Pig & Goose and the First Day of Spring

by Rebecca Bond

In this early reader with five short chapters, emerging readers meet Pig and Goose. Pig is happy. She loves to dance. She loves to eat. But she cannot fly. And she cannot swim. Goose can fly like a bird. Goose can glide across the water beautifully. But he cannot tell stories or host a party like Pig can. Pig and Goose are very different. But what they do have in common is that they like each other. And they love springtime.

Simple text and charming illustrations guide beginning readers throughout the story and encourage independent reading.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Friendship, Childrens, Fiction, Young Readers, Juvenile

48 pages, Hardcover

First published March 7, 2017

Reviews

[Brenda Kahn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweetly adorable story of friendship and a beautiful day in spring. Lovely illustrations.

[Jaslyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read during lunch after a fast paced morning :)

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are so many great things about this book. First off, the illustrations are absolutely darling. Additionally, the story itself is very sweet. I also love that it is an early reader that would be great for a child who has just learned to read. I have found that so many books in that category are very dull or awkward. This book, however, is very charming, and I hope that it becomes the first of many in a series.

[Jtimko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goose and Pig are friends. Pig wants to fly and swim like Goose. Goose wants to tell stories and host parties like Pig. In spite of it all, they have something in common- love of springtime. What a great friendship!
This is an entertaining tale told in five short chapters that is perfect for emerging readers. Simple text and lovely watercolor illustrations will engage the reader. The theme throughout the story is that we all have limitations but friendship will prevail. This is a perfect reader for young readers especially in the spring. Recommended for grades 1 through 3.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

First sentence: It was spring at last. Pig was in a good mood. "The sun is shining!" said Pig. "The sky is blue!" said Pig. "Goody gumdrops!" said Pig. "I am going to have a picnic by the pond."

Premise/plot: Pig & Goose and the First Day of Spring is an early chapter book. (It has three chapters: "A Spring Morning," "A Picnic Lunch," and "The Party.") The book focuses on the friendship of Pig and Goose. In chapter one, Pig--while on her way to a picnic--sees Goose returning. These two are very happy to see each other. Pig wants Goose to teach HER how to fly. That doesn't happen. But Goose does get invited to the picnic. In chapter two, Pig and Goose enjoy the picnic together. While Pig falls asleep and has a lovely dream, Goose enjoys a swim on the lake. At the end of the chapter, Goose is invited to Pig's house for a party later that night. In chapter three, Pig throws a GREAT party. Many friends--new and old--have come to celebrate. Pig and Goose make plans to see each other the next day.

My thoughts: I really like this one. Pig and Goose are fun characters. The illustrations are lovely.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soft, sweet watercolor illustrations lend an air of timelessness. Feels reminiscent of Frog and Toad Are Friends or Poppleton. Two new friends discover there is beauty in their differences. Delightful!

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gentle story of a new friendship and finding out what makes a friend special. Very sweet.

[Mary Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gotta love a character whose favorite thing to say is "Goody Gumdrops!"

[Rebecca Saxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming book celebrating friendship and kindness. A great read-a-like to the Frog and Toad books.

[Miss Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

An early reader chapter book featuring three short stories about a pig and a goose interacting for the day. very sweet and easy to follow. a good confidence booster for early readers.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet & lovely beginning reader, reminiscent of Frog & Toad with it's delightful illustrations and friendly, simple story.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is pretty much perfect.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember her parents' farm and the white goose 'George' who would chase us around snapping at us.

[Ames Public Library Youth Services · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is just a nice book. Follow along as Pig and Goose start their friendship, in this early reader that reminded me a lot of Frog and Toad.

-dmz

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute and charming friendship.

[Abigail Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was cute, but not amazing.

[Nicki]

Adorable. Excellent illustrations. Sweet characters. Reminds me of Frog and Toad.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found in L4L Volume 99.

[PumpkinParker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Their friendship 🥺🥺🥺 Pig is such a lovely character

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is really good for a read aloud for small children or to introduce a "chapter" like book for more advanced reader. It shows different sections of the story with new titles. Even though each section is separate we see a lot of connections through out the story line. I thought the message of the story was also great showing that all the seasons are good, and having an underlying message that "people" are like that too they are all great. This story has animals that act like people in it.

[Stephanie Bange · Rating 4 out of 5]

In what I hope will be a new beginning reader series, Rebecca Bond introduces us to Pig and Goose -- two animals who discover they are both similar (liking some of the same things) and different (abilities they possess are vastly diverse). They realize that they can be good friends, regardless of their differences. In a beginning reader format, these three short stories of reminiscent of other pairs of friends -- Frog & Toad, Henry & Mudge. Bond's watercolor and ink illustrations are light and colorful, filled with images of spring and springtime fun and games. Here's hoping for more adventures as we watch this friendship grow during the year.

[MaryLibrarianOH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three short chapters that are perfect for kids learning to read.

Animal friendship book.

[Mateo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my first *favorite* books. Pig and goose are the nicest characters and their friendship is super-healthy. They are amazing role models as true friends able to enjoy life together without conflicts or tensions. A rare gem among kids' books!

Three short chapters tell every-day stories about how the meet, a picnic near the lake, and a house party, and each one is original and beautifully done. The chapters are easy to read and the language is accessible, with words and expressions carefully chosen so that it reads almost rhythmically. Both the style and content of the book are great.

[Danette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book I pulled off the "new" shelf at the library. I hope to see more.

5/17/17 Read with Naomi, Julia, Connor, & Savannah.
3/30/20 Read with Julia #covidreader

[Olivia-Armas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book. But I hate that bad would in a KIDS BOOK!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Try new things and make new friends.
Lovely watercolor illustrations.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet picture/short chapter book that just captured me for some reason. Kiddos loved it too :)

[Amanda Sanders · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a beginning reader chapter book. Pig and Goose meet at a picnic. Pig tries to do the amazing things Goose can do--fly and swim. Pig is not good at either one. Pig finds something she is good at. The story is cute but a little old fashioned.

[Suebee · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has nothing new to add to the genre. Look at Poppleton, look at Henry and Mudge, look at Mr. Putter and Tabby for much better reads.

[Jacki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Budge up, Frog and Toad! Pig and Goose have arrived.