“Anne Judith Kerr OBE (born 14 June 1923) is a German-born British writer and illustrator who has created both enduring picture books such as the Mog series and The Tiger Who Came To Tea and acclaimed novels for older children such as the autobiographical When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit which give a child’s-eye view of the Second World War.” (wiki) If you are a cat lover and have not read Judith Kerr’s Mog series, you are missing something. She also has a very unique child’s perspective on Nazi Germany. But back to this sweet Kerr story I discovered this week in Cambridge library. It has all the Kerr qualities I love in her picture books.
The Other Goose
By Judith Kerr
Published by Harper Collins, 2001
Ages: 3+
Themes/Topics: Geese, loneliness
First Line/synopsis: “Once there was a goose called Katerina. Katerina was the only goose on her pond. There was no other goose. This made Katerina very sad.”
The village pond is full of all sorts of ducks and fish, surrounded by cats and dogs, but there was only one goose. Katerina felt deeply this loneliness. Occasionally Katerina spots one other goose on the side of Mr Buswell’s car, but this goose never came out to play. The whole village loved Katerina but her loneliness only grew. One dark Christmas evening she sought out the car once again to see if this other goose wasn’t ready to play, but dense snow covered all the vehicles and the goose was nowhere to be found. “It had come out. It had come out. It had come out at last!” In searching for her goose-friend, Katerina came across a mysterious man carrying a large goose-shaped sack, whom Katerina began to chase. Who is the man? Who is the mystery goose? Will Katerina be joined on the pond by another goose?
Why I like this book: I love the pastel, simple scenes of stereotypical English village life – the village pond, the butcher, the baker, the toy shop… Loneliness is a topic pretty much all kids can relate to, and Katerina is unswerving in her search for a friend, willing to take risks to find him. Young children may well predict the ending, but maybe not. They will certainly be happy that the Christmas village festivities set the scene for the triumph of good over evil!
Resources/Activities:
Goosey, Goosey Gander poem with coloring page 3+
To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books. Or click on the Perfect Picture Book Fridays badge in the right sidebar.
In my 20's, with only my guitar and a rucksack, I wandered the continents, immersing myself in the lives of some wonderful people, projects and stories, which changed the way I view my responsibility to others and this earth. Right now I'm a European transplant in the US who writes books for children and young adults. Stories can help us not only navigate our world but can connect us to others, and allow us to inspire and help each other. I believe that equity and empathy should be at the core of our all actions, words, and stories.
I am also a school librarian and I get a kick out of book-matchmaking! And I use the pronouns she/her.
Ooh, it sounds lovely. Thank you.
It’s a sweet tale, Barb!
A new one for the library list! I hope she finds her friend (I’m sure she does 🙂 Thanks, Joanna!
Let’s say that there is expansion on the village pond by then end of the story!
Wow, this story sounds very mysterious! I will definitely put it on my list.
You won’t be disappointed , Carrie.
Ah…going on my library list, too. I am intrigued. The illustrations sound like a treat.
Aren’t her eyes great on the cover, Penny; you can just see her loneliness!
The eyes definitely have it! Will have to check this yarn out.
Thanks for sharing, Joanna 😀
You’re welcome, Lori.
Oh what a soulful face on the goose. Sounds like a lovely story, but as you talked about the mysterious man and the bag I wondered… Am not familiar with the author, and her other books also interested me, especially the novels for kids explaining WWII.
Pat, I highly recommend Judith Kerr’s WWII novels. i think you would appreciate them.
Ooh, this sounds lovely and looks very appealing! Love the cover art, and the theme of loneliness which you’re right – so many can relate to! Thanks for sharing 🙂
I think most kids and adult long for one like-minded or like-feathered friend. Katerina’s sweet longing is definitely a universal theme.
I loved this book last year when I read it but you bring out more than what I got out of it in your review. Thanks for sharing this book, Joanna. 🙂
I am glad you know Judith Kerr, Clar, as it seems she is less know in the US.
Love the great activities! Thanks for the recommendation, Joanna!
There are many good geese and duck activities out there, including Duck, Duck, Goose, of course!
Lovely sweet story and I am sure she must end up with a playmate. Such lovely soft illustrations too. I would pick this up in a heart beat. Thanks Joanna.
The illustrations are gentle and somewhat retro, but very appealing, Diane.
The cover is beautiful! I like the idea of the story. I want to know what happens! 🙂
It has a fun twist and sweet ending, Erik.
I have to admit I got stuck on “When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit.” My kindergartener is very interested in WWII (especially the airplanes). Have your read it? Thanks for introducing me to this author, Joanna.
Yes, I would recommend it, Kirsten, but for older kids!
I’ve been meaning to read some Judith Kerr books for awhile now. This goes on the list!
Well, I would recommend Kerr’s Mog cat books, too, Dana.
Love the cover!
This might be good for an only child too. We are dog people, but will read cat books. We’ll have to check out the series.