Silly Goose's Big Story

January 30, 2012
As she did in Ready for Anything! (2009), Kasza uses spirited animal characters to address a familiar childhood conundrum. Hogging center stage is Goose, an excellent storyteller who makes up entertaining stories that he and his friends act out. But Goose always snags the leading role, from the fiercest pirate captain to the scariest T. Rex. After Goose tells the tale of a “mighty king” (“And who got to play the king, the mightiest of all? Why, Goose, of course”), Beaver, Porcupine, and Squirrel finally pipe up, asking why they can’t take turns being the star. “They are my stories, so I’m the hero,” Goose replies bossily. Enter an uninvited player: ravenous Wolf, who grabs Goose, shouting, “Hello, lunch!” While Goose attempts to use his skill as raconteur to scare off Wolf, Goose’s clever friends get the job done, landing in the spotlight at last. The story’s energy originates from both the comedic dialogue and expressive gouache pictures of the personable cast. Goose accepts his comeuppance amiably, declaring his pals the real heroes. Ages 3–5.

February 1, 2012
Goose's friends beg him to tell them his wonderful stories, which they then act out when they play. The trouble is, Goose is always the hero. Text appears in an easy-to-read font for those who are taking their first steps toward independent reading. The gouache illustrations are big, colorful and uncluttered so youngsters immediately recognize Squirrel, Beaver and Porcupine's increasing unhappiness at playing second-string all the time. In a scene right out of preschool, the trio confronts Goose: "You always play the hero. Why can't we take turns?" A wolf overhears them arguing, and, in a shift that feels more like real-life stranger-danger than fairy-tale big bad wolf, he leaps out to eat them. Goose's friends escape, but Goose is caught and must use his wits to stay alive. He comes up with his biggest tale ever about a Wem--Wolf-Eating Monster--which the trusted trio enacts, surprising even Goose. Branches shake and a voice bellows (represented in big balloon type), "YUM, YUM, I smell a wolf ..." Wolf bolts, and Goose is relieved to see his friends--true heroes--emerging from the trees. Children will relish the scene of the happy reunion with a grateful Goose, who begins a new story about his best friends. (Picture book. 3-6)

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February 1, 2012

PreS-Gr 1-Goose is great at making up adventures but he always casts himself as the star, to the chagrin of his friends, who demand their time in the spotlight. The argument is interrupted when a hungry wolf kidnaps Goose. Using his quick wits and storytelling talent, he stalls for time until his pals come to the rescue. The happy animals are finally heroes, and Goose realizes the value of having great friends. Kasza's bright gouache illustrations are mostly spreads, featuring expressive cartoon animals. Though slightly didactic, this upbeat story can serve as a jumping-off point for discussions about friendship and selflessness, and deserves a spot in most collections.-Yelena Alekseyeva-Popova, formerly at Chappaqua Library, NY

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 15, 2012
Preschool-G When woodland pals Goose, Beaver, Porcupine, and Squirrel play together, it's Goose who has imaginative ideas for make-believe and Goose who takes the lead in every one. Though the others object that they would like to play the hero sometimes, Goose insists that since the stories are his, he is the hero. Hiding behind a tree, Wolf ends the argument by pouncing on Goose and yelling, Hello, lunch! Goose distracts the villain with a scary tale, while Beaver, Porcupine, and Squirrel go into action, proving that they truly are heroes. With its childlike characters, life-and-death story line, and occasional comical moments, this picture book has plenty of kid appeal. Young children will find that the animals' expressions are as easy to read as their actions in Kasza's simple, ink-and-watercolor illustrations. Quite apart from the lessons implied by the flaws in Goose's character and the power of his storytelling, this colorful picture book is just plain fun for reading aloud.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)