The Golden Goose [Paperback]

Dick King-Smith (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

Farmer Skint and his family have fallen on hard times at Woebegone Farm until their goose lays a golden egg. With the birth of Joy the Golden Goose, the fortune of the Skint family begins to change. But what will happen when people find out about their golden-feathered friend? How long can they keep Joy a secret?

From beloved author Dick King-Smith comes the heartwarming story of a magical golden goose perfect for beginning readers.


From the Hardcover edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Gr. 2-5. Farmer Skint, the hapless proprietor of Woebegone Farm, can't seem to do anything right. He buys high and sells low, his cows get foul-in-the-foot, and foxes are always consuming his chickens. Then his goose hatches a golden egg and life takes a decided upturn. He wins the lottery, a racetrack bet pays off on 50 to 1 odds, and a friendly neighbor decides to make a film documenting Skint's golden goose. King-Smith's fans will appreciate his signature rural setting, full of genial livestock and good-natured incompetents, and those familiar with his autobiography, Chewing the Cud (2002), may even recognize some of King-Smith in Skint. His novel shares some elements with the Aesop and Grimm stories of the same name, but King-Smith keeps things light, eliminating both the greed and moral lessons. This isn't a child-centered story, and a few incidents seem a bit mature for the intended audience (celebrating good fortune with champagne, for example), but this will still be popular with the first-chapter-book crowd. Kay Weisman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

About the Author

Dick King-Smith is the beloved author of Babe: The Gallant Pig, Titus Rules!, and Funny Frank. He turned 80 in 2003 and lives in a 17th-century cottage in Bristol, England, where he continues to write books for young readers.


From the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Yearling (November 14, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 044042030X
• ISBN-13: 978-0440420309
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.3 x 7.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,507,339 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #23 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Authors & Illustrators, A-Z > ( K ) > King-Smith, Dick

More About the Author

Dick King-Smith was a farmer for twenty years before becoming a writer, and most of his animal stories are based on his farming experiences. He won the Guardian Award with The Sheep-Pig, which became the blockbuster film Babe. Dick lives in Gloucestershire.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Feel-good book, September 24, 2010

By 

M. Heiss (USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Golden Goose (Paperback)

This is an easy book for young grades, about a magical goose who brings good luck and happiness. Nothing much happens, but it is enjoyable and sweet.

Parent note: one instance of gambling on a horse race

5.0 out of 5 stars author Dick King Smith, October 14, 2008

By 

Biscuit "book worm" (Gold Coast Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Golden Goose (Paperback)

Writes terrific stories about animals; for young readers but I've read them too. Dick King Smith wrote 'Babe' which was a marvellous movie about a sheep-pig. Recommend this author to anyone looking for good literature for children. Does not speak down to young readers.