ONE SMART GOOSE

A clever feathered hero prevails in this sweet picture book about camouflage and common sense. While most of the geese in the gaggle preen and gleam in their white feathers and bright beaks, one goose stands alone, muddying himself in the pond. But what the gaggle hasn't gleaned yet, is that the loner goose's dull, gray appearance is what makes him blend in with the shadows of the night—and permit him to avoid the moonlight chase from the fox. Once the secret is out—and the wise goose pulls another smooth move as winter snow approaches—he's accepted as one of the gang, er, gaggle. Church's (Do Your Ears Hang Low? ) tale of quick thinking and acceptance for one's individual merits makes an uplifting outing. In her multimedia scenes, the geese, simply outlined in black with vibrant orange beaks and feet, contrast nicely with the speckled-green, grassy countryside. Ages 4-8. (Apr.)