G Is for Goat by Patricia Polacco, Patricia Polacco (Illustrator)

From Barnes & Noble

The alphabet goes to the goats in this gently jovial ABC's picture book from author Patricia Polacco. In the author's signature style, a young girl wearing colorful clothes of the Old Country frolics with her goats ("G is for Goats, they nibble my nose, billies and bucks, nannies and does"), feeds them ("L is for Lunch -- get out of their way! M is for Munch; clothes taste better than hay"), and tends to them in the fields with her sisters. Brightly colored patterns and playful scenes convey simple country charm, while challenging words and a sweet message provide young readers with a fun way to learn their ABC's. Polacco fans will find 26 reasons to appreciate goats here -- and even more reasons to adore the beloved author.

From the Publisher

Talk about "kid" appeal! A simple rhyming text takes the youngest of readers through the alphabet with all things goat-friendly: A is for Apple, the best treat of all; B is for Billy, what boy goats are called. C is for Cart, that billy pulls fast; D is for Dog, which we try to pass. Polacco's trademark illustrations romp through the pages of this lighthearted tale, now in board book format for the very youngest of readers.

Publishers Weekly

"In a rhyming text, the artist's signature babushka-clad girls cope with nannies and kids," PW wrote. "The pencil-and-watercolor illustrations depict a busy barnyard indeed." Ages 3-up. (Mar.) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Claudia Mills - Children's Literature

Polacco's latest exuberant offering is a complete ABC of goats, with a satisfying story line developed along the way from A to Z in its brief rhyming text. A little, goat-loving girl, attired in old-Eastern-European kerchiefs and pinafores, romps with her beloved goats, succinctly observing their quirks and antics: "E is for Ears, some floppy, some not. F is for Flowers, which goats eat a lot. L is for Lunch—get out of their way! M is for Munch; clothes taste better than hay." The text and art take a darker turn by V: "V is for Vet—we think something's wrong! W is for Wait, which we do all night long." But all turns out well, as the "sick" goat turns out not to be sick at all, but the proud mother of three new kids, who end the alphabet with their trio of Z names: Zig, Zag, and Zoe! According to the book-jacket blurb, Polacco "shares her homestead with a family of goats," and her extensive knowledge of and deep fondness for these sometimes-maligned creatures shows through on every action-packed page, crammed full with the amusing and exasperating presence of goats. 2003, Philomel/Penguin Putnam,

School Library Journal

PreS-K-Another treat for those who enjoyed Babushka's Mother Goose (Philomel, 1995) and love animals. A barefoot shepherd girl in Polacco's trademark colorful costume cuddles and frolics with rambunctious goats. The rhyming text, which alternates from special to ordinary, covers these animated creatures from "A is for Apple, the best treat of all" to "Z- amaZing!/Three babies came- /Zig, Zag and Zo' will be their names." Surrounded by idyllic scenes of flapping ducks, lapping kittens, and running dogs, the charming animals will energize any storytime. The movement is flawless in these compositions. In fact, the pencil-and-watercolor illustrations against white backgrounds steal the spotlight, with charming details such as a singing bluebird perched on a goat's back. A delight.-Nancy Call, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos, CA Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews

Goats gambol happily through the rural landscape of Polacco's lively alphabet book. There are loads of goat facts and lots of fun too. There are cart races, head-butting, jumping, and climbing. And of course, munching, nibbling, and tasting. Polacco moves from A to Z in a rhyming text that indicates her deep fondness for these creatures. There is a slight story here, a day of goat activities capped by a visit from the veterinarian and the birth of three baby goats. Each goat has a distinct personality in bright, cheerful pencil-and-watercolor illustrations. The little girl, obviously a portrait of Polacco's younger self, exudes love, concern, and joy in her animal-filled life. The alphabet format is perhaps not the best choice. It's a bit choppy and cannot stand alone. The delightful, charming illustrations are the work's saving grace. They provide the meaning and make the story flow. Just for fun-and for goat-lovers. (Picture book. 3-6)

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