G is for Goat

Patricia Polacco, whose picture-books are usually quite text-heavy - in my library, they are mostly shelved in the special "Picture Plus" section, reserved for longer and more challenging picture-books - offers a far simpler "narrative" in G Is for Goat, a rhyming alphabet book which features one of the author's favorite kind of creatures. Here we have goats cavorting with children, as kittens, rabbits and ducks look on, or snacking on everything from oats to dresses. The artwork, done in pencil and watercolor, is full of movement and color, and the text, though minimal, is engaging.

Polacco clearly knows her caprine friends, and her affection for them shines through on every page of this book! I was surprised to find myself enjoying G show more Is for Goat as much as I did, as I'm not usually much of an alphabet book devotee. As expected, there isn't much of a "story" here, but the text reads well, and I imagine that children will find it entertaining, especially in conjunction with the humorous illustrations. Recommended to any young reader who likes goats, or to anyone in the market for good alphabet books! show less

There are so many books I love by this author and perhaps readers familiar with Palacco's illustrations might find the same joy, however I think most of my interest in her reading of the alphabet was due to my fondness for many of her other books. The goats are as adorable as ever, and there are some appealing rhyme's pulling you behind the letters as the book moves, but I fear I will not be jumping to reread this book. Perhaps a good ABC book for some and a book of engaging illustrations for others.

I like this book about the alphabet because the entire book is about goats. This is a book children will enjoy because it is not the usual alphabet book about random things that do not connect together. This is a great read aloud for the entire class.

I disliked the illustrations greatly, but enjoyed the text. The alphabet with things relating to goats is great. I enjoyed that.

This book goes through the entire alphabet making a story about goats, and how each letter can relate to them. This book is really fun to read to kids that are still in their early learning stage and especially if they are learning their alphabet.

Summary: This is an alphabet book that applies each letter of the alphabet to a word or thing that relates to goats.

Critique: This is a great example of an informational book because it teaches the alphabet, but it does it by applying each letter to something relating to one topic: goats. Patricia Polacco uses the alphabet to describe the "who, what, when, where, and why" of goats.

Media: pencil and watercolor

I really liked this book and I liked how it was all about goats. It teaches the letters of the alphabet and also teaches about goats, what they do and eat. This is one of Patricia's books that stood out to me because of its simple appeal. This would be a good book to teach younger children about goats and the letters of the alphabet.