Product Description

"That egg is mine! I saw it first," says Goose. "I touched it first. It’s mine," declares Duck. Like James Marshall’s George and Martha, and Rosemary Wells’s Benjamin and Tulip, Duck and Goose have to work at getting along. You see, Duck doesn’t much care for Goose at first–and Goose isn’t fond of Duck–but both want the egg that each claims to be his. As the two tend to their egg, and make plans for the future, they come to appreciate one another’s strengths. And when a bluebird points out that it isn’t really an egg–it’s a polka dot ball–the two are not dismayed. After all, it is a lovely ball. . . . Filled with humor that young children will appreciate–and recognize!–and starring two unforgettable characters, Duck & Goose has all the ingredients of a classic-in-the-making.

"Olivia wants Duck and Goose for her birthday. Not the book, she's read the book, she loves the book. Now she wants Duck and Goose." --Ian Falconer in The New Yorker

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #38060 in Books
• Published on: 2006-01-24
• Released on: 2006-01-24
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 40 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780375836114
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 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 © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist
PreS-Gr. 2. A poultry odd couple stars in this story about a friendship forged through a finders keepers dispute. Duck and Goose simultaneously discover a giant polka-dotted sphere, which they take to be a very large egg: "I saw it first," says Duck; "I touched it first," says Goose. They spend hours sharing space on the egg's summit to keep it warm, first grudgingly, then companionably as they bond over their shared purpose. When a passerby points out that their prized egg is actually a child's toy ball, Duck and Goose decide the ball is lovely, too--just right for playing with together. Hills might have found ways to introduce more variety into his compositions, even given the somewhat limited situation, but the fresh, vivid colors draw the eye, and his whimsically rendered Duck and Goose (think bath toys with expressive eyebrows) will instantly endear themselves to children. Choose this for springtime and Easter story hours, paired with Dr. Seuss' classic Horton Hatches the Egg (1940) and Mem Fox's Hunwick's Egg (2005). Jennifer Mattson
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review
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.”

Customer Reviews

A modern-day classic
I believe that "Duck and Goose," released earlier this year, will one day enter the pantheon of classic children's picture books. It strikes just the right balance between humor and a gentle lesson about sharing and working together. Duck and Goose begin by squabbling over the soccer ball that they mistake for a large egg and end up dreamily making plans to raise their "baby" together. When a little bluebird blithely points out the obvious, Duck and Goose take their changed circumstances in stride. Duck and Goose's conversations will bring a chuckle even to the most jaded parent and the illustrations are lovely. Highly recommended by this children's lit snob.

Winsome
This is a whimsical story about two young birds who argue over the ownership and care of an "egg" they find. "I saw it first" -- I touched it first." The reader is immediately in on the joke because the "egg" is larger than either one of them and is perfectly round and colored white with large polka dots. Of course it is a ball but neither one of them realizes this.
The illustrations are bright and the characters' faces are so expressive. Their bickering will be familiar to children's ears as will their reconciliation in face of the truth. This book is gentle fun.

Kids will love this book
Parents and kids alike will love this book. It has so many hidden lessons like cooperation, friendship, sharing, tolerance and the power of persuasion. It also is great to read to a group because it has an element of suspense and surprise. Great illustrations.