Mooses with Bazookas
VERDICT: Recommended
(with caution)
Concern Level: Medium-Low
Christian Parent Review
Concern LevelMedium-Low
Concerning & Potentially Concerning Content
There is one primary category of concern that you should be aware of. We will put it all together and list it as a group. One story mentions a character having a “lucky stick”. He refers to it as a “talisman”. Later we hear of an “Oracle” and unfortunately it comes up several times. At one point the oracle is referred to as a “spiritual mentor”. The person who writes the letters somewhat randomly says, “I’m not religious, but I am spiritual”. An island is said to be haunted by pirate ghosts (also comes up a few times). As with everything in the book, this is all meant to be silly, but it makes for an unfortunate and unnecessary addition from a Christian parent perspective. One character also brings up several comments such as, “May science guide you!”. This points out just how laughable putting anything in the place of God can be. For those who catch it, they can see this as a really great poke at the current culture that tries to make science and the natural world their ‘god’. For those who don’t catch it, potentially children, it could backfire so this is one to make sure to explain to them if younger or less mature kiddos read this one. Other items to be aware of: Someone comments, “What is this, the Dark Ages when everyone is chopping heads off all day long?” One drawing has a slightly disturbing image of a skeleton of a dead pirate The term “idiot” is used. Note, the man on the front is not meant to be Jesus, which could have come across as irreverent.
VerdictRecommended
Our Thoughts
“Mooses with Bazookas: And Other Stories Children Should Never Read” is the second book we have reviewed from “Best Medicine”, which is a comedy-focused offshoot of Story Warren publishing, who publish the Green Ember books. We hope they continue this mission for years to come because as we mentioned in the first one, Team Burger Shed, finding clean and funny books for kids is challenging for Christian parents. This title is actually from the author of Green Ember, S.D. Smith. Picking up this book we see it is going to be funny from the jump. It comes with silly “recommendations”, humorous author bios and even a “best read by” date that is far overdue. It also has a funny intro from the author, that concludes with a rather insightful point related to this book, “If you find yourself laughing, then try to enjoy it. There will be lots of pain and sadness in life, and we can’t (and shouldn’t) avoid it all the time… Sometimes there are great gifts in pain… Without pain, characters never change into the heroes they will become. But giving it the slip on occasion is pretty important. So, laugh!... Sometimes you need Rabbits with swords. Other times you need Mooses with Bazookas”. This is basically a collection of short stories and letters that are meant to make us smile and laugh. There are a few really great illustrations as well. One story mentions “church on Sundays”. While the only mention of Christianity from S.D. Smith’s bio is a “enjoys church” (we wish there was more!) the illustrator includes that he loves to collaborate with his wife, Kate Hox, on books that help people deepen their faith in God, which is awesome. While we do wish that main concern content mentioned above wasn’t a part of the book, if your child is mature enough to look past it and/or you are willing to discuss it with them then we would recommend this one as a light and funny book that will bring plenty of laughs.
Plot SummaryNote: This information is typically from the publisher.Use with caution
Mooses with Bazookas: And Other Stories Children Should Never Read is a fun collection of stories. It’s exactly like The Count of Monte Cristo apart from the many differences. Our lawyers have instructed us to warn you that reading it may directly cause you to come down with every single disease you are worried about contracting. On the plus side, our nation’s beloved and heroic critics have had their say. “FANTASTIC is not a word that comes to mind.” —Beth Hinkle, author of Elite Prose “ASTOUNDING problems at the sentence level and beyond.” —Dr. Roger Johns, Ph. D. “S. D. SMITH IS in dire need of A GENIUS editor.” —Art Simonson, Inner Ring Magazine “This author had nothing MUCH BETTER to do THAN destroy the language of DICKENS, SHAKESPEARE, AUSTEN!” —Yammy Tork, Good Lit Guild S. D. Smith has been called “America’s aft-most wordsmith” and is the award-losing author of more than ten books and less than thirty-seven books. He is half-man, half-rabbit, and half-mathematician. He lives in West Virginia with his wife and four children, because it would be kinda weird to live with some other family and super weird not to live in West Virginia.
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Other Reviews for this Book
Good Book Mom
Excellent review! We so appreciate this site taking the time to point out potentially concerning content even though it is a funny book.
Read ReviewReformed Perspective
Really nice review that is certainly worth a read. We like that the reviewer also mentioned the desire for S.D. Smith to be more vocal and intentional about his faith.
Not much mentioned on potentially concerning content
Read ReviewRedeemed Reader
Interesting read. Neat notes on the earliest appearance of the "letters" content.
Not much mentioned on potentially concerning content
Read ReviewScripture Reflection
The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
— Psalm 19:7-11
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