The Goose Family Book

The author, through a variety of color photos, takes the reader up close to a goose family's world, from the moment of gestation though hatching and the goslings' growth into adult geese. Clearly Kalas has seen this process many times, for she and her toddler son Jacob move freely among the flock; Jacob is even allowed to touch the eggs without alienating the parent from the nest. The text provides detailed information in a clear manner, describing what takes place inside the egg while the embryo grows, how goslings hatch, the flights and landings of geese and how they speak to one anothereven from inside the eggshells. Kalas's tone is matter-of-fact, yet comforting and intimate. She knows and loves her subject, and wants to pass along that love to readers. It's hard to imagine anyone, young or old, not growing very fond of this family, and learning respect for nature at the same time. (6up)