Pig & Goose and the First Day of Spring by Rebecca Bond (review)

In the first chapter of this beginning reader, Pig sets off for a picnic on the first day of spring and meets Goose. “How well you fly!” she comments, and Goose suggests that he teach her; alas, pigs famously do not fly, but rather than feeling disappointed, Pig sees the humor in the situation and the two friends enjoy a lovely—grounded—picnic. Still, Pig is feeling a bit useless, but then she remembers she’s a good event planner, and the first day of spring (and the book) ends with a dinner and dance party. Charming and goofy Pig and Goose are surely kin to Frog and Toad, and there’s gentle humor and whimsy threading through their story. The repetition of words, short sentences, and the three-chapter set up make this an ideal choice for older listeners transitioning to young readers, but the playful dialogue also lends itself to reading aloud. Bond’s watercolor art creates a quiet, dreamy world with softly dappled textures and a subdued palette against a creamy background until a full page spread of brighter blues and greens captures the night sky of the waning spring day. Fans of Pooh and Co. and The Wind in the Willows will want to make pals with Pig and Goose and hope for another seasonal outing.