  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 04/01/2014 PreS-K—Beloved Duck and Goose star in yet another adventure that cements their friendship. Goose is cautious and less adventuresome than Duck. "Let's go away," says Duck. "Sounds like a fine way to twist your ankle," replies Goose. Yet because they are friends, they both hike to the beach. Each illustration, done in rich, glorious colors, is a delight. Especially notable is the humorous page on which a huge wave wipes them out, covering Duck in seaweed. Hills employs excellent vocabulary-stretching words, with "magnificent" and "loud" to describe the vast expanse of sky, sand, and sea. There is so much expression in just the eyes of these characters that children can't help but smile. As the story reaches a satisfying conclusion, they will proclaim this tale a winner.—Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA - Copyright 2014 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 04/01/2014 Duck and Goose have shared and squabbled through a long series of picture and board books, each time delivering a comic reflection of children’s friendships. In this, their tenth go-round, they’re both happily at rest in a butterfly-dotted meadow until Goose says, “Let’s never leave.” To which, of course, Duck responds, “Let’s leave,” racing off. Goose is very reluctant to move and keeps up a constant argument about the wisdom of just staying put. Duck manages to get them both to the beach, and in a nifty reversal, it’s Goose who now reigns, reveling in the waves, the new creatures they meet, and the seashell-filled tidal pool, while Duck just gets his feathers ruffled by everything. Hills’ illustrations are rendered in bright oil paints that capture meadow and sea with equal vivacity. Duck and Goose, of course, are their usual comically at-odds selves, this time nicely illustrating the benefits of both adventurous and cautious personalities. - Copyright 2014 Booklist. Bulletin for the Center... - 06/01/2014 A contented Goose comments on the loveliness of the here and now moment in the meadow just as good friend Duck conceives of the idea to set off on an adventure (“‘Let’s go away!’ ‘A-WHAT?!’ Goose honked”). Goose joins him despite being largely unimpressed with the plan, but upon arriving at the sandy shore, there is a sudden shift in opinions: Duck is put off by the noise, the water, and the sand, while Goose is positively thrilled by their new environs. Goose’s delight continues through a myriad of seaside activities, while Duck begrudgingly goes through the motions, until day’s end when both birds concede their eagerness to return to the meadow. The familiar dynamic of Duck and Goose (What’s Up, Duck?: A Book of Opposites, BCCB 4/08, etc.) effectively drives this celebration of friendship and adventure. The playful language and birdy banter adds humor to the day-in-the-life plotline, while the switching perspectives contribute interest to what could otherwise present itself as a list of activities. Duck and Goose’s faces are remarkably expressive, especially considering that they are all eyes and beak and the beaks don’t change at all. The clean design keeps the two birds and the dynamic of the moment at the center of the action, and the peaceful palette of pale green field, turquoise water, and periwinkle sky provides a serene backdrop. Lessons about trying new things and supporting your friends offer good talking points for this delightful picture book selection. HM - Copyright 2014 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois. Loading...
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