Duck & Goose: Honk! Quack! Boo!

PreS-Gr 1—The dynamic feathered duo return with an introduction to Halloween for young readers. Duck and Goose are discussing the upcoming holiday when Thistle, another feathered friend, happens upon them. Thistle proclaims she loves Halloween and to "beware the swamp monster!" A worried Duck and Goose try not to think about monsters and instead concentrate on bags full of trick-or-treat candy. The next day, the pair get dressed for Halloween as a ghost and a superhero. They join their forest friends for trick-or-treating. An owl, costumed as a daisy, informs Duck and Goose that a swamp monster is looking for them. When they see a slimy green creature running toward them, the frightened duo jump into some bushes. Feeling doomed, Goose summons the courage to confront the swamp monster with his friend. They jump out of the bushes, yelling, "Boo!" Poor Thistle, costumed as a swamp monster, gets a good scare. Hills skillfully uses oil, acrylic, and colored pencil to render his colorful backgrounds and the ever-lovable animal characters. Younger children may sympathize with Goose's confusion over the often contradictory emotions of fright and fun associated with Halloween. Older children will simply enjoy a return of these beloved characters and their antics.