cover image Goat's Trail

Goat's Trail

Brian Wildsmith. Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers, $10.95 (32pp) ISBN 978-0-394-88276-5

DING DONG, VROOM VROOM,, HONK HONK, UMP-PA-PA are the sounds that lure the wild goat off his high mountain top, where he leads a dull and lonely life. Down the mountain he goes to hear the bees buzz and the wind whistle, and to seek excitement in the town below. Along the way, he is joined by some sheep, a cow, a pig and a donkey. In the end, the animals find themselves in a classroom where they create chaos and are then reunited with their owners who take them home. Satisfied with his adventure, the goat returns to his moutain top alone. Throughout the story, the sounds of the animals mingle with the sounds of the city, creating the effect of a cumulative tale. Children will enjoy the musical cadence of the text and the attractive watercolor illustrations of European country and city scapes. And they'll especially enjoy the die-cut doorways that lead the way as we follow goat and his friends on their trail. (4-8)