Goose is preparing for an art contest for the Pebbleside Art Awards. His friends are willing subjects, and they sit for him as he paints their portrait. But no matter how many styles he tries, or how hard he works portraying his friends on canvas, he is never happy with his work.

“Oh Honk – I’ll have to start again.”

Day after day he paints, from a kea to a cow to a giraffe and a fox. More paintings follow, but still Goose cannot decide. His friends assure him that each one is better than the last, but still Goose wavers about his work.

As he pores over his paintings hour after hour, deep into the night, Goose is still unsure. The next morning he realises all is lost – it’s too late!

But maybe… Goose finally decides. Not on which painting, but something so much better.

Goose the Artist is the fourth book in the Puffin and Friends series by the incredibly talented Kimberly Andrews. As always, each 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.

Books in this series have won multiple awards including Storylines Notable Book Awards, a Best Children’s Book Award, the Russell Clark Illustration Award and also been a Finalist in the NZ Children’s & Young Adult Book Awards.

Author / Illustrator – Kimberly Andrews

Picture Book – Ages 3-7

Learn more about the Author / Illustrator here

(2022, Penguin Random House NZ, New Zealand, Animals, Friendship, Art, Painting, Good enough, Self doubt, Self Confidence, Hard Work, Perseverance, Determination, Series)