Book Review of Moocher in the Lun by Tom Dawe
A Folk Alphabet Filled With Newfoundland and Labrador Expressions
Moocher in the Lun takes the reader on a wild, tongue-twisting ride through the alphabet. The Newfoundland and Labrador words and expressions used in the poem for each letter have the potential to cause roll-on-the-floor laughter.
The whimsical folk art illustrations of C. Anne MacLeod add to the delightfulness of this creative look at the alphabet.
This picture book may be intended for the children’s market, but it will be a source of delight and amusement for all ages, especially in interactions between the generations.
Author Tom Dawe
Tom Dawe is a Newfoundland poet from Long Pond, Conception Bay, which is just outside St. John’s. He has received an honorary membership into the Writers’ Alliance of Newfoundland and Labrador, and has been inducted into the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council Hall of Honor.
Dawe was a school teacher for many years, and then a professor at Memorial University of Newfoundland. He was a founding editor of Newfoundland’s literary magazine, TickleAce, as well as one of the co-founders of Breakwater Books.
Dawe has been widely published for his poetry, but has also written a number of children’s books. Although best known as a poet, he is also creative at painting and drawing.
Folk Artist C. Anne MacLeod
C. Anne MacLeod, originally from the Isle of Man, has made Newfoundland her home since 1968. She is a film and video animator, a graphic artist and an illustrator. She is the illustrator of The Clothes Lion stories and Winter of the Black Weasel.
Besides conducting art and animation workshops in elementary schools, MacLeod has also designed educational books and training materials.
Connection to School and Library Curriculums
Moocher in the Lun would make a good support for school and library curriculums in several areas:
- This picture book would be a great accompaniment to any unit on different types of poetry.
- It would be a good support for a unit on the culture and folklore of Newfoundland and Labrador. The book also contains a glossary at the back for all of the local words and expressions.
- The illustrations in this picture book are wonderful examples of folk art for budding artists.
Note: Any use of this book in the classroom must comply with the copyright.
Moocher in the Lun would make a terrific addition to any collection of picture books about Newfoundland and Labrador. It provides a light-hearted and entertaining look at the often amusing local words and expressions of this unique culture.
Title: Moocher in the Lun
Author: Tom Dawe
Publisher: Pennywell Books (an imprint of Flanker Press Limited), 62 pages, $14.95 CAD
ISBN: 978-1-897317-14-3
For other picture book reviews of books from Newfoundland publishers see Book Review of Emma’s Treasure by Gerald Mercer, Review of How Dog Became A Friend by Paul O’Neill, and Review of Digger Donald by Blanche Smith.
Book Cover Moocher in the Lun
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