THE GOOSE WHO WENT OFF IN A HUFF

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)