I always love featuring books that entertain and educate…and when they are written by dear kid lit friends. Author Candace Spizzirri and I met a few years ago when she wrote her first Finley book, Finley: A Moose on the Caboose. When I discovered that she has a new book, Finley: A Moose in Chartreuse, I knew I’d want to share it with you. PLUS, Candace is sharing the story behind the story.
Finley: A Moose in Chartreuse
Written by: Candace Spizzirri
illustrated by: Chantelle and Burgen Thorne
Published by: Gnome Road Publishing, April, 2026
Age range: 3-7 years old
Why I love this book
I absolutely love Finley: A Moose in Chartreuse by Candice Spizzirri because it celebrates individuality in such a joyful, memorable way. Finley’s bold choice to stand out, literally in chartreuse, feels like a gentle, but powerful reminder to children that being different isn’t something to hide, it’s something to embrace. It’s the kind of book that sparks laughter, invites conversation, and leaves both children and adults feeling a little braver about being exactly who they are. It’s a wonderful choice for story-time classroom sharing, a child’s library and a wonderful bedtime story.
Behind the Story:
Interview with Candace Spizzirri
And now the promised treat…a visit from author Candace.
Welcome, Candace! Thank you for stopping by to chat with us.
Thanks so much, Karen, for having me on your blog again! I’m delighted to be
here!
Can you tell us a little bit about the book…and how it came to be?
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!
What inspired you to write this story?
I wrote FINLEY: A MOOSE IN CHARTREUSE as a companion to FINLEY: A MOOSE
ON THE CABOOSE. I knew that my friendly, bighearted moose had more adventures ahead, and this story felt like the perfect followup.
A trip to Paris, the City of Love, sparked the idea for another adventure. After I posted a photo on social media—me holding a copy of FINLEY: A MOOSE ON THE CABOOSE in front of the Eiffel Tower—Chantelle and Burgen Thorne, the incredible award winning illustrators, replied, “Finley in Paris! A sequel?” In that moment, I knew: Paris was the perfect next stop for Finley.
How did you come to work with Chantelle and Burgen Thorne?
Sandra Sutter at Gnome Road Publishing had Chantelle and Burgen in mind when she acquired the first book, FINLEY: A MOOSE ON THE CABOOSE. I’m so grateful this award winning dream team is back for FINLEY: A MOOSE IN CHARTREUSE! I couldn’t be more thrilled. Their spectacular illustrations make Finley leap off the page in ways I never imagined. Just like with the first book, I cried happy tears when I saw the final art. It was everything I hoped for and so much more. Thank you, C&B. Our book is absolutely beautiful!
What message do you hope children take away from this book?
I love bringing my books to kids wherever they are—classrooms, libraries, community events, or cozy reading corners. There’s nothing better than seeing a child light up during a story. What I hope most is that my stories entertain, spark curiosity, and inspire a sense of wonder, all while helping kids fall in love with reading.
Do you have any advice for aspiring picture book authors?
Believe in yourself and keep at it. Write the stories only you can tell. Enjoy the journey and make some friends along the way—the kidlit community is truly an amazing, supportive group. Be patient with yourself as you grow. Take classes, attend conferences, find critique partners, join writing groups, and stay connected. And most importantly, never give up. You’ve got this!
Themes & Classroom Connections
Teachers and parents can use Finley: A Moose in Chartreuse to discuss confidence and self acceptance, Paris, and fashion. Some activity ideas include:
Moose Handprint Craft For Kids
Free Template – Simple Everyday Mom®
Draw a picture of Finley wearing a fabulous outfit in your favorite color.
Gnome Road Publishing produces great educational materials. Just click the link and it will take you to additional material to use with the book.
Other Books by Candace Spizzirri
- 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. - FISHING WITH GRANDPA AND SKYE– Illustrated by Beverly Love Warren. Days on the lake are a Skye and Grandpa thing. This story explores the rewards of patience and celebrates the love between generations.
- AMBER MAE AND HER STRAYS– Illustrated by Carlos Velez Aguilera. Will be released in the fall 2027 – 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.
About the Author
Candace Spizzirri crafts children’s books with humor and heart. Like her spirited
character, Finley, she adores Paris, bold adventures, and the color chartreuse.
Passionate about education, Candace co-founded an elementary school and high school in Southern California. She loves spending time with her husband, son, daughter, daughter-in-law, and five delightful grandkids.
Connect with Candace
Website: https://candacespizzirri.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccspizzirri/
Twitter (X) https://x.com/ccspizzirri1?lang=en
Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/candacespizzirri.bsky.social
Grab your copy of Finley: A Moose in Chartreuse on Amazon
IndieBound
Bookshop.org US
Thank you, Candace, for sharing your story with us!
Finley: A Moose in Charteuse is a joyful, beautifully illustrated picture book that belongs in every child’s library. Be sure to check it out and share it with the young readers in your life.
Do not forget that books make great gifts. Books can be read over and over again. They are the gift that keeps on giving. Don’t forget classroom teachers, they love to get children’s books for their libraries. All children need books and you can help giving a book to a child.
Thank you, all of my readers, for spending your time with us. If you love the books that are featured here, I hope you will help them become successful.
You can:
Buy the book
Review the book
Tell friends about the book (Please share this post on social media)
Ask your local library to purchase copies for their collection.
Until Next Time …
Karen