GO TELL AUNT RHODY

by Aliki

An illustrated version of the traditional song describing the fate of Aunt Rhody's goose

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1974

About the author

Aliki has written and illustrated many books, both fiction and nonfiction, loved by readers throughout the world. The books were inspired by a word, an experience, or the desire to find out. Aliki lives in London, England.

Reviews

[Beth]

This book contains a mixture of sadness and silliness in the story about how an old gray goose dies while standing on her head in a pond. The book talks about how sad the gander and the goslings are at the death of their wife and mother. The children rush to tell Aunt Rhody about the death of the gray goose. Aunt Rhody takes her net, fishes the goose out of the pond, plucks the feathers, and makes a feather bed.

I selected to read this book because I taught band for several years, and "Go Tell Aunt Rhody" is one of the first pieces in every lesson book. The piece is always identified as "traditional" in the lesson book, so I was curious to hear what the story behind the song is. This book is an example of traditional literature because it has a long history - more than 200 years - and has traveled from France to the United States by folks passing it along. The origin of the story (and song), as stated in the back of the "Go Tell Aunt Rhody" book, begins in France 200 years ago when an opera called "The Village Soothsayer" was written. The opera was performed both in France and England. Over the years, the opera was forgotten except for one short tune. This tune was played on many different instruments, and passed on from family to family until it reached the United States. Eventually, words were set to the tune, and "Go Tell Aunt Rhody" is one version that was written. The book reports that the "Go Tell Aunt Rhody" tune has become a favorite lullaby over the years. In keeping with its traditional classification, "Go Tell Aunt Rhody" does not demonstrate character development. Further, the book is repetitive, and illustrated in an old-fashioned, traditional, way.

Teachers could use this book when discussing how events look different depending on your perspective. The gander and goslings are sad because the goose whom they loved is dead. However, Aunt Rhody is happy because she finally gets to make a feather bed. I think that it is important for children to realize that just because they see an event one way, that doesn't mean that everyone saw it in that way. There are other books that could be included in a unit teaching about different view points including "Frankly, I Never Wanted to Kiss Anybody! (The Other Side of the Story)" by Nancy Loewen.

This book would also be a good resource when discussing the death of a pet with a student, and how it is okay to be sad. Another idea would be to discuss the book when animals are harvested - whether by hunting, or just to be butchered on a farm. Discussing how animals serve a purpose would also be an interesting discussion.

[Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tragedy strikes as the old gray goose meets her demise, and her feathers are used to stuff a quilt, and perhaps roasted (willful waste makes woeful want) for dinner. This folk-song taken from a French Opera, has become an American lullaby.

[Tessa Duncan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The folk song and story tell of children informing their aunt about their goose being dead. Once the goose dies, the aunt uses it to stuff her bed. Would be a great book for read along

[Bonnie Pohlig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, colorful pictures, and the pictures make it funny.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vintage illustrations for a well-known song. I would use this in babytime if they old gray goose wasn't quite so dead.

[Corey · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best. Love the conversations it prompts with my students. Great song for teaching 4/4 meter.