Once Upon a Goat
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- $4.99
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- $4.99
Publisher Description
A twisted fairy tale about a king and queen who wish for a child of their own . . . and end up with a baby goat. Perfect for readers of Children Make Terrible Pets and Wolfie the Bunny.
"A funny and redemptive fairy tale."--The Wall Street Journal
Once upon a time, a very prim and proper king and queen begged their fairy godmother for a child. They'd prefer a boy, with glowing skin, bright eyes, and two roses for lips . . . but any kid will do. When they find themselves gifted with a baby goat (also known as a kid) instead, they can't imagine how he'll fit into their lives. But of course, it isn't long before he's part of the royal family.
Readers will delight in this story's hilarity, confusion, and celebration of families that come in every shape and size.
"A fresh, amusing, kindhearted picture book."--Booklist, Starred review
"With its gentle morals of acceptance, not judging by appearances, and being open to outcomes different than expectations, this is a lovely family read-aloud."--Kirkus
"The contrast between the royal couple's once-ordered existence and the cheerful mess at book's end is very funny, and the message about acceptance and the expanded definition of family is a bonus."--Horn Book
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Two monarchs who wish to become parents receive an unexpected happily-ever-after in this story by Richards (Penny and Penelope). After the privileged couple requests a "kid" from their fairy godmother, they receive a baby goat. The pair tries to look on the bright side ("We won't need to change its diapers"), but their unruly charge sows chaos, as captured in amusing, not-quite-medieval pencil, watercolor, and acrylic illustrations by Barclay (Sheep Dog and Sheep Sheep). The goat's insatiable appetite even the book's first page has a bite taken out of it is the last straw, and after the beast consumes the royal rosebushes, they send it away, until seeing it in a rainstorm causes a change of heart. When the fairy godmother checks in months later, she's bewildered: "You must be joking," she declares, realizing her mistake. Her visit to a goat family reveals a naked cherub among them, but no one seems happy when the fairy proposes a simple switcheroo. Luckily, there's an alternative, and what might have been "be careful what you wish for" turns into a more inclusive takeaway about family and its many forms. Ages 3 7. Author's)
