Books by
Vivian Vande Velde

THREE GOOD DEEDS

MY SISTER ALISON, WHO MOVED AWAY
I read this 160 page book in one sitting during a sleepless night. I was angry at Howard then my heart went out to him at time. The book did end abrubtly but then I think that was the only real way the author could have ended it. This is one offers a good opportunity for discussion. Jo

Ages 8-12
Howard is a mischievous boy who, along with his friends, likes to pull pranks on the villagers of Dumphrey's Mill. Their latest victim is the supposed old witch who lives by Goose Pond. They find the elderly lady strange due to the fact that she lives on her own and tends to a flock of geese that live on the pond. They do mean things like tease the geese and steal their eggs. When Howard decides to steal from a nest one day, he is caught red-handed and accidentally breaks a couple of the eggs.

Fed up with the boy's antics, the old witch turns Howard into a goose! Howard understandably panics and tries to call for help, but realizes unfortunately that only the witch and her gaggle of geese can understand him. The witch tells the goose-boy that in order to redeem himself and be turned back, he must accomplish three good deeds. Howard thinks that the situation is silly, but quickly realizes the benefits (and disadvantages) of being a goose. From complimenting one of his new feathered friends to escaping poultry-hungry villagers, Howard discovers the person or goose he's meant to be.

Reviewed by Sarah Sawtelle (SdarksideG@aol.com)





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Adorable funny fable. For fans of Vande Velde, and fans of modern fairy-tales. ( )

890L,GRL S,1 copy

890L,GRL S,1 copy