HERE COMES GOSLING!
by Sandy Asher and illustrated by Keith Graves
Very much in the same vein as the previous Froggie and Rabbit books, Asher’s latest contribution finds Froggie all hepped up about an impending visit from Goose, Gander and their new baby, Gosling. He’s got so many ants in his pants, he is inspired to compose a little ditty—“Waiting for baby / to play with me. / Wait— / (Can’t wait.) / And wait— / (Gotta wait.)”—that serves as refrain, crescendo and climax. As Froggie’s anticipation builds, Graves steps in to provide visual energy with vivid, rather zany characters in full-page and spot art. When Gosling finally arrives, he is bawling like mad and nothing will quiet him. The colicky gosling is getting to Froggie, so he breaks into his song and does a funky soft shoe, which does the trick. With its scant story line and oversold message, this book is all about engagement; as a read-aloud, it should achieve a strong response to Froggie’s song, especially if accompanied by some freestyling dance steps. (Picture book. 3-5)