Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly
This is the classic and beloved tale in which the youngest son, powerless and underappreciated in his family, gains wealth and love through an act of kindness. Smooth and unabridged, the telling carries the full flavor of the original. And as usual, Duntze's stylish illustrations contribute fascinating details, in the characters' expressive faces, the clothing and furnishings, as well as in the beautifully composed settings. A treat for lap-sharing or reading aloud. this would also be an espe cially fine choice for any child's shelf. Ages 6-8. (October)
School Library Journal
Gr 1-4-- Duntze's rich, stylized watercolors for this well-known tale are an unusual blend that includes folk art and surrealism. They present the story effectively from varied perspectives, although sometimes with a static quality. The simpleton/protagonist is portrayed as a grown booby who plays with toys, but practically everyone in these illustrations appears to be a dolt. The most appealing pictures are those of the simpleton leading the people stuck to the goose and the Holbein-like portraits of the princess and of her and the simpleton at the conclusion. These distinguished illustrations do not equal Leslie Brooke's inimitable ones in his Golden Goose Book-- still available in a reduced format--but they are preferable to others in print (although they may be admired more by adults than by children). The text, unfortunately, seems shaped by the modern view that children must have simple, graceless language in simplified sentences. It is acceptable, but hardly worth reading aloud to children. At least the adaptor has not tampered with the plot and tells the tale complete. --Ronald A. Van De Voorde, Graduate Library School, University of Arizona, Tucson
