Can you see my big smile? I’m sure you can…because today is one of my favorite days…and my smile is a mile wide because it’s a day to celebrate the birth of a new book!!! YES! It’s a book birthday for FINLEY: A MOOSE IN CHARTREUSE…written by Candace Spizzirri and illustrated by Chantelle & Burgen Thorne and published by Gnome Road.
And YES…I am also so excited because author Spizzirri stopped by to share the story behind the story.
ME: Welcome, Candace! We are so thrilled to have you here! Thank you for stopping by…and I hope you have time to share a little bit about the book…and how it came to be.
CANDACE: Thanks so much for having me on your blog again! I’m delighted to be here! And it’s FINLEY: A MOOSE IN CHARTREUSE’S Book Birthday! Yay!
– A short synopsis of the book.
Finley, the beloved “moose on the caboose,” is back in this hilarious and heartfelt sequel full of fun and high 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!
– The inspiration for the story
Several years ago, my daughter, Jenna, was working in Germany, and I flew over to visit her. Since I had never been to Paris, we decided to slip away for a few days and explore the city together. I was already thinking about where Finley’s next adventure might take him, but Paris swept me up immediately—the sights, the sounds, the smells. But most of all…the fabulous fashion!
During our trip, Jenna snapped a photo of me holding FINLEY: A MOOSE ON THE CABOOSE in front of the Eiffel Tower, and I posted it online. Not long after, Chantelle and Burgen Thorne—the brilliant, award‑winning illustrators—commented, “Finley in Paris! A sequel?” Their playful nudge was exactly the spark I needed. In that moment, I knew Paris was destined to be Finley’s next stop.
ME: Good for you, Candace…I went to Paris a few years ago…but I don’t know that I was so creative…not only did you come up with a story…but it is now a real book! Can you tell us if you have anything on the horizon…any more books for us to add to our shelves?
CANDACE: Thanks so much for asking! I have another book coming that I’m incredibly excited about. It’s scheduled for a Fall 2027 release with Gnome Road Publishing. I truly adore my publisher!
The story is inspired by my sister, Amber, and is titled Amber Mae and Her Strays. It was one of the first stories I ever wrote. The super‑talented Carlos Vélez Aguilera is illustrating, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. His vibrant, detailed artwork is the perfect match for my spunky main character.
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 be rooting for clever Amber Mae as she finds the perfect place for each and every one of her beloved animal friends.
ME: What fabulous news, dear Candace! Congratulations! The upcoming book sounds wonderful!
And now, dear friends, here is a little bit about Candace, her illustrators, and links for you to connect with her and get your own copies of her fabulous books!
A Little Bit About Candace:
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 and a high school in Southern California. She loves spending time with her husband, son, daughter, daughter-in-law, and five delightful grandkids. Visit her online at candacespizzirri.com.
A little bit about the illustrators:
Chantelle & Burgen Thorne are a multi-award-winning (married) illustration team. They live in the countryside surrounded by tall trees and an amazing variety of wild birds and animals. When they’re not at their desks illustrating stories for kids, you’ll find them being towed around the woodland paths by their beloved dogs. Find them online at chantelleandburgen.com.
And here are a few links to help you follow Candace:
Website: http://www.candacespizzirri.com
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/ccspizzirri1?lang=en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccspizzirri/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1000236
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/candacespizzirri.bsky.social
Amazon
Finley: A Moose in Chartreuse: Spizzirri, Candace, Thorne, Chantelle, Thorne, Burgen: 9781957655598: Amazon.com: Books
Barnes and Noble
Finley a book by Chantelle Thorne, Burgen Thorne, and Candace Spizzirri – Bookshop.org US
Publisher link
Finley: A Moose in Chartreuse – Gnome Road Publishing
Thank you all for spending your precious time with us. I hope you have a wonderful week!
VIVIAN KIRKFIELD - Writer for Children 