Lucy Goosey
Margaret Wild
Ann James
Little Hare, 2013
pbk., RRP $A14.95
9781742975528
Ever since she was a fluffy little gosling with flippy, flappy feet, Lucy Goosey had lived in this pond. She knew it so well, and it had so many wonderful memories for her. But the time has come for all the geese, including Lucy Goosey, to fly away to another country. But instead of being excited, Lucy Goosey does not want to go. The sky seems vast and never-ending and so she runs away and hides. But when she wakes up, the pond is empty – even her mother has gone. Lucy Goosey is lonely and frightened. But, suddenly…
This is such a beautiful, classic story of a mother’s love for a child, and offers reassurance that no matter what, a mother will always be there. It is rich with ideas to explore and the rhythmic, repetitive language helps the child hear the patterns of speech and the bright, engaging pictures reinforce the story’s message. Ann James tells how she developed them in this interview.
It was named an Honour Book in the Early Childhood category, 2008 CBCA Book of the Year Awards, and once again, demonstrates Margaret Wild’s affinity with this age group and her ability to write the perfect story for them.
This is an ever favourite with lower primary and is used with curriculum for units on Families and Relationships. The illustrations are beautiful and have provided inspiration for children’s art. Will certainly keep this one on the shelf.
Thanks for suggesting ways in which it can be used. I hope others who have used some of the other titles will share their ideas too.