer him shelter and a name: Charlie. They bring him home to Matachewan First Nation, where two dogs, Spike and Molly, happily welcome him into their pack. Together, Charlie and his friends spend their days digging holes on the beach, playing fetch, and having fun. 

But Charlie is growing fast, and soon it will be time for him to return to the forest. With Spike and Molly by his side, Charlie sets off on an adventure to learn more about himself—and what it means to be a moose. 

Educator Information 
This illustrated chapter book is recommended for ages 6 to 9. The chapters are each titled with an Ojibwe word or phrase, and a glossary of the Ojibwe words and their pronunciations is included at the back of the book. Discussion questions and an author’s note can also be found at the end of the book, and a free lesson plan is available for download on our website. 

With an engaging story, lovable characters, and powerful messages, Charlie the Matachewan Moose is perfect for readers transitioning from picture books to chapter books. Meaningful themes of identity and self-awareness provide opportunities for discussion, making this book an excellent choice for homes and classrooms. 

Curriculum Connections 

• English Language Arts – figures of speech, reading, listening, discussing 

• Science – diverse ecosystems, animal behaviours and habitats 

• Personal and Social Awareness – personal and cultural identity, connecting to community, identifying values 

• Art – traditional Indigenous art styles 

• Social-Emotional Learning – recognizing and managing emotions, building positive relationships, showing empathy  

• Indigenous Knowledge and Traditions – Ojibwe language and teachings, cultural significance of animals

Additional Information 
112 Pages | 5.5” x 8.5” | Paperback | Printed in Canada