Oh, I love me some picture books, especially when a trip to Paris is in order! With a friendly moose, no less! I’m excited to welcome back picture book author Candace Spizzirri! Candace is here to share about her newest picture book, FINLEY: A MOOSE IN CHARTREUSE!
Welcome, Candace! We can’t wait to hear more about that adorable moose, Finley!
Thanks so much, Angie, for having me on your blog again!
Hello picture book lovers, young and old! (Because picture books are perfect for ALL ages!)
Do you enjoy stories full of adventure? Ones about following your dreams? Are you partial to adorable animals?
Meet Finley, the friendliest moose!
I mean, how could anyone resist that face?
I know I can’t, thanks to Chantelle & Burgen Thorne, Finley’s fabulous illustrators!
Chantelle & Burgen Thorne did such a fabulous job illustrating Finley and his adventures! So much personality! I can’t resist that face either!
Candace, for those of us who are just hearing about Finley, before we get to the new book, can you tell us about your inspiration for the first book about this amazing moose?
In book 1: FINLEY: A MOOSE ON THE CABOOSE…
“Rules are rules” and wild animals aren’t allowed on trains…or so says Conductor Jones.
Young adventurers will fall in love with Finley, a friendly moose with a toothy grin who wants nothing more than to ride the rails across Alaska and beyond. Prepare for giggles when Finley finds a costume shop and tries to pass for anything but wild, only to have Conductor Jones see right through these disguises. Fortunately, Finley has something Conductor Jones doesn’t see coming – heart and determination – showing us all that there are some rules in life that are meant to be changed.
The idea for FINLEY: A MOOSE ON THE CABOOSE came to me a number of years ago on a trip to Alaska. I fell in love with the gorgeous scenery and while visiting the town of Talkeetna, a moose wandered about to the delight of tourists, then disappeared by the railroad tracks into the woods. In this quaint town, I happened upon a little shop called Once in a Blue Moose and the spark for Finley, a moose who longs to ride the rails, was born.
Thanks for introducing us to Finley! I love that he is so friendly. Now, on to your new book! Tell us MORE about Finley!!
In book 2: FINLEY: A MOOSE IN CHARTREUSE…
Finley, the beloved “moose on the caboose,” is back in this hilarious and heartfelt sequel full of fun and fashion!
Finley wants nothing more than to attend Fashion Week in Paris. He dreams of the sights, the sounds, the smells, and…the perfect suit. But when Finley arrives in the City of Love, the most famous designers refuse to work with a moose. Although feeling defeated, Finley never forgets who he truly is – a very friendly moose, and a helpful one, too! When Finley sees an accident in the making, he races to the rescue. His kindness and quick thinking help him make a new friend…and find his perfect color!
Shortly after the release of the first Finley book, I started thinking about where my adorable, friendly moose’s dreams might take him next.
A trip to the City of Love ended up sparking the perfect idea. I posted a photo on social media of myself holding FINLEY: A MOOSE ON THE CABOOSE in front of the Eiffel Tower, and the incredible award-winning illustrators, Chantelle and Burgen Thorne, commented, “Finley in Paris! A sequel?” At that moment, it clicked. Paris was absolutely the next stop for Finley.
I love hearing how Finley decided to travel to Paris, one of my most favorite cities! I love so much about this book – Finley, chartreuse, the French words sprinkled throughout, Paris, Magnifique!
Candace, what’s next? Do you have anything else in the works?
I have a book entitled AMBER MAE AND HER STRAYS coming out in fall 2027. It is being illustrated by uber-talented Carlos Velez Aguilera. I’m thrilled!
Here is a summary:
Prepare for a rollicking adventure as Amber Mae, a determined little girl with a soft spot for stray animals, brings home one zany pet after another. When her otherwise patient parents panic and are pushed over the edge, they have no choice but to send her pets packing.
Readers will root for clever Amber Mae as she finds the perfect place for each and every one of her beloved animal friends.
We are all dying to know, I mean we’ve met Finley in two books! Will Finley make another appearance?
Finley truly has my heart, and I already have more places and adventures in mind for this friendly, determined, and completely adorable moose (thank you, Chantelle and Burgen, for bringing that cuteness to life!). I can’t share yet but be on the lookout for more from Finley! 😊
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing about FINLEY: A MOOSE IN CHARTREUSE. Congratulations! We look forward to reading more about Finley in all his books!
Friends, be sure to check out Finley in both of Candace’s books! You can catch up with Candace at the following places:
Instagram @CCSpizzirri
Facebook @CandaceSpizzirri
Twitter/X @CCSpizzirri1
Bluesky @candacespizzirri
FINLEY: A MOOSE ON THE CABOOSE
FISHING WITH GRANDPA AND SKYE
FINLEY: A MOOSE IN CHARTREUSE (April 28, 2026)
AMBER MAE AND HER STRAYS (Fall 2027)
Love, Laughter, and Life 