bookshelf

MY GOOSE BETSY

Name: MY GOOSE BETSY
Author: Trudi Braun
ISBN: 0-7636-0449-6

by Trudi Braun ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 1, 1999

bookshelf

From newcomer Braun, a delightful and simple story of how a mother goose goes about producing goslings. The narrator offers a brief physical profile of her farmyard goose, then explains that when Betsy gets the nesting call, she puts together a homey abode of straw and down and fills it with eggs. She sets on the eggs for a month, except for a daily stretch for a nibble and a bath; all the while the gander insures her privacy. And then the goslings emerge. It’s charmingly related in a subdued, musical voice that invests the story with all the natural rhythms of the act. Bendall-Brunello’s artwork is as inviting as the story and makes readers feel very much a part of the process. The earth-toned scenes show all the actions of the geese, creating a lovely link to the natural world and to a way of life that deserves just the kind of admiration generated here. (index) (Picture book. 3-6)

Pub Date: March 1, 1999

ISBN: 0-7636-0449-6

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Candlewick

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1999

Categories:

CHILDREN'S ANIMALS

bookshelf

QUACK AND COUNT

by Keith Baker & illustrated by Keith Baker ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 1, 1999

bookshelf

Baker (Big Fat Hen, 1994, etc.) engages in more number play, posing ducklings in every combination of groups, e.g., “Splashing as they leap and dive/7 ducklings, 2 plus 5.” Using a great array of streaked and dappled papers, Baker creates a series of leafy collage scenes for the noisy, exuberant ducklings to fill, tucking in an occasional ladybug or other small creature for sharp-eyed pre-readers to spot. Children will regretfully wave goodbye as the ducks fly off in neat formation at the end of this brief, painless introduction to several basic math concepts. (Picture book. 4-6)

Pub Date: Aug. 1, 1999

ISBN: 0-15-292858-8

Page Count: 24

Publisher: Harcourt

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 1999

Categories:

CHILDREN'S ANIMALS | CHILDREN'S CONCEPTS

- BOOK REVIEW
LMNO PEA-QUEL
by Keith Baker ; illustrated by Keith Baker

- BOOK REVIEW
HAP-PEA ALL YEAR
by Keith Baker ; illustrated by Keith Baker

- BOOK REVIEW
LITTLE GREEN PEAS
by Keith Baker ; illustrated by Keith Baker

bookshelf

FROGGY PLAYS SOCCER

by Jonathan London ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 1, 1999

bookshelf

This latest Froggy title (Froggy Goes to School, 1996, etc.) is utterly unfocused, with the star careening from soccer dolt to Mr. Superkick. Froggy’s team has a big game coming up with the Wild Things, and he is trying to remember the mantra his father, and assistant coach, taught him: “Head it! Boot it! Knee it! Shoot it! But don’t use your hands!” But illegally touching the ball seems to be the least of Froggy’s worries; distraction is his problem. He is so busy turning cartwheels, tying his shoes, and more, that the only time he makes contact with the ball is when it bounces off his head by mistake. Then, when the Wild Things make a breakaway, Froggy has some dazzling moves to avert a score, but forgetfully grabs the ball at the last second. The other team gets a penalty kick, converts it, but then Froggy makes a field-long kick for a game-winning score. London forces Froggy into too many guises—the fool, the hero, the klutz, the fancy dancer—but none of them stick. Remkiewicz’s illustrations have charm; it is in their appeal that this book will find its audience. (Picture book. 2-6)