New children's book 'Rasmoose the Christmas Moose' explores friendship, finding purpose
Just in time for the holidays comes "Rasmoose the Christmas Moose," a new inspirational coming-of-age story of friendship and triumph released by HelleBooks LLC. The 52-page hardcover children's book, with text by Helle Brisson and illustrations by Helle Urban, made its premiere in October at the Orange County Children’s Book Festival and was recently featured at the Idyllwild Author Faire at the Idyllwild Library.
Conceived for children ages 5-8, "Rasmoose" tells the tale of a young moose who gets separated from his family and finds a new home with Santa and his elves. Though initially awkward due to his large size and clumsiness, Rasmoose eventually finds his purpose and becomes a hero who saves Christmas when Santa and his elves find themselves in a jam.
The inspiring tale of Rasmoose is as powerful as it is timeless as it explores themes of friendship, diversity and meeting and making new friends amid feelings of awkwardness, family separation, insecurities and loneliness, themes the book's creators can relate to.
Both women were born in Denmark and later moved to the United States, Urban at age 5, Brisson at 45. Urban took up art as a way of coping with living in a foreign country where she didn't speak the language and didn't initially fit it. As a Danish army brat, Brisson found herself constantly on the move as a child before eventually coming to the U.S. with her husband and two grown kids. Both Helles experienced the struggle of fitting in and adapting to new languages and surroundings — themes that play a big part in Rasmoose's story.
Brisson, who has degrees in nursing, choreography and spiritual psychology and is a happy grandmother of two, is full-time Idyllwildresident.
Urban, whose daughter, Amber, was the inspiration for the book's Amber, an elf who befriends Rasmoose, has illustrated numerous children’s books, painted portraits of families, children and animals and was a background artist in the animation industry. She lives in Agoura Hills.
The name “Helle” means light and is captured in the logo of their publishing company, HelleBooks LLC.
The book has been embraced by educators and librarians.
"The colorful and detailed illustrations, along with the rhyming cadence of this sweet story will appeal to all ages, making it a favorite read-aloud tradition,” says elementary school teacher Angela Malais on the book's inside sleeve.
"Our vision is to spark joy in the imagination of children, inspiring them to dream," Urban says. "And while the book says it's for ages 5 to 8, I think a little 3-year-old or a 10-year-old can enjoy it as well. A child can look up to Rasmoose and relate to him and say, 'Yeah, I'm clumsy, too, but look at Rasmoose. He's a big helper, and he's lovable and fun. I want to be as big and strong as Rasmoose.'"
Ultimately, Brisson says she wants readers to "feel the joy of making new friends and growing up. Because despite the things life throws at you, you can always find new friends, you can always find joy. You will find your mission, you will find your way in life. There's space for all of us. And you can form friendships in a most amazing way."
In addition to online booksellers, "Rasmoose" will be available at the new independent bookstore in Palm Springs, bestbookstore.com, when it opens; autographed and dedicated versions are currently available on the book's website, rasmoosethemoose.com.
A second book about Rasmoose the Moose is currently in the works and is scheduled for a mid-2023 release. For more information, visit rasmoosethemoose.com. Be sure to check out the Rasmoose theme song, which was written and performed by Brisson's daughter, Gabby Gordon, and her friend and bandmate Morten Kjaer.
As the philanthropy and special sections editor at The Desert Sun, Winston Gieseke writes about nonprofits, fundraising and locals who give back. Reach him at winston.gieseke@desertsun.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: A new children's book explores friendship, finding purpose
