Goose and friends go fishing but can’t seem to catch any fish.
In a narrative composed of only a few words, Goose (so named on the jacket flap, but readers will be forgiven for identifying the character as a duck) and five animal chums set off to the pond with their fishing gear. They cast their lines (except Goose, who becomes wildly tangled) and wait. “Go … / fish!” They reel them in but haven’t caught anything. “No fish.” They’re not discouraged. They try again. “Go fish!” (Poor Goose is fumbling with the worms.) But still, their hooks are empty. “No fish.” With each failure the group gets more and more crestfallen. Until Goose is finally ready, casting the line far out into the pond. “Gooooooo….” And at last Goose catches a giant “Fish! Fish! Fish! Fish!” The enormous fish is pink and wearing a smile, but tiny fangs and its hefty size are enough to make all of the friends scatter. “GO! GO! GO!” Luckily, Goose finds a way (with the help of some pizza) to bring everyone back together. Sauer’s minimalist wordplay and Waring’s rotund, cheery friends brighten up a favorite pastime. A slight educational aside: Some of the unusual items they catch (although exaggerated) could be a conversation starter about pollution.
A fun summertime romp—hook, line, and sinker. (Picture book. 2-6)Pub Date: July 3, 2018
ISBN: 978-0-06-242155-5
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: April 25, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2018
Categories: CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES | CHILDREN'S ENTERTAINMENT & SPORTS
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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. 14, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2012
Categories: CHILDREN'S ANIMALS | CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES
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A little boy exults in his new role as big brother.
Rhyming text describes the arrival of a new baby and all of the big brother’s rewarding new duties. He gets to help with feedings, diaper changes, playtime, bathtime, and naptime. Though the rhyming couplets can sometimes feel a bit forced and awkward, the sentiment is sweet, as the focus here never veers from the excitement and love a little boy feels for his tiny new sibling. The charming, uncluttered illustrations convincingly depict the growing bond between this fair-skinned, rosy-cheeked, smiling pair of boys. In the final pages, the parents, heretofore kept mostly out of view, are pictured holding the children. The accompanying text reads: “Mommy, Daddy, baby, me. / We love each other—a family!” In companion volume I Am a Big Sister, the little boy is replaced with a little girl with bows in her hair. Some of the colors and patterns in the illustrations are slightly altered, but it is essentially the same title.
A good choice for caregivers looking for a positive, uncomplicated introduction to a new baby that focuses on everything an older sibling can do to help. (Board book. 2-4)Pub Date: Jan. 27, 2015
ISBN: 978-0-545-68886-4
Page Count: 24
Publisher: Cartwheel/Scholastic
Review Posted Online: March 17, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2015
Categories: CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES | CHILDREN'S FAMILY
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