Sunday, April 11, 2021

Picture Book Review: Mindi and the Goose No One Else Could See by Sam McBratney

Mindi and the Goose No One Else Could See by Sam McBratney. Illustrated by Linda Ólafsdóttir. 32 p. Candlewick Press, March, 2021. 9781536212815. (Review of finished copy courtesy of publisher.)

Poor little Mindi is bothered by a goose that appears in her bedroom each night. It's a goose no one else can see - not her mother, who doesn't take her seriously, nor her father, who does. It's a common enough plight that, I believe, will be relatable to many children and their parents. This sweet story is just the ticket for both groups.

The illustrations are warmly retro and vaguely Icelandic or Scandinavian, featuring Wellies and cozy woolens. They also contain little bits of humor, such as the shadow of the goose peering at Mindi's dad under the gooseneck lamp over Mindi's bed. The text does not condescend in the least. Instead, it is respectful of these very real fears, as is Austen, the elder that Mindi's dad treks to consult. 

Austen advises a visit to his bucolic farm, but emphasizes the her dad makes "sure she knows she is going on a journey." And so they do. The series of spot art depicting this is so endearing. At the farm, Mindi meets the animals, including two geese, who are very nice. She finally meets and bonds with a baby goat, whom she names Black and Whitey. 

Some time later, Austen comes to visit, bringing Black and Whitey, whom he trades with Mindi in exchange for the goose no one else can see. 

If only all such manner of nighttime monster could be dealt with so beautifully. 

This gorgeous and relatable book should be a hit at story time be it one-on-one with a parent or at the library.

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