Overview

There was once a farm where all the animals were friends. Together they looked after the farm and each other. It wasn't perfect and they didn't always agree (animals almost never do). But the Geese have hatched a plan to leave the farm . . . will life be perfect for them now? A powerful modern-day fable for our times told with humor, warmth, and most importantly, hope. A story of building bridges, not barriers, respect, not resentment, and of finding friendship, not fear.

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9781728467733

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Reviews

If it isn't broken, don't fix it. A group of animals--ducks, geese, sheep, pigs, and others--work on a farm together. The geese and ducks live on an island in a nearby pond. One day, the geese decide that they do not like having the other farm animals traipsing through their island. The ducks don't agree, but they are outnumbered by the geese, who get rid of the bridge to the island. Now, the geese and ducks must do their chores on their own, and they quickly realize how difficult that is, but the stubborn geese refuse to admit their mistake. Without the protection of the other animals, the ducks and geese are vulnerable when the foxes invade; when the others find a way to save the day, the geese realize just how desperately they want their old lives back and how wrong they were to take their friends for granted. A repeating parenthetical phrase--'animals almost never do'--will make readers laugh. Kids will also enjoy chanting along with the wonderfully alliterative phrases as the foxes invade ('Silently, stealthily . . . '). Art with a naive flavor depicts the four-legged animals standing on two legs like humans, though the images may be slightly difficult to see at a distance in a large-group storytime. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A cozy reminder to appreciate those around us.--Kirkus Reviews -- Journal (10/1/2022 12:00:00 AM)

The Little Island Smriti Prasadam-Halls Illustrated by Robert Starling Bridges are literally broken and rebuilt anew in this picture book with a meaningful lesson. With a plotline reminiscent of a fable, the story follows a group of geese who become fed up with life on the farm. The gossip begins to fly among the geese, as they question their place among the other animals. There just doesn't seem to be enough room for everyone, and the geese don't feel that they're fully respected or valued, either. As a result, the geese hatch a plan to separate themselves and their duck friends onto their own private island. Everyone settles into a comfortable enough routine after the split, but small problems begin to creep in. A bigger threat from foxes finally makes the geese appreciate the strength in numbers that they once had. Although restoring the bridge takes time and work, the effort is definitely worth it. With its lively group of farm animals, the cartoonish illustrations add to the humor and entertainment of the story. The lesson that the geese learn is both important and impactful, and will definitely resonate with young audiences. It's never too late for reconciliation and forgiveness, as long as everyone is ready to cooperate. Reviewer Rating 5 --Children's Literature -- (1/25/2023 12:00:00 AM) If it isn't broken, don't fix it. A group of animals--ducks, geese, sheep, pigs, and others--work on a farm together. The geese and ducks live on an island in a nearby pond. One day, the geese decide that they do not like having the other farm animals traipsing through their island. The ducks don't agree, but they are outnumbered by the geese, who get rid of the bridge to the island. Now, the geese and ducks must do their chores on their own, and they quickly realize how difficult that is, but the stubborn geese refuse to admit their mistake. Without the protection of the other animals, the ducks and geese are vulnerable when the foxes invade; when the others find a way to save the day, the geese realize just how desperately they want their old lives back and how wrong they were to take their friends for granted. A repeating parenthetical phrase--'animals almost never do'--will make readers laugh. Kids will also enjoy chanting along with the wonderfully alliterative phrases as the foxes invade ('Silently, stealthily . . . '). Art with a naive flavor depicts the four-legged animals standing on two legs like humans, though the images may be slightly difficult to see at a distance in a large-group storytime. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A cozy reminder to appreciate those around us. --Kirkus Reviews -- (10/1/2022 12:00:00 AM)

""A cozy reminder to appreciate those around us.""--Kirkus Reviews -- (10/1/2022 12:00:00 AM) ""The lesson that the geese learn is both important and impactful, and will definitely resonate with young audiences.""--Children's Literature -- (1/25/2023 12:00:00 AM)

The Little Island Smriti Prasadam-Halls Illustrated by Robert Starling Bridges are literally broken and rebuilt anew in this picture book with a meaningful lesson. With a plotline reminiscent of a fable, the story follows a group of geese who become fed up with life on the farm. The gossip begins to fly among the geese, as they question their place among the other animals. There just doesn't seem to be enough room for everyone, and the geese don't feel that they're fully respected or valued, either. As a result, the geese hatch a plan to separate themselves and their duck friends onto their own private island. Everyone settles into a comfortable enough routine after the split, but small problems begin to creep in. A bigger threat from foxes finally makes the geese appreciate the strength in numbers that they once had. Although restoring the bridge takes time and work, the effort is definitely worth it. With its lively group of farm animals, the cartoonish illustrations add to the humor and entertainment of the story. The lesson that the geese learn is both important and impactful, and will definitely resonate with young audiences. It's never too late for reconciliation and forgiveness, as long as everyone is ready to cooperate. Reviewer Rating 5 --Children's Literature -- Website (1/25/2023 12:00:00 AM) If it isn't broken, don't fix it. A group of animals--ducks, geese, sheep, pigs, and others--work on a farm together. The geese and ducks live on an island in a nearby pond. One day, the geese decide that they do not like having the other farm animals traipsing through their island. The ducks don't agree, but they are outnumbered by the geese, who get rid of the bridge to the island. Now, the geese and ducks must do their chores on their own, and they quickly realize how difficult that is, but the stubborn geese refuse to admit their mistake. Without the protection of the other animals, the ducks and geese are vulnerable when the foxes invade; when the others find a way to save the day, the geese realize just how desperately they want their old lives back and how wrong they were to take their friends for granted. A repeating parenthetical phrase--'animals almost never do'--will make readers laugh. Kids will also enjoy chanting along with the wonderfully alliterative phrases as the foxes invade ('Silently, stealthily . . . '). Art with a naive flavor depicts the four-legged animals standing on two legs like humans, though the images may be slightly difficult to see at a distance in a large-group storytime. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A cozy reminder to appreciate those around us. --Kirkus Reviews -- Journal (10/1/2022 12:00:00 AM)

Author Information

Smriti Prasadam-Halls is an award-winning, internationally bestselling British author whose books have been published in more than 30 languages. Smriti worked for the BBC and in children's publishing and television for twelve years. Smriti lives and works in London, UK with her family. Robert Starling began doodling creatures and characters at school and hasn't stopped since. He lives and works in Wiltshire, England, and when he's not sketching up new characters or writing down stories, he can be found sculpting, brewing coffee, or teaching kids.

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