"I am not a tame moose. You...are ...a... tame... game warden."
—The Blue Moose
Blue Moose is a 1975 children's book by Daniel Manus Pinkwater. It tells the story of Mr. Brenton, a restaurant owner with a rustic establishment in the great north woods. Although he has plenty of customers, Mr. Brenton feels unappreciated because nobody ever compliments his food. His fortunes take a turn when a blue moose turns up and works as the head waiter for a season.
This book provides examples of:
- Big Eater: The moose consumes seventeen bowls of chowder, with crackers, upon his arrival.
- Cute Owl: Dave has an owl friend who perches on his head.
- Green Thumb: The moose hums an early spring into existence, complete with green meadows, flowers and fresh vegetables for Mr. Brenton to cook with.
- Moose Are Idiots: Averted. The titular Blue Moose speaks English and French and deeply resents the implication that he might be tame.
- Moose and Maple Syrup: The book takes place in Canada and features laconic Canadian woodsmen and a moose as a main character.
- Mountain Man: Dave is a mountain man who befriends Mr. Brenton and The Blue Moose, though Dave is shy and only communicates through the moose.
- Rules Lawyer: When the game warden points out that it is illegal to keep a tame moose, the moose argues that he is not tame.
- The Reveal: Mr. Brenton's patrons always loved his food, that's why they would do things walk seven miles in snow shoes to eat it. It's just they don't say anything until the moose arrives.
- Partially Civilized Animal: The moose may not be tame, but he's an excellent waiter and is very polite.
- Supreme Chef: Mr. Brenton starts the book insecure because nobody ever compliments his food until the moose shows up, but his food is delicious enough to attract people from miles away. He appreciates having the moose around because he is free to concentrate on cooking, which he loves, while the moose takes care of the customers.
- Talking Animal: The moose speaks English and French.
