Parents, Educators, Critics, Children Recommend Flightless Goose

Storybook entertains as it educates

Flightless Goose, a full-color, hardcover storybook for children, is being praised as a “wonderful story,” “filled with many life lessons,” and “a story that every family should have.”

Children, parents, and educators alike are captivated by the “vibrant and detailed” watercolors that “evoke the illustrations from the classic editions of fairy tales and nursery rhymes that many parents will remember from when they were children.” Readers are moved by the “beautiful tale,” that is told “clearly, gently, and sensitively” so it can be “read and understood by a wide range of children.”

As reviewers have pointed out, Flightless Goose is an entertaining and simple story, but the book touches on a number of subjects: bullying and teasing, treating others with dignity and respect, overcoming difficulties, focusing on positive strengths, self-worth, confidence, compassion, dealing with adversity, being a friend, coping with disability, the value of being different, practicing road and automotive safety, tolerance, diversity, and more. Children understand, without feeling as though they’ve been taught, that everyone is different and everyone can make a difference.

A number of reviewers, mothers, and educators have endorsed Flightless Goose as a great holiday gift for any child, especially those between 2-8 years old. It’s a great way to open a discussion on a number of important topics.

But don’t take our word for it; check out what What critics, the media, educators, parents, and children are saying about Flightless Goose …

"... Flightless Goose is appropriately simple without being simplistic, and its lessons -- that challenges can be overcome, that being different doesn’t mean being less of a person, and that everyone has something they are good at -- are important ones … The story is told in a way that is likely to be appealing and exciting to younger children without being condescending to older ones.”

-- The Potomac

“Wonderful story … a job well done.”

-- Gregory B. Gallagher, Sesame Street writer and Executive producer of Ambassadors of the Environment

“Flightless Goose is a beautiful tale along the lines of the old favourite The Ugly Duckling. The illustrations by Eric's wife, Nataliya, are classically done and remind me of Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist. This book will be one my own children will cherish and it will be passed down for many generations."

-- YA author Kristin Groulx (The Ghost of Colby Drive/mis-adventures of Alyson Bell series)

“Brave goose lives on in colorful children’s book. … delightful story. Your children can be entertained as they learn lessons about overcoming challenges, accepting different people and focusing on positive strengths.”

-- Towson Times

“‘Grounded Goose’ walks away a winner.”

-- Baltimore Examiner

“Sweet tale for children to remind them unkind words hurt, teasing is wrong, and being different can be special and wonderful in many ways.”

--Mom Bloggers Club

“Flightless Goose tells its story clearly, gently, and sensitively. This story can be read to and understood by a wide range of children. It is wonderfully full of enough details to let the reader and readee become linked with the characters without being cluttered. The heroes of the story are believable and act appropriately to the story line — believable.”

-- Amazon Review

“Kid’s Pick! A wise tale about a goose that becomes unable to fly and must learn to cope with the challenges of being different.”

--Abilities Magazine

“The word disability is not mentioned in the text, but the story deals with disabling conditions and teaches about overcoming challenges, focusing on positive strengths, and treating others with respect and dignity. In the end, the flightless goose develops a talent no other goose has, which helps him save the day.”

-- Hearing Review

“Flightless Goose teaches important lessons to children about automotive safety [and] being watchful of play areas ...”

-- Automotive Industries Magazine

“… watercolors … are vibrant and detailed … and evoke the illustrations from the classic editions of fairy tales and nursery rhymes that many parents will remember from when they were children. The word choice and presentation will encourage younger readers to expand their vocabularies without missing the key meanings, and will also satisfy older and more skilled readers.”

-- The Potomac

“Gilbert, the "Flightless Goose," lives on, thanks to a Rodgers Forge couple who have immortalized him in a full-color, hardcover children's book. Gilbert has lessons to teach.”

-- Towson Times

“Warm and wonderful fable … Don’t duck this goose!”

-- GottaWrite Girl: Adventures in Children’s Literature

“As a fourth grade teacher I would have loved to have used this book in my classroom for a lesson in compassion, friendship, being unique and tolerance. Flightless Goose is a great story filled with many life lessons.”

--Mama’s Little Chick

“Flightless Goose teaches children/grandchildren important lessons. Without being obvious, not even mentioning the word "disability" in the text, the book is very much about dealing with disabling conditions. “

-- Senior Beacon

“Besides being a fun book that children enjoy, Flightless Goose is a classic story with vivid illustrations, and an aim to make the world a better place one kid at a time by teaching them to be kind to one another, to accept people as they are, and to treat all people (and geese) with dignity and respect. If you’re looking for a book to give to a child in your life, Flightless Goose is one the child will enjoy, and learn from.”

-- Diversity Rules

“Flightless Goose is a story that every family should have. This story touched me in so many ways. I cannot tell you how many kids ask questions about [my son] being in a wheelchair. Teach them to reach out to a kid who is a little different. You’d be amazed at how much you will learn and be changed for the better. This is a book that every family should have and should read often.”

--A Review and a Giveaway

“Children all over America will identify with Gilbert the flightless goose as he learns very important lessons about friendship, being different and taking an adversity and turning it into a triumph! This is a great story to read to your children to teach them about self worth, tolerance and camaraderie. This book would also fit well with any anti-bullying program for young kids. Flightless Goose would make a great donation to your child's school library and to your local public library.”

--Intentional Conscientious Parenting

“Flightless Goose is a wonderful story that brings empathy from children, teaches children about tolerance, and brings out conversation about friendship, teasing and bullying. For parents, educators and grandparents Flightless Goose is a great tool for starting the conversation about bullying, and it is a great way to encourage young children to accept each other despite of and because of their differences. Flightless Goose is a timeless story that could have been written 30 years ago or ten years from now, and it is a story that will be relevant to children everywhere in the world.”

-- Story Time Under The Stars

“I used this book to support my lessons in grades one and two. My students loved Gilbert. [They] were able to ask questions, make comments, and we were able have a discussion. It was a wonderful story that really brought home the message of tolerance and friendship. Flightless Goose was a huge success!”

--Tidbits From A Mom

“Nicely illustrated tale about a goose who is different from the other geese and is teased for his differences. The tale … shows how the goose learns to accept his differences and embrace his new abilities. He learns that although he is different from his friends, he is just as important as they and comes to embrace his own self-worth. It’s never too early to teach our kids that being different is alright, no matter what that difference may be. I highly recommend it for young readers.”

--The Yin & Yang of Motherhood

“This book addresses how we should embrace diversity, and it is a great way to introduce your child to the idea that being different is not a bad thing, and that everyone has unique strengths. I read the book to my son, who is 4. The fact that he asked questions showed that he was engaged in the story and was actually getting something out of it. This book … is an opportunity to address being careful when being close to the road, what disabilities are, and being wary of strangers.”

--At Home Moma

“[Flightless Goose is] such a special treat. The story itself is captivating, fun and educational making this book a children’s must read. I read the story to my 6 year old niece Juju, and she loved it. She clearly got the message that no matter what happens you can work hard in learning to be good at something. She was able to follow each word in the book … in an artistic font, which caused her to focus not only on the pictures but on the words. I recommend this book to every child. The lessons taught are valuable.”

--Mom’s Tree House

"What a beautiful book! I also read the book to my daughter, who will be turning seven shortly. Not surprisingly, she loved Flightless Goose. I highly recommend this book! It shares such an important message!”

--Dearheart Designs

“Flightless Goose is an adorable book … a classic. The illustrations … have a calming artsy feel. A great starting point for some discussions with kids about bullying. Also a great lesson for our kids that we all have different strengths and no one does everything the best, but that we all have great value for what we are the best at.”

--Oh Boy Books: Helping Parents Find the Perfect Books To Encourage Their Kids’ Love of Reading

“Lovely illustrations for all you Goose lovers who adore great illustrations!”

-- Goosebreeder

“My kids were excited. They worried about Gilbert facing the winter alone. They asked about Gilbert's friend Johnny who is in a wheelchair and were excited when Gilbert and Johnny were able to save the geese. The moral of the story is you can overcome any challenge and just because you are different doesn't mean that there isn't something you are good at and you are as good as anyone else.”

--Maria’s Space

“There are so many lessons to be learned in this story. Lessons about friendship, change, acceptance ... and just appreciating what makes you ... YOU. My youngest absolutely adored this book and insisted on sharing it with his best friend. Flightless Goose would make a wonderful addition to your child's personal library or an even greater donation to your child's school library.”

--Three Boys and an Old Lady

“I loved this story! The book is a great reminder to make the best of every situation. It shares a valuable lesson that being different and unique from others makes us special and great. Along with the story were some wonderful illustrations that made me smile. The illustrations capture the essence of the story along with the childlike mindset. I recommend this book for children ages 2-8.”

--A Cozy Reader’s Corner Review

“Delightful and beautifully illustrated. This is a must have for your child’s home library. Flightless Goose is a tale of tolerance, friendship and embracing the qualities that make one unique instead of being ashamed of them. This book is a truly unique find. I don’t recall ever having read another children’s book that not only teaches tolerance, respect and emphasizes the joys of being unique - it also features a main character who is in a wheelchair. This book can also generate an important dialogue with your kids about crucial topics like being safe around the street and automobile safety. It also can spark conversations about tolerance, the ability to do what you want if you work hard enough, treating everyone with respect and many other valuable lessons.”

--Dixie Diva

“A great book about friendship … that teaches kids that everyone is different and it is not nice to make of others. Your child will love this book.”

--Moving Mommy’s Blog

“This book is a wonderfully illustrated tale of overcoming adversity and building friendships … with amazing drawings and life lessons that any child reading it would benefit from. Lessons about friendship, acceptance ... and just appreciating what makes a person and/or goose unique. I highly recommend this fantastic illustrated children's book.”

--The Queen of Swag

“I was impressed … very cute story. The illustrations are beautiful! I was very pleased with how they helped emphasize the story! I give this book a 5/5 for anyone with younger children (or older ones you want to impress with a lesson on). It would make a great gift!”

--A Little Sanity

“This book is a story about friendship, tolerance and self worth. It is a story about being different and wanting to belong. Beautiful watercolor illustrations!”

--Beach Party of Five

“Flightless Goose addresses issues of acceptance and respect for everyone. Its message is touching but, more importantly for us, it’s a good story. I encourage you to give this book a try.”

--A Bunch of Weird

“This meaningful story teaches tolerance along with coping with adversity.”

--Frugal Plus

“When I first read through Flightless Goose with my preschooler, I found my 6th grader inching closer and closer. This delightful tale that reminds us all, regardless of age, that unkind words hurt, teasing is wrong, and those who are different are special and wonderful in many ways.”

--Is There a Bathroom on this Ship?

“Children who are familiar with the song Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer will recognize its thematic connection to the Goodman's picture book Flightless Goose. Although the book's text is silent about Johnny's physical status, Nataliya Goodman's illustrations show that Johnny is in a wheelchair, a reality which adds additional meaning.”

--CM: Canadian Review of Materials

Featured in the Los Angeles Times, Baltimore Sun, JMWW, Eight-Stone Press Baltimore Shopping Guide 2009, Rodgers Forge Newsletter, author Bathsheba Monk’s website, and on blogs, and websites around the world.

Flightless Goose is available in bookstores, at Amazon.com, at the publisher’s interactive website for children (www.FlightlessGoose.com) and at the original www.RunGoose.com website.