Lucy Loves Goosey

It’s a story of unrequited sororal love: Lucy (a dog) reveres Goosey (a goose), and considers her a big sister. Goosey isn’t having it, raining on Lucy’s parade at every opportunity. “I can honk like a goose,” says Lucy, growling and barking. “Quiet, please!” snaps Goosey. “You’ll disturb my eggs.” But Goosey has a change of heart after Lucy scares away a fox. McClurkan (Dive In!) plays up Lucy’s eagerness and Goosey’s frustration in breezy illustrations that evoke the feel of vintage animated cartoons. Readers’ reactions to Singleton’s story may depend on whether they are more of a Lucy or Goosey themselves: put-upon older siblings should easily relate to Goosey’s irritated, no-nonsense attitude, but adoring Lucy types may start to wonder if the dog’s ceaseless devotion to the goose is really worth it. Ages 4–8. [em]Author’s agent: Abigail Samoun, Red Fox Literary. Illustrator’s agency: Bright Group. (Dec.) [/em]