Is this part of a series?

Yes, this is Book 1. It's designed to introduce Marty and his world, so it's the perfect place to start.

Is the 'mischief' actually bad behavior?

Not really. It's mostly slapstick humor and 'fish-out-of-water' accidents. Marty isn't being mean; he's just a moose trying to navigate a human world, which naturally leads to chaos.

What is the reading level like?

It's aimed at 6-9 year olds. The sentences are punchy and the vocabulary is accessible, but it doesn't talk down to the reader. It's a great step up from Level 2 readers.

Is it a graphic novel?

No, it's an illustrated chapter book. Think Diary of a Wimpy Kid style—lots of art integrated with the text, but still primarily a narrative story.

Marty Moose: First Class Mischief – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Marty Moose: First Class Mischief

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book

88%

WISE Score

A giant moose trying to fit into a human school is the exact brand of chaotic energy your seven-year-old is looking for.

Marty Moose: First Class Mischief

book

88%

WISE Score

A giant moose trying to fit into a human school is the exact brand of chaotic energy your seven-year-old is looking for.

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Screenwise Verdict

Marty Moose is a winner for the 'I can read by myself now' crowd. It’s not trying to teach a heavy-handed moral lesson; it’s just trying to be funny, and for a seven-year-old, that’s exactly what keeps them turning pages. Claire Powell’s art is the secret sauce here, turning a standard 'fish out of water' story into something that feels fresh and energetic.

If you’ve got a kid who is bored by 'Learn to Read' phonics books but isn't quite ready for the wall-of-text in Harry Potter, this is your go-to. It’s safe, it’s silly, and it’s a great example of why we shouldn't be afraid of 'mischief' in stories—it’s where the engagement happens.

Age Fit

This is the sweet spot for 1st through 3rd graders. It's sophisticated enough to be funny for a 9-year-old but simple enough to be a great read-aloud for a mature 5-year-old.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

It's a lighthearted, funny animal story that focuses on humor and situational comedy rather than mean-spiritedness.

Imaginative

Claire Powell's illustrations bring a high level of visual energy and character to the 'animal in a human world' trope.

Safe

Standard early chapter book fare. No mature themes, violence, or concerning language reported.

Enriching

Perfect 'bridge' material for kids transitioning from picture books to independent chapter book reading.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Visual Storytelling: Claire Powell is a top-tier illustrator, making this a great pick for kids who still rely on visual cues to follow the plot.
Reluctant Reader Bait: The 'mischief' hook and heavy illustration-to-text ratio make it feel less like a chore and more like a cartoon in book form.
Relatable Chaos: It taps into that specific kid desire to see what happens when a rule-breaker (or just a very large animal) enters a structured environment like a school.
Perfect Pacing: At 160 pages with lots of art, it’s a 'quick win' for kids building their reading confidence.

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What to Watch For

Copycat Mischief: The plot revolves around Marty causing trouble; if your kid is already a 'creative' rule-follower, they might pick up a few ideas for school-day disruptions.
Slapstick Destruction: Most of the 'peril' is just Marty accidentally breaking things because he's a moose in a building. If your kid is sensitive to things getting ruined, be aware.

Conversation Starters

"If a moose showed up in your classroom, what's the first thing that would definitely get broken?"
"Marty doesn't always mean to cause trouble—do you think it's still 'mischief' if it's an accident?"
"Which character in the book was the best at helping Marty fit in?"
"If you had to hide a moose from your teacher, where would you put him?"

Deep Dive

The 'Bridge' Book You Need

Every parent hits that wall where their kid is too old for picture books but gets intimidated by 'big' chapter books. Marty Moose: First Class Mischief lives right in that gap. Published in early 2026, it’s already making waves as a top pick for the 7+ demographic because it respects the reader's sense of humor without overwhelming them with vocabulary.

Claire Powell isn't just an author here; she's an illustrator who knows how to use white space and character expression to tell the jokes that the text doesn't have room for. This is the same DNA you find in hits like The Bad Guys or Dog Man, but in a traditional book format that feels a bit more 'literary' to parents while staying 'cool' for kids.

"Marty Moose is that rare character who is both a disaster and a hero, making him instantly lovable to kids who feel a bit too big for their own boots."

If your household is currently obsessed with animal protagonists or school-based comedies, this is a no-brainer. It’s the kind of book that gets passed around a classroom because it’s genuinely funny, not because a teacher assigned it. It’s a solid addition to any home library looking to foster a love of reading for pleasure rather than just for school credit.

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