The Golden Goose (Paperback)

by J. & W. Grimm (Author), D. Duntze (Author), Dorothée Duntze (Contributor) "Once upon a time there was a man who had three sons..." (more)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
From the lighter side of the Brothers Grimm, this happy tale of luck and folly receives wonderfully puckish treatment from Shulevitz (who manages to reprise the hilarious contraption he created for The Fool of the World and the Flying Ship). After sharing a crust of bread with an odd old man, a simpleton receives a token of good luck in the form of a golden goose. From then on, each person the simpleton encounters falls under a spell and becomes attached to the goose, forming a human chain. In a sublime stroke of luck, the unlikely parade-three maidens, a parson, a sexton, a peasant and his wife-amuses a princess so serious that the king has promised her hand to whoever can make her laugh. Shulevitz's stylish artwork conjures up an old world brimming with quirky charm, from the angular, colorful jumble of buildings to the villagers with their bright red noses and oversized shoes, and the unassuming hero with his blue-rimmed eyes and tilting, too-tall hat. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 2?The familiar Grimm tale of a simpleton who seeks his fortune gets a fresh treatment. The youngest of three sons is rewarded for his kindheartedness with a gleaming golden goose to which a chain of unwilling companions becomes attached. He makes a sad princess laugh with his silly procession and, after completing a task set by her disgruntled father, wins her hand. Shulevitz's retelling develops the part of the story involving the human chain more fully than other versions. He also incorporates an appealing repetitive rhyme that invites audience participation and adds dimension. However, two of the three tasks set by the king in most versions are omitted, resulting in an awkward, unfinished feeling to that section of the tale. The vibrant watercolor paintings, full of blocky angular characters and quirky off-kilter buildings, enhance the story. Text and illustrations mesh well, and the artist makes skillful use of both contrast and white space. The goose seems to glow within the largely warm palette of jewel-like colors with cool blue and green accents. The simpleton's face radiates innocence and goodness and, in spite of the slight awkwardness mentioned above, this is a fun version of a traditional tale.?Donna L. Scanlon, Lancaster County Library, PA
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: North-South (September 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0735811989
• ISBN-13: 978-0735811980
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #3,582,035 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Delightful Retelling, December 1, 2000

By	Casual Mom "Alexa S." (Rochelle Park, NJ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Golden Goose (Hardcover)

A perfect story to read aloud to young children! With beautiful illustrations and a wonderful moral, The Golden Goose has the ability to captivate a young audience. Would recommend it to any storyteller!