Synopsis
If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it's probably a boy who's been cursed by a witch.
School Library Journal
Gr 3-5-When Howard tries to steal the eggs that were just laid near Goose Pond, he is caught by the old woman who protects them. She is rumored to be a witch, but Howard has no reason to believe this is true until she turns him into a goose in order to teach him a lesson. The only way in which he can reverse the curse is to perform three good deeds, which is much harder than he first suspects. Vande Velde uses her usual subtle humor to show what it might be like to be a boy stuck in a goose's body. Kids will get a kick out of seeing how Howard goes about getting his deeds accomplished; nothing happens the way he thinks it will. This is a good naughty-boy-makes-good book for reluctant or easy-chapter-book readers. It's clear, uncomplicated, and entertaining, and Vande Velde manages to offer a message without being too pedantic.-Carly B. Wiskoff, Great Neck Library, NY Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.