Written by Margaret Mahy
Illustrated by Selina Young
Published by Puffin, 1999
ISBN: 978-014350452-8
NZC activities for this picture book here
A group set out for a walk with their two dogs, down a wiggly track to the sea one summery Saturday morning. On the way they confront a cat, a boy on a rattly bike, long grass… and a mean eyed mother goose with her gaggle of babies. When the dogs chase the geese, the adventure turns sour as the group gets stuck in some ‘guggilywuggy’ mud and the geese attack! The text is rhythmic and repetitive, which makes it ideal for younger children. The watercolour illustrations show scenic New Zealand landscapes of hills leading down to the sea. The pictures show some classic New Zealand Saturday morning scenes – out for a walk, mowing the lawn, hanging out the washing, cats lazing in the sun, sailing, paddling in the sea, fishing and bike riding.
Summary written by Marion McKoy
Book cover used with permission of publisher