Duck & Goose (Duck & Goose)

by Tad Hills (Author) Tad Hills (Illustrator)

Duck & Goose (Duck & Goose)
Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade
Series: Duck & Goose
Filled with humor that youngsters will appreciate, this charming picture book stars two unforgettable characters in a story of an odd couple learning how to share. "Duck & Goose" has all the ingredients of a classic-in-the-making.
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Publishers Weekly

Starred Review

From different directions, a young duck and a little goose march across a grassy field toward a big spotted sphere. Upon quick inspection, they decide it is an egg, although shrewd readers may point out that it closely resembles a soccer ball. "I saw it first," says the yellow duck. "I touched it first," taunts the white-feathered goose, placing his black foot against it. In separate thought bubbles, each imagines building a fence around the presumed egg, Duck posting a "no honking" sign, Goose with an "absolutely no quacking" placard. "After a flurry of fussing, / grunting and groaning, / slipping and sliding," they climb atop their claim and huffily sit back to back. But as time passes, they begin planning their hatchling's future and referring to it as "our baby," at least until a bluebird comes by to ask if she can play with their ball too (then exits to let them resolve their differences). Hills ("My Fuzzy Friends" pictures the cartoonish characters against a sky blue and summer green landscape that provides a theatrical backdrop to the argument. This mini-drama implies that a plaything can be more fun for two and shows how even stubborn characters can cooperate. Hills's feathered heroes enact a dialogue familiar to anyone who has negotiated with siblings or playground rivals. Ages 3-7. "(Jan.)" That's What Leprechauns Do Eve Bunting, illus. by Emily Arnold McCully. Clarion, $16 (32p) ISBN 0-618-35410-7 Copyright 2005 Publishers Weekly Used with permission.

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 1 -In this goofy story, a duck and goose mistake a big spotted ball for an egg. Each one claims it and they fight over taking care of it. In the end, they realize their foolishness and become friends, enjoying their ball together. The themes of getting along, sharing, and settling one's differences come across loud and clear, and the author does a good job with the subject without becoming too didactic. While the narrative is fairly straightforward and has touches of childlike humor throughout, it's the bright and colorful artwork that will attract youngsters' attention. The cartoon-style oil paintings set against soft-focus, almost impressionistic backgrounds keep Duck and Goose center stage, and their expressions are priceless. A sweet addition." -Lisa S. Schindler, Bethpage Public Library, NY" Copyright 2006 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

Starred Review, Publishers Weekly, December 12, 2005:
"Hills' feathered heroes enact a dialogue familiar to anyone who has negotiated with siblings or playground rivals."

Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews, December 15, 2005:
"Every artistic decision underscores the humor with deft mastery ... Readers will hope to see more of this adorable couple."

Review, Parents Magazine, March 2009:
"The title characters have a big fight over a giant egg. When it turns out to be a ball, they learn to play with it together."
Tad Hills

Tad Hills is the author and illustrator of the highly acclaimed New York Times-bestselling picture books Duck & Goose; Duck, Duck, Goose; Duck & Goose Go to the Beach; How Rocket Learned to Read; and Rocket Writes a Story. He has created numerous Duck & Goose board books, among them the ALA-ALSC Notable Children's Book What's Up, Duck?; Duck & Goose, It's Time for Christmas!; Duck & Goose Colors!; and most recently, Duck & Goose, Let's Dance! The Rocket series includes a board book, Rocket's Mighty Words, and two leveled readers, Drop It, Rocket! and Rocket's 100th Day of School. Tad lives in Brooklyn with his wife, their two children, and a dog named Rocket. Visit the author online at tadhills.com.

Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9780399557460
Lexile Measure
630
Guided Reading Level
L
Publisher
Schwartz & Wade Books
Publication date
January 03, 2017
Series
Duck & Goose
BISAC categories
JUV039220 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Values & Virtues
JUV002280 - Juvenile Fiction | Animals | Ducks, Geese, Etc.
Library of Congress categories
Ducks
Interpersonal relations
Geese
Volunteer State Book Awards
Nominee 2007 - 2008
Texas 2x2 Reading List
Recommended 2007 - 2007
Nevada Young Readers' Award
Nominee 2008 - 2008
Ladybug Picture Book Award
Nominee 2007 - 2007
Virginia Readers Choice Award
Nominee 2008 - 2008
Flicker Tale Children's Book Award
Nominee 2008 - 2008
Golden Sower Award
Nominee 2009 - 2009
Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award
Nominee 2009 - 2009
Irma S. & James H. Black Award
Honor Book 2007 - 2007

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