A more perfect union between giggle-inducing but reassuring images and a text of very few words is hard to conjure. The brilliant pastels open on a double-page spread of Goose trotting down a huge hairy mound, which turns out to be Bear, lying on his stomach with a book. "What are you doing? Are you reading?" asks Goose, perched on Bear's head. "I like to read" says Goose, sitting directly in front of Bear's book, and reading to him. Bear takes out his notebook and starts to write, and Goose wants Bear to see him write. Bear, visibly growing increasingly exasperated, is thinking now, and Goose notes that thinking makes him hungry and goes off to make a snack. He returns with a snack, a blanket and a note for Bear, who at this point is trying to hide behind his notebook. "You are my splendid friend," reads Goose's note, and Bear wipes away a tear and wraps Goose in a huge hug before the two sit down to share the snack. Bear's ursine fuzziness against a background of deep blues and Goose's small awkward, overeager self make an adorable contrast. (Picture book. 3-6) Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

PreS-Gr. 2. Children will recognize their relationships with friends or siblings in this creative, pointed picture book. Polar Bear is reading when Goose comes rushing in, pulls the book from the bear's hand, and begins reading himself. The same thing happens after Polar Bear starts writing. Even more frustrating are Goose's persistent questions about what the bear is thinking. But after hearing a note Goose has written about his splendid friend, Polar Bear realizes that Goose is a splendid friend, too. Bloom gets maximum effect with minimum words, in part because of Goose's energetic dialogue. Equally impressive is the artwork. Using pastels, Bloom presents a rubber-bodied goose and a furry bear (whose every hair is distinguishable), setting their antics against backgrounds of blue that shift from dark to light. Though simply shaped, the animals manage an amazing assortment of positions and expressions as the story plays out. Fun to read aloud, the book will also lead to discussion about friendly (and annoying) behavior. --Ilene Cooper Copyright 2005 Booklist

When a curious goose sees a polar bear, the goose just has to know what the bear is doing. Bear can't read or write or think without the goose interrupting--until the goose returns with a snack and a note: ""You are my splendid friend."" Pastel illustrations add depth to the spare text and give the characters lots of distinction. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.

Toddler-PreS-The Geisel Honor book is given a sturdier edition for small hands. The gregarious Goose interrupts Bear's reading and writing. The fowl's bubbling personality can't help but win over Bear, despite his intention of having a quiet afternoon. The spare text celebrates friendship, reading, and writing and is perfect for emphasizing early literacy practices. The figures' body language and facial expressions will induce giggles, and the sumptuous blues and whites will invite repeat reads. © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.