You Silly Goose

by Ellen Stoll Walsh

George the mouse is a good friend of Emily the goose. And when Emily’s goslings hatch, George is the first to visit. But George brings bad news--he has seen the fox! “With wonderfully clean, appealing collage art, a graceful, deftly honed text, and a real plot that--for all its brevity and simplicity--has suspense and a satisfying denouement, [this is] another winner from the creator of Mouse Count. ”-- Kirkus Reviews

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals

40 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

Ellen is the daughter of Joseph Adolphus (a businessman) and Nell (Orum) Stoll; married David Albert Walsh (a professor), August 25, 1964; children: Benjamin Martin. She was educated at Maryland Institute of Art, B.F.A., 1964; attended University of Minnesota, 1966-69.
She lives in upstate New York.

Reviews

[SL · Rating 2 out of 5]

Usually I really enjoy Ellen Stoll Walsh's works (I will always and forever recommend MOUSE PAINT because it is *chef's kiss*) but I wasn't super fond of the story behind GONSA TONTA (YOU SILLY GOOSE in English). Not sure why this didn't do it for me but the story will be entertaining for other readers. The translation was good so that shouldn't be a concern for anyone who wants this for their Spanish collection.

[Charity · Rating 3 out of 5]

A goose selectively applies data and a case of mistaken identity results. Luckily, the rodent doesn't hold it against her when she needs help. Seems to say something about the power of stereotyping and scapegoating and the heroic lengths to which those falsely accused need to go to set the record straight. The story is told less adeptly than I would prefer.

[Zach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plot: 4/5. A mouse tries to warn his goose friend about the fox, but a nosy fellow goose things the mouse is the fox. What a silly little goose.

Illustrations: 4/5 pretty vibrant though background is plain.

Rhymes: N/A

Is it fun to read: 4/5. Decent. Funny how the nosy neighbor is wrong. Short and sweet.

12/15

[Marilyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great artwork!

[NayDoubleU · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute

[Larissa Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Busybody neighbor gets a clue.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautifully well-done book that has several messages for the reader probably depending upon the age of the reader and what they may be looking for. First of all there is the message of eavesdropping and not getting the facts straight before taking action and there is also the lesson of needing to learn with open ears while finally there is also the lesson instead of putting down those who jump to conclusions we can teach them with wisdom.

Anyway the story itself isn't long while readers of all ages - the very young to some readers who are reading on their own for the first time will like it. The sentences are rather long but for the youngest readers they can enjoy pointing out the illustrations as they read while for those who are reading it on their own the writing is simple, straight to the point and without any obstacles.

The illustrations is what has caught my eye the most with the book. I like the simplistic lines, the bold natural colors that are used and the realism with the right touch to details. Children of all ages will be thrilled to just take a moment to look at the story while following it in picture instead, maybe making up their own story to match.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

A silly goose mistakes a mouse for a fox until the real fox arrives and sets her straight.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

more adorable cut-paper collage illustrations from Walsh

[Adrianne Rosal · Rating 5 out of 5]

The students from Ms. Montenegro's kinder class really enjoyed this silly book today and had a lot of fun squawking like geese!!!