Swoose

by Dick King-Smith

Fitzherbert's mother is a goose, but his father was a swan - which makes him a swoose! As Fitzherbert grows up he decisdes he wants to fly and he wants to meet his father. His search begins, but what he finds is fame and fortune of a most unexpected kind.

Genres: Animals, Childrens, Historical Fiction

96 pages, Paperback

First published September 28, 1994

About the author

Dick King-Smith was born and raised in Gloucestershire, England, surrounded by pet animals. After twenty years as a farmer, he turned to teaching and then to writing children's books.

Dick writes mostly about animals: farmyard fantasy, as he likes to call it, often about pigs, his special favorites. He enjoys writing for children, meeting the children who read his books, and knowing that they get enjoyment from what he does.

Among his well-loved books is Babe, The Gallant Pig, which was recently made into a major motion picture, and was nominated for an Academy Award.

Dick lived with his wife in a small 17th-century cottage, about three miles from the house where he was born.

Reviews

[Ape]

Another bedtime outloud book and one I had never read in my childhood. It's an ok book, short and light distraction, about a swoose called Fitzherbert. Being part goose and Swan, he struggles to fit in anywhere until he finds his place at Windsor Castle. There is a slight nod to that awkward subject of the British Empire of the 1800s with an Indian rat, but this is a simple children's book so you can't expect too much.

[John Naylor]

Set in the 1880s, there is quite a bit of charm in this story. Not much substance but enough likeability. The characterisation hasn't all aged well and despite the short length there is also parts that feel like filler.

Not the worst I have read from this author but I can't see this being a book that anybody would read again.

[Daniel]

I think the book was great I would recommend you to go out and buy one it is perfect for all ages

[Johanna]

Feels a bit dated, particularly in the handling of the Maharani rat, but otherwise a warm and uplifting story

[Chris]

Fun book

[Abigail]

This was a very short, ten minute read. It was funny and I loved the short plotline. I would recommend it to readers who are new to chapter books.

[Cynthia Egbert]

An adorable fable about how the Widow of Windsor might have gotten her smile back. I am really grateful that I stumbled upon Mr. King-Smith. I will be posting a number of reviews from him I believe shortly. He understands the key ingredients in what makes a wonderful story for children.