SILLY LITTLE GOOSE!

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)