The Swoose

by Dick King-Smith

Fitzherbert, the son of a goose and a swan, gets tired of being teased for being a swoose and leaves the farm, ending up in Windsor Castle, where he becomes a favorite of the recently widowed Queen Victoria.

Genres: Animals, Childrens, Historical Fiction

64 pages, Hardcover

First published September 28, 1994

About the author

Dick King-Smith was born and raised in Gloucestershire, England, surrounded by pet animals. After twenty years as a farmer, he turned to teaching and then to writing children's books.

Dick writes mostly about animals: farmyard fantasy, as he likes to call it, often about pigs, his special favorites. He enjoys writing for children, meeting the children who read his books, and knowing that they get enjoyment from what he does.

Among his well-loved books is Babe, The Gallant Pig, which was recently made into a major motion picture, and was nominated for an Academy Award.

Dick lived with his wife in a small 17th-century cottage, about three miles from the house where he was born.

Reviews

[John Naylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

Set in the 1880s, there is quite a bit of charm in this story. Not much substance but enough likeability. The characterisation hasn't all aged well and despite the short length there is also parts that feel like filler.

Not the worst I have read from this author but I can't see this being a book that anybody would read again.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think the book was great I would recommend you to go out and buy one it is perfect for all ages

[Johanna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Feels a bit dated, particularly in the handling of the Maharani rat, but otherwise a warm and uplifting story

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun book

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very short, ten minute read. It was funny and I loved the short plotline. I would recommend it to readers who are new to chapter books.

[Cynthia Egbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

An adorable fable about how the Widow of Windsor might have gotten her smile back. I am really grateful that I stumbled upon Mr. King-Smith. I will be posting a number of reviews from him I believe shortly. He understands the key ingredients in what makes a wonderful story for children.