Here's a likable tale about a wayward goose on a quest to find a home. Goose sets out on a blustery day to establish a nest, searching for something warm and soft, quiet and cozy. However, each time the hapless fowl settles on a place, she discovers it's already occupied. A warm shed reveals a bevy of squealing pigs while a nicely cushioned box is beset by a jumble of kittens and their mama. Thus it continues, as she wanders about the farmyard, encountering everything from sheep to chickens. Ultimately, the farmer's windblown hat becomes her habitat of choice, where she quickly lays some eggs. Tafuri (Will You Be My Friend?, 2000, etc.) captures a child's sense of awe at the wondrous nature of everyday events. Her simple tale provides a gentle moral about the rewards of perseverance in the face of challenges. A liberal sprinkling of silliness makes this ideal for group read-aloud sessions; the oft-repeated refrain "Silly Little Goose!" blatantly encourages reader's exuberant participation. Clearly drawn and softly hued, the full-color illustrations are perfect for young children, who can easily recognize the familiar barnyard animals beginning on the verso and dedication pages, which are a full-bleed, labeled overview of the farm. The pictures on the two pages for each search don't fill the space, but when she's turned out, they expand to the edges to accent the drama of her mistake. The humorous inclusion of the farmer's tumbling hat glimpsed in the background of many of the illustrations provides junior sleuths with a clue to Goose's eventual home. This little goose has plenty of pluck, even though she is a bit silly. (Picture book. 2-6)
Pub Date: April 1, 2001
ISBN: 0-439-06304-3
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Scholastic
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2001
Beloved Little Blue takes a bit of the mystery—and fear—out of Halloween costumes.
A lift-the-flap book gives the littlest trick-or-treaters some practice identifying partygoers under their costumes.
Little Blue Truck and his buddy Toad are off to a party, and they invite readers (and a black cat) along for the ride: “ ‘Beep! Beep! Beep!’ / says Little Blue. / ‘It’s Halloween!’ / You come, too.” As they drive, they are surprised (and joined) by many of their friends in costume. “Who’s that in a tutu / striking a pose / up on the tiniest / tips of her toes? / Under the mask / who do you see?” Lifting the flap unmasks a friend: “ ‘Quack!’ says the duck. / ‘It’s me! It’s me!’ ” The sheep is disguised as a clown, the cow’s a queen, the pig’s a witch, the hen and her chick are pirates, and the horse is a dragon. Not to be left out, Little Blue has a costume, too. The flaps are large and sturdy, and enough of the animals’ characteristic features are visible under and around the costumes that little ones will be able to make successful guesses even on the first reading. Lovely curvy shapes and autumn colors fade to dusky blues as night falls, and children are sure to notice the traditional elements of a Halloween party: apple bobbing, lit jack-o’-lanterns, and punch and treats.
Beloved Little Blue takes a bit of the mystery—and fear—out of Halloween costumes. (Board book. 2-4)Pub Date: July 5, 2016
ISBN: 978-0-544-77253-3
Page Count: 16
Publisher: HMH Books
Review Posted Online: July 19, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2016
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
An upbeat Easter outing with a beloved character.
Pookie celebrates Easter with a play date and holiday activities.
Pookie’s friend Bean, a gray puppy, comes over for Easter fun that includes lots of bouncing around and egg decorating. After Bean goes home, Pookie gets excited about the Easter Bunny’s arrival and goes to sleep dreaming of a large chocolate egg. Like the other Pookie books before it, this one is told in rhyme from the perspective of a loving grown-up addressing the little pig, which keeps the pace moving and makes for a great read-aloud. Bean and Pookie are realistically—and endearingly—childlike, from Pookie’s pronunciation of yellow as “lellow!” to the joyful mess they make while decorating eggs. There are plenty of sweet and festive touches, such as the bunny ears that Bean and Pookie (and Pookie’s teddy) wear and the daffodils painted on the end of Pookie’s bed. The illustrations include large, full-page images as well as smaller vignettes against solid backgrounds. One page shows Pookie and parent looking out the window at the moon, anticipating Easter’s spoils. For fans of Boynton and little Pookie, this Easter tale is exactly as expected: a touch of playfulness, a relatable story, and comfort in the familiar. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
An upbeat Easter outing with a beloved character. (Board book. 2-4)Pub Date: Jan. 31, 2023
ISBN: 978-1-66592-838-0
Page Count: 18
Publisher: Boynton Bookworks
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2022
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