Published by Eerdmans Books for Young Readers on August 13, 2024
Genres: Children's
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A humorous, heartfelt story about shyness, blending in, and the courage it takes to step out and speak up when it matters most.
Ana Moose feels most comfortable when she is hiding. Hiding is much more fun than knowing what to say or being picked last for the team. She enjoys being "Anonymoose"! Until one day, when she sees her classmate Peter building a fort. A fort could be a very good place to hide! But also, Ana starts to feel a connection with Peter. Will Anonymoose have enough courage to come out of hiding to make a friend?
Ana Moose is rather shy and enjoys being alone. She doesn’t mind observing others interact, but it often seems hard or just not that interesting to join in. But then, she noticed someone. He had good ideas. His play seemed fun. She wanted to join in…but could she? Anonymoose is the fun, engaging story of a shy moose who learns to play and engage with others in her own way.
This is a good book for the young readers, the introverts who would rather hide themselves away in books or their imagination, the shy ones for whom group interaction takes strength and leaves them stressed. Anonymoose doesn’t vilify shyness or harp on the “you’re missing out!” message that well-meaning adults can often give, but neither does it advocate seclusion. Shawna JC Tenney shows readers the need for human connection and friendship, of collaboration and togetherness, but in a way that is soft and gentle.
I think of my son when he was younger and how early reports from his preschool were all about how great of an observer of play and of others he was. He enjoyed watching others. Actually joining in play felt overwhelming. He had a rich imaginative life and self-conception. Sharing that with others wasn’t always easy. And like Anonymoose, it began in simple ways. Observation led to parallel play led to indirect collaboration led to direct collaboration—and that’s precisely what we see reflected in the book.
Shy kids are going to see themselves in this book. I think it will help them feel validated, open them up to talk about their feelings, and just maybe give them that push forward to find a friend.