Goose the Artist

[E]ach page of this picture book is not only chocka full of things to look at, with also a rhyme to read, there is a search and find element as well. For budding art buffs, check the pages for arty clues in costumes, vases and wall art. Degas, Van Gogh, Picasso and more grace the story in different ways, along with other artists both brand new or accomplished. You will recognise some of Goose's famous friends, Puffin the Architect, Hound the Detective and Moose the Pilot, who all come to help their good friend Goose.

What Book Next?, Good Reads

Young readers are encouraged to interact with the book to find the spiders on each double page spread. Adult readers will chuckle when they see reference to famous artists such as Goose's hat and shirt in Van Gogh's Starry Night print, Van Gogh's sunflowers, and other artists' artwork on paintings, vases, material, etc. A delightfully funny and captivating story...Children who love art will especially be enthralled with the book.

Maria Gill, Kids Books NZ

Goose the Artist is a picture book that children can grow into. Little ones...love pouring over the detailed illustrations on each double page spread and have fun going on a spider hunt. There are eighteen in all, one hiding on each page. Creative youngsters who want to try their hand at different techniques and media such as charcoal, pastels and paints will find Goose’s rhyming, step by step descriptions of how she created each artwork a great help as they create their own masterpieces. And for older children there is so much more to learn. There are many visual references to artistic movements and styles throughout this book. As both a grandma and an art teacher I think Goose the Artist is a gem of a book. Kimberly Andrews has such a gift for teaching children about art in a delightfully playful and humorous way!

Lyn Potter, NZ Booklovers

The latest instalment in the Puffin the Architect series, this picture book (intended for readers aged 3-5) features Goose, who wants to create the perfect portrait in time for a village art contest. Although this passionate artist draws on a variety of skills, not everything always goes to plan for Goose. However, with perseverance, perhaps true colours may just come shining through.

Rural Living Auckland

Puffin the Architect's painter client steps up to the easel to create portraits of her friends in the style of famous artist, for a competition. Smart readers will spot the references straight away - a pointillist Giraffe, Hound a la Picasso, Cow in a Van Gogh landscape. A joyful addition to Puffin's whānau.

Ann Packer, NZ Listener 50 Best Kids' Books

Andrews is a wondrous artist and this series takes kids into a world of talented animals and their attempts to pursue art and life. When Goose tries to create a masterpiece in time to enter a competition the pressures of a deadline almost prove too much (sound familiar?) … high tension = high reward.

The great, late Christmas book guide for kids, The Spinoff