by Paul Brett Johnson & illustrated by Paul Brett Johnson ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 1, 2001
The title sounds fun, but this story of a disconsolate goose that wants a child has a somewhat sad underpinning. Readers will recognize the characters from earlier, funny visits to Miss Rosemary’s farm (The Pig Who Ran a Red Light, 1999, etc.). In this one, Magnolia the goose tries to get her message across by dragging a toy duck by a string or attempting to hatch Easter eggs, or to nurture baby chickens. When her owner, Miss Rosemary, finally catches on that Magnolia wants to become a mother, her only advice is, “That sort of thing happens in its own good time,” hoping that will be the end of it. Magnolia, however, becomes so dispirited that she hides in the barn refusing food—even her favorite blueberry pie. In a bright spot, Miss Rosemary dresses the pig and the cow in baby bonnets and duck beaks, but to no avail. Magnolia doesn’t find happiness again until the circus leaves town without their baby elephant. The perpetually puzzled Miss Rosemary says “Chicks go with chickens and goslings go with geese.” This is immediately disproved, of course, by the joyful and mutual adoption of elephant and goose. Though Magnolia seems lonely and pathetic at times, she does express her fervent desire to be a mother. A good story for adopted children, it illustrates that families are comprised of all types, and love isn’t particular as to whether you’re gray and leathery or white and feathery. The artwork is sure-handed, painted in mellow tones, and the best part all around. (Picture book. 3-7)
Pub Date: April 1, 2001
ISBN: 0-531-30317-9
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Orchard
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2001
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by Alice Schertle ; illustrated by John Joseph ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 22, 2019
A sweet reminder that it’s easy to weather a storm with the company and kindness of friends.
Is it a stormy-night scare or a bedtime book? Both!
Little Blue Truck and his good friend Toad are heading home when a storm lets loose. Before long, their familiar, now very nervous barnyard friends (Goat, Hen, Goose, Cow, Duck, and Pig) squeeze into the garage. Blue explains that “clouds bump and tumble in the sky, / but here inside we’re warm and dry, / and all the thirsty plants below / will get a drink to help them grow!” The friends begin to relax. “Duck said, loud as he could quack it, / ‘THUNDER’S JUST A NOISY RACKET!’ ” In the quiet after the storm, the barnyard friends are sleepy, but the garage is not their home. “ ‘Beep!’ said Blue. ‘Just hop inside. / All aboard for the bedtime ride!’ ” Young readers will settle down for their own bedtimes as Blue and Toad drop each friend at home and bid them a good night before returning to the garage and their own beds. “Blue gave one small sleepy ‘Beep.’ / Then Little Blue Truck fell fast asleep.” Joseph’s rich nighttime-blue illustrations (done “in the style of [series co-creator] Jill McElmurry”) highlight the power of the storm and capture the still serenity that follows. Little Blue Truck has been chugging along since 2008, but there seems to be plenty of gas left in the tank.
A sweet reminder that it’s easy to weather a storm with the company and kindness of friends. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Oct. 22, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-328-85213-7
Page Count: 32
Publisher: HMH Books
Review Posted Online: June 22, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2019
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by Carin Bramsen & illustrated by Carin Bramsen ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 22, 2013
A sweet, tender and charming experience to read aloud or together.
A clueless duckling tries to make a new friend.
He is confused by this peculiar-looking duck, who has a long tail, doesn’t waddle and likes to be alone. No matter how explicitly the creature denies he is a duck and announces that he is a cat, the duckling refuses to acknowledge the facts. When this creature expresses complete lack of interest in playing puddle stomp, the little ducking goes off and plays on his own. But the cat is not without remorse for rejecting an offered friendship. Of course it all ends happily, with the two new friends enjoying each other’s company. Bramsen employs brief sentences and the simplest of rhymes to tell this slight tale. The two heroes are meticulously drawn with endearing, expressive faces and body language, and their feathers and fur appear textured and touchable. Even the detailed tree bark and grass seem three-dimensional. There are single- and double-page spreads, panels surrounded by white space and circular and oval frames, all in a variety of eye-pleasing juxtapositions. While the initial appeal is solidly visual, young readers will get the gentle message that friendship is not something to take for granted but is to be embraced with open arms—or paws and webbed feet.
A sweet, tender and charming experience to read aloud or together. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2013
ISBN: 978-0-375-86990-7
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: Nov. 13, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2012
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