  | Full Text Reviews: Booklist - 02/15/2017 On the first day of spring, Pig takes a picnic lunch to the lake, where she meets Goose. After she admires his ability to fly, Goose offers to teach her: “‘Ooh!’ squealed Pig, ‘Goody gumdrops.’” But, although she follows his instructions with gusto (running fast and flapping her arms), she remains grounded. Fortunately, she can laugh at herself, and soon Goose is laughing uproariously, too. Next, the two new pals share the picnic. In the third and final chapter, Goose enjoys dinner, conversation, and dancing with Pig and her old friends at a party celebrating the first day of spring. The book’s short sentences, large type, and ample white space establish an accessible look for young readers, while the airy watercolor-and-ink illustrations create a gentle, jovial tone. Working within the long-standing tradition of two dressed-animal characters of different species who become good friends, Bond offers a pleasant new take on the old theme. Designed for beginning readers, this attractive book works equally well as a read-aloud choice for preschoolers. - Copyright 2017 Booklist. School Library Journal - 03/01/2017 PreS-Gr 2—This delightful transitional reader, dedicated to Arnold Lobel, celebrates the joy of new friendship. In the first chapter, Pig fixes herself a picnic on a beautiful day. The small white dot she spies turns out to be Goose, who lands right beside her. When Pig admires her new acquaintance's flying skills, Goose offers to teach her. But try as Pig might—and she is quite determined—she cannot leave the ground. "Pig put her head back and laughed loudly. Goose held his belly and laughed, too. They rolled in the road and snorted and honked. They laughed until they cried." In the second chapter, the new friends share Pig's picnic by the pond. Afterward, they rest, and Pig dreams she is flying. When she awakens, Goose is gone. The porker again notices a dot—this time in the water—getting larger and larger. "?Wow!' exclaimed Pig. You can swim, too!' Goose blushed. Gosh,' he said, it is nothing. All geese can swim.'?" Pig asserts that swimming is elegant, graceful, and quiet but laments that she herself is none of these things. The modest bird assures his friend that she has other talents. Brightening, Pig invites Goose to a "First-Day-of-Spring Party." In the final chapter, Pig hosts her party, which features many friends, delicious food, stories, and dancing. "'Pig,' whispered Goose, 'you are wonderful'. 'Really?' Pig said, blushing. 'Me?' 'Yes,' said Goose, 'you.'?" Late that night, they tell each other how happy they are to be friends and make plans for another outing. The delicate watercolor and ink illustrations are as pleasing as the heartwarming text, which will appeal to children and their grown-ups. VERDICT A lovely story to share with preschoolers and young independent readers. An excellent selection.—Barbara Auerbach, New York City Public Schools - Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Loading...
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