Duck & Goose Find a Pumpkin (Duck & Goose Young Reader)

PreS Duck and Goose are searching for a pumpkin like the one their friend Thistle has. They look unsuccessfully in a hollow log, in a pile of bright autumn leaves, and in an apple tree. They even look under the water and on top of a stump before Thistle suggests that they look in the pumpkin patch. On the final spread, they are shown carrying a large pumpkin between them, and Goose says, "We sure know how to find a pumpkin, Duck," and Duck agrees. This appealing story is told in simple, well-chosen words and illustrated with uncluttered oil paintings done in autumn colors. Signs of the season are everywhere. Dark red apples have fallen to the ground, a lone acorn sits on a tree stump, and orange leaves lay lightly on the grass under a pellucid blue sky. Preschoolers on their annual pilgrimage to the local pumpkin patch will identify with Goose and Duck. Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Loyal friends Duck and Goose notice their friend Thistle's pumpkin and decide to find one of their own in this pleasing autumnal board book. Their misguided search leads them to unlikely places (Is our pumpkin in the log, Goose?), with a tersely funny No as the repeated reply. When Thistle reappears with a helpful hint, the friends finally track down an enormous pumpkin, carting it off together. Hills's cozy oil paintings play up the gentle humor at work. Ages 2-5. (July)

Copyright 2009 Publishers Weekly Used with permission.