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Duck & Goose #1
Duck & Goose
Here is the first book in the popular Duck & Goose line of picture books and board books. This New York Times Bestseller and ALA-ALSC Notable Children’s Book stars two unforgettable characters and is filled with humor that young children will appreciate—and recognize!
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. . . .
“Duck and Goose have taken their places alongside Frog and Toad and George and Martha as fine examples of friendship, curiosity and problem-solving.” —Kirkus Reviews
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. . . .
“Duck and Goose have taken their places alongside Frog and Toad and George and Martha as fine examples of friendship, curiosity and problem-solving.” —Kirkus Reviews
40 pages, Hardcover
First published January 24, 2006
54 people are currently reading
932 people want to read
About the author
Tad Hills
60 books124 followers“Whenever I picture myself [as a child],” says Tad Hills, “I am doing art. I spent a lot of time on my own making things, drawing, and painting.” Hills was not consciously trying to become an artist, rather his motives were innocent and pure. “I liked making things,” he says.
As a graduate of Skidmore College in New York with a degree in art, Hills describes himself as the ultimate freelancer. He’s done some acting, made jewelry, makes fake teeth for stage productions, dabbled in interior renovation, and illustrated book jackets for adult trade books. But Hills’ break into children’s publishing coincided with his wife Lee’s new position as the art director for Simon and Schuster’s children’s book division. “Lee used to ask me to try illustrating some books she couldn’t find an illustrator for,” Hills says. When Lee moved to Random House to start her own imprint with long-time friend and associate, Ann Schwartz, she encouraged Hills to write his own picture books. “I started with four stories,” says Hills. His break out book, Duck and Goose (Schwartz and Wade, 2006) was one of them.
The idea for Duck and Goose started with only a title—The Silly Goose, the Odd Duck and the Good Egg. As Hills developed the story, he realized his egg would have to be rather large to support Duck and Goose so they could hatch it. Hills also had to consider what would hatch out of such a large egg. A dinosaur? An ostrich? Additionally, Hills floated the title by his son’s kindergarten class and was rewarded with blank stares. Hills took the hint and changed his egg to a ball, and changed the title.
“For me, the writing is really difficult. I stare at a blank page for hours,” he says. “When Lee comes home and asks me about my day, I say it was okay. I wrote one sentence. . .But when I’m in the zone, I literally hear the dialogue between [Duck and Goose]. They were telling me what they wanted to say! That is the best feeling. That is when it’s not work. It’s fun!”
Hills paints with water-soluble oil paint on paper, using colored pencils for the last details. Although Hills’ Duck and Goose characters look simple enough, he drew hundreds of ducks and geese before finding a style with which he was comfortable. “The first ones [I drew] were older looking,” he says. “They looked like cigar-smoking tough guys.” Over a matter of months, Hills finally pared down Duck and Goose to their essential elements—circular heads, long rectangular legs, triangular feet, and door-shaped beaks. “When I apply the eyebrow,” he says, “I can express what Duck is feeling.”
As Hills’ two children grow, he finds himself drawn to how kids treat each other. “I didn’t tolerate meanness or injustice as a kid,” he says. In Duck, Duck, Goose (Schwartz and Wade, 2007), Hills creates a friendship triangle by introducing a new duck named Thistle. Together Duck, Goose, and Thistle give Hills’ observations a voice and provide several conversation starters for parents and children.
Hills writes from his home in Brooklyn, New York. Some days he doesn’t write at all, but tries to stay receptive to what he’s experiencing. “Most of my ideas come to me when I’m not looking,” he says. “It’s hard to get yourself to a point where ideas are out there and you can grab them.”
from http://www.patriciamnewman.com/hills....
As a graduate of Skidmore College in New York with a degree in art, Hills describes himself as the ultimate freelancer. He’s done some acting, made jewelry, makes fake teeth for stage productions, dabbled in interior renovation, and illustrated book jackets for adult trade books. But Hills’ break into children’s publishing coincided with his wife Lee’s new position as the art director for Simon and Schuster’s children’s book division. “Lee used to ask me to try illustrating some books she couldn’t find an illustrator for,” Hills says. When Lee moved to Random House to start her own imprint with long-time friend and associate, Ann Schwartz, she encouraged Hills to write his own picture books. “I started with four stories,” says Hills. His break out book, Duck and Goose (Schwartz and Wade, 2006) was one of them.
The idea for Duck and Goose started with only a title—The Silly Goose, the Odd Duck and the Good Egg. As Hills developed the story, he realized his egg would have to be rather large to support Duck and Goose so they could hatch it. Hills also had to consider what would hatch out of such a large egg. A dinosaur? An ostrich? Additionally, Hills floated the title by his son’s kindergarten class and was rewarded with blank stares. Hills took the hint and changed his egg to a ball, and changed the title.
“For me, the writing is really difficult. I stare at a blank page for hours,” he says. “When Lee comes home and asks me about my day, I say it was okay. I wrote one sentence. . .But when I’m in the zone, I literally hear the dialogue between [Duck and Goose]. They were telling me what they wanted to say! That is the best feeling. That is when it’s not work. It’s fun!”
Hills paints with water-soluble oil paint on paper, using colored pencils for the last details. Although Hills’ Duck and Goose characters look simple enough, he drew hundreds of ducks and geese before finding a style with which he was comfortable. “The first ones [I drew] were older looking,” he says. “They looked like cigar-smoking tough guys.” Over a matter of months, Hills finally pared down Duck and Goose to their essential elements—circular heads, long rectangular legs, triangular feet, and door-shaped beaks. “When I apply the eyebrow,” he says, “I can express what Duck is feeling.”
As Hills’ two children grow, he finds himself drawn to how kids treat each other. “I didn’t tolerate meanness or injustice as a kid,” he says. In Duck, Duck, Goose (Schwartz and Wade, 2007), Hills creates a friendship triangle by introducing a new duck named Thistle. Together Duck, Goose, and Thistle give Hills’ observations a voice and provide several conversation starters for parents and children.
Hills writes from his home in Brooklyn, New York. Some days he doesn’t write at all, but tries to stay receptive to what he’s experiencing. “Most of my ideas come to me when I’m not looking,” he says. “It’s hard to get yourself to a point where ideas are out there and you can grab them.”
from http://www.patriciamnewman.com/hills....
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 244 reviews
February 19, 2020
4.44 STARS 🌟🌟🌟🌟
What a fun read!! Tad Hills accomplishes a great deal with his written words and illustrations. Duck & Goose tells a good story about the importance of listening to each other and working together. It also speaks to how easily the truth remains elusive when we refuse to acknowledge the facts that are right in front of us. There may be several perspectives, but there is only one truth.
Take the time to read this book. You will not be disappointed.
What a fun read!! Tad Hills accomplishes a great deal with his written words and illustrations. Duck & Goose tells a good story about the importance of listening to each other and working together. It also speaks to how easily the truth remains elusive when we refuse to acknowledge the facts that are right in front of us. There may be several perspectives, but there is only one truth.
Take the time to read this book. You will not be disappointed.
April 6, 2011
When Duck and Goose stumble upon an exciting discovery, they quickly claim the egg as their own. Neither wants to budge, so they both end up sitting on the egg, waiting for it to hatch. At first, they bicker over who would make the better parent, but as their vigil continues, friendship begins to crack through their crusty exterior as they become united in their concern for the chick.
I loved Tad Hills' How Rocket Learned to Read and this book shares the same winsome, thoughtful and gently humorous qualities. And although I guessed the mystery of the egg long before Duck or Goose managed to, I still loved their journey toward friendship.
I loved Tad Hills' How Rocket Learned to Read and this book shares the same winsome, thoughtful and gently humorous qualities. And although I guessed the mystery of the egg long before Duck or Goose managed to, I still loved their journey toward friendship.
April 19, 2011
This book is adorable and very funny. I love this author-illustrator’s book [How Rocket Learned to Read] and now, after reading this book, I’m definitely going to be on the lookout for further books by Hills; I see there are other books about these characters. This is a lovely story about friendship, collaboration, and misunderstandings. The cover illustration did not appeal to me but once I got into the story, I ended up enjoying all the illustrations. My favorite illustrations are the atypical one of the starry night and the page where Duck & Goose realize what their “egg” is; their facial expressions are hilarious. This is true of all the pictures: funny, sweet, wonderful expressiveness. A terrific book for all ages and it would make a good gift book for young children.
October 13, 2019
Duck and Goose discover a beautiful egg, and each lay claim to it in this hilarious picture-book about mistaken impressions and unlikely friends. Sitting upon the egg together, they gradually transform from rivals to allies, planning what they will teach the newly-hatched bird, when it finally emerges. Imagine their surprise and chagrin, when a little bluebird alerts them to the fact that they are sitting on a ball!
The central premise here, in which another object is mistaken for an egg, reminds me a bit of Swedish author/artist Elsa Beskow's classic picture-book, The Sun Egg , in which an orange is mistaken for a 'sun egg' by an elf. Leaving that association aside, Duck & Goose is an immensely appealing title in its own right, pairing a humorous, entertaining, and ultimately heartwarming tale with vibrant, colorful artwork. Recommended to anyone who has read and enjoyed such stories as Dr. Seuss' Horton Hatches the Egg , or who is in the market for fun friendship tales.
The central premise here, in which another object is mistaken for an egg, reminds me a bit of Swedish author/artist Elsa Beskow's classic picture-book, The Sun Egg , in which an orange is mistaken for a 'sun egg' by an elf. Leaving that association aside, Duck & Goose is an immensely appealing title in its own right, pairing a humorous, entertaining, and ultimately heartwarming tale with vibrant, colorful artwork. Recommended to anyone who has read and enjoyed such stories as Dr. Seuss' Horton Hatches the Egg , or who is in the market for fun friendship tales.
October 12, 2012
Notes:
appropriate subtitle would be Duck and Goose teach kids how to fight
appropriate subtitle would be Duck and Goose teach kids how to fight
March 19, 2016
This is a cute book about two friends who find a mysterious egg. After fighting over who gets to keep the egg, they learn to work together. Soon, they make a startling discovery.
May 17, 2018
So guts!
August 16, 2021
Conflict resolution. Golly, what an art.
This book checks all the boxes for me as a dad-reader:
- Dynamic, quotable dialogue ("Don't ever put your dirty foot on an egg!")
- Artful set-ups/callbacks
- Bold morals
- Sequels, so I don't have to read the book every night
Plot: A duck and goose simultaneously happen upon an "egg." They each take ownership and engage in a mild spat to determine who will provide the necessary warmth. The "egg" is quadruple the size of these fowl. Alas.
In their bickering and one-upmanship, D&G realize, hey, they're kind of alike! A new friendship is born, and the world is a kinder place. Queue the franchise deal.
One of the most enjoyable children's books I've read.
This book checks all the boxes for me as a dad-reader:
- Dynamic, quotable dialogue ("Don't ever put your dirty foot on an egg!")
- Artful set-ups/callbacks
- Bold morals
- Sequels, so I don't have to read the book every night
Plot: A duck and goose simultaneously happen upon an "egg." They each take ownership and engage in a mild spat to determine who will provide the necessary warmth. The "egg" is quadruple the size of these fowl. Alas.
In their bickering and one-upmanship, D&G realize, hey, they're kind of alike! A new friendship is born, and the world is a kinder place. Queue the franchise deal.
One of the most enjoyable children's books I've read.
May 7, 2019
Duck and Goose both try to claim an egg for theirs... but do eggs usually have polka dots?
Such a cute book!
Such a cute book!
Read
December 23, 2024Enemies to lovers trope
May 15, 2008
I really like these Goose and Duck books. I love the illustrations. And I like the stories. I like how these behavior lessons (getting along, compromising, working together) are portrayed. It's just sad there isn't some kind of adult to "reign them in" or correct their actions.
March 5, 2022
Baby was a huge fan of Rocket the dog. Decided to try the Duck and Goose book. It's cute, I enjoyed it. She seemed to like it, but may be too wordy for her age right now. Will try again in another few months.
October 14, 2007
I adore the Duck and Goose books - great illustrations, cute stories, and a wonderful sense of humor. One of my standard go-to recommendations when people used to ask me at the bookstores.
August 29, 2016
So, so funny. I love seeing the friendship of Duck and Goose growing as they take care of their "egg." And the ending always cracks everyone up.
June 11, 2017
Suspenseful and clever.
October 4, 2017
Summary: Duck and Goose met after finding an egg at the same time. At first, they started arguing of who should stay with the egg. After not being able to make an agreement, both decided to stay with the egg. After waiting for a very long time for the egg to hatch, they finally became really good friends. One day, a blue bird ask them if she could play with them too. Confused by the question the blue bird asked, they were able to realize why the egg hasn’t hatch.
Theme: The possible themes of the story are to always be nice to people because they can teach you valuable lessons, learn to share, and that by arguing you will not find the solution.
Personal Response: I found this book to be very funny. I really enjoyed reading it because it reminded me of when I was a child and used to have silly arguments with my brother, but at the same time we really enjoyed each other’s company just like duck and goose did.
Why I recommend this book: I would recommend this book because I think children would be able to relate with it, just like I did. They would be able to realize that by having silly arguments with others they won’t be able to find a solution, and that being nice is always the best solution.
Theme: The possible themes of the story are to always be nice to people because they can teach you valuable lessons, learn to share, and that by arguing you will not find the solution.
Personal Response: I found this book to be very funny. I really enjoyed reading it because it reminded me of when I was a child and used to have silly arguments with my brother, but at the same time we really enjoyed each other’s company just like duck and goose did.
Why I recommend this book: I would recommend this book because I think children would be able to relate with it, just like I did. They would be able to realize that by having silly arguments with others they won’t be able to find a solution, and that being nice is always the best solution.
June 7, 2020
This might be one of the cutest picture books ever. Read it for story time during my "Can't get Little Quack, but ducks quack so this is fine" disaster of a story time, but I absolutely positively loved it. If we're being real, I'm pretty sure me and my friend Chelsea are, in this particular book, Duck and Goose (I'm Goose). We spent the majority of our childhood arguing over our difference, and even moreso over our similarities, until one day we just realized we're going for the same goal in life and the things we fought over were not only silly, but also just plain wrong, and not what we thought they were.
We will be reading this again, and other Duck & Goose books (and the Rocket series) at future story times.
We will be reading this again, and other Duck & Goose books (and the Rocket series) at future story times.
May 31, 2020
Book review: Duck and Goose by Tad Hills
In this humorous picture book by Tad Hills, Duck and Goose both come across a polka dot egg. At first, they both start to argue on who’s going to take ownership of it. Duck and goose also spend the first half of the book in competition with each other. However, as the book progresses, Duck and goose discover just how much they have in common after all and they help teach each other what it means to be a duck and a goose. Plus, their egg actually turns out to be something quite different! A must have book for comedic purposes as well as the lesson in working together with someone.
In this humorous picture book by Tad Hills, Duck and Goose both come across a polka dot egg. At first, they both start to argue on who’s going to take ownership of it. Duck and goose also spend the first half of the book in competition with each other. However, as the book progresses, Duck and goose discover just how much they have in common after all and they help teach each other what it means to be a duck and a goose. Plus, their egg actually turns out to be something quite different! A must have book for comedic purposes as well as the lesson in working together with someone.
May 13, 2022
Genre: Fiction
Grade Level: Lower Elementary (K-1)
I read this book a few months ago with my kindergarten class. It was a part of our Journey's curriculum, but could not have been read at a better time. The story is centered around a duck and a goose fighting over an egg. Around this time, many of my students were having trouble sharing, so this book also provided a valuable social emotional lesson. I won't spoil the ending, but it includes surprise at the end that not even my students caught on to! Overall, I thought this book was very cute and would give it 5 stars.
Grade Level: Lower Elementary (K-1)
I read this book a few months ago with my kindergarten class. It was a part of our Journey's curriculum, but could not have been read at a better time. The story is centered around a duck and a goose fighting over an egg. Around this time, many of my students were having trouble sharing, so this book also provided a valuable social emotional lesson. I won't spoil the ending, but it includes surprise at the end that not even my students caught on to! Overall, I thought this book was very cute and would give it 5 stars.
January 1, 2024
*The last few months of the year I've been "superhero'ed" out, so I know I won't make my usual 200-book goal unless I get creative. And by that, I mean children's books. I'm a librarian, so it's good for me to have some kids' books in my repertoire, too, right? (Okay, I might be slightly cheating, but... some of the kids' books I've read, I've really enjoyed, so I'm actually glad for a reason to cheat, lol).*
Cute. For some reason, I liked this one more than some others, even though it wasn’t particularly unusual. It was just sweet and fun.
Cute. For some reason, I liked this one more than some others, even though it wasn’t particularly unusual. It was just sweet and fun.
January 20, 2024
Title Duck & Goose
Author & Illustrator Tad Hills
Publisher Schwartz & Wade Books
Date of Publication 2006
Number of Pages in Book 40
Genre Animal Fantasy
Format Board
Duck & Goose shows the unlikely friendship between two birds as they have to navigate what it means to be a good friend.
Hills' storytelling and illustrations tell a loving story that will help teach children ages 1-4 how to become a good friend and the importance of friendship. This book is a cute read that will keep children entertained while also teaching them a valuable lesson.
Author & Illustrator Tad Hills
Publisher Schwartz & Wade Books
Date of Publication 2006
Number of Pages in Book 40
Genre Animal Fantasy
Format Board
Duck & Goose shows the unlikely friendship between two birds as they have to navigate what it means to be a good friend.
Hills' storytelling and illustrations tell a loving story that will help teach children ages 1-4 how to become a good friend and the importance of friendship. This book is a cute read that will keep children entertained while also teaching them a valuable lesson.
October 14, 2018
This is a quick, easy read. Children will enjoy the humor in this story of when the duck and the goose realize the "egg" that they are caring for is actually a big ball! I think is can be a bit boring because I find it repetitive with them fighting back and forth about who claims the egg and them yelling back and forth to each other. Other than that, like I mentioned it is a quick, easy read. I think it is overall enjoyable and has a humorous touch to it.
October 2, 2019
Duck & Goose is about a two birds who fight but then find a commonality and become friends. A ball that both duck and goose think is an egg bring them closer together. At first they both want it to be their own "egg" and fight but then start agreeing on what to do when the "egg" hatches. This is a great book for little kids because it teaches them to work together with others and to be be kind to one another.
March 9, 2021
This book follows the shenanigans of a duck, goose, and an unfamiliar friend. The duck and goose first quarrel and cannot share the funny object. They are impolite to a friendly bird and are letting their jealousy get in the way of a great time. Eventually, the duck and goose realize they are having fun with each other and can share the object, which they learn is a ball. They become friends and play with the ball together. This story teaches children that sharing their toys with others can make play time even more fun!
October 9, 2023
As friendships go in picture books, I'd have to say that Duck and Goose meet cute.
Like so many pals (or romcom characters for older characters) they have some adjusting to do in order to become actual friends. Along with an excellent story, readers can find some highly entertaining quotes, such as:
"THIS IS NO TIME FOR GAMES!" yelled Goose. "And what's with the kicking?"
Have fun with this one, Goodreaders. I call this a FIVE STAR picture book.
Like so many pals (or romcom characters for older characters) they have some adjusting to do in order to become actual friends. Along with an excellent story, readers can find some highly entertaining quotes, such as:
"THIS IS NO TIME FOR GAMES!" yelled Goose. "And what's with the kicking?"
Have fun with this one, Goodreaders. I call this a FIVE STAR picture book.
June 19, 2017
Duck & Goose by Tad Hills
I saw it first!
No, I touched it first!
It is mine!
Actually, it is mine!
Both Duck and Goose find a spotted egg lying in the grass. But who does it belong too, Duck or Goose? Can they learn to share it? The dramatic dialogue in the book makes for a great read out loud story.
I saw it first!
No, I touched it first!
It is mine!
Actually, it is mine!
Both Duck and Goose find a spotted egg lying in the grass. But who does it belong too, Duck or Goose? Can they learn to share it? The dramatic dialogue in the book makes for a great read out loud story.
January 21, 2020
Duck and Goose find and egg...they think. They fight over who's egg it is and who should take care of it. In the end, they discover that they can share the ... egg. This book is one that children from toddlers through preschool ages who like to look at pictures and find out that they can predict the ending will enjoy.
November 30, 2021
K-1
Fiction
I loved this quick, easy read. This book had bright, colorful illustrations that made it very enjoyable. This is a great book if you are wanting to talk about sharing and friendship. I would recommend this book to the lower elementary grades. It is worth reading about Duck and Goose who tell a teaching lesson.
Fiction
I loved this quick, easy read. This book had bright, colorful illustrations that made it very enjoyable. This is a great book if you are wanting to talk about sharing and friendship. I would recommend this book to the lower elementary grades. It is worth reading about Duck and Goose who tell a teaching lesson.
February 9, 2025
"Too much drama," said one reviewer. This is a long read, but potentially an instructive one for preschoolers with sufficient attention span. Duck and Goose have a mis-understanding and have big feelings, but they work individually and together to discover the truth about their egg and co-exist peacefully.
December 4, 2025
Great book for children! The duck and the goose demonstrate friendship and they overcome challenges. They work together to take care of the egg and develop ownership together. This book can help children overcome small challenges they may face and understand that friendship is one of the most important things.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 244 reviews