Review - Wild Goose Chase

Wild Goose Chase: Funny Animal Phrases and the Meanings Behind Them
by Kathy Broderick
illustrated by Dragan Kordić
Date: 2021
Publisher: Sunbird Books
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book non-fiction
Pages: 36
Format: e-book
Source: library

What do you think of when you hear wild goose chase or raining cats and dogs? Do you imagine geese running in circles, or kittens and pups falling from the sky? Dive into this imaginative picture book and explore some funny animal phrases and the dictionary definitions that help explain them.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I recently read A Wisdom of Wombats by the same author. Wild Goose Chase tackles animal phrases rather than collective nouns. While the subject is interesting, the execution is not nearly as entertaining here. I'm not sure if that's due to the pictures (this book uses a different illustrator). I did like the page about the geese... but, unfortunately, it's the first one, and the book kind of gets a little boring after that.

Kids who are interested in sayings and what they mean might like this book. But I found it didn't live up to my expectations after reading A Wisdom of Wombats.

Premise: 3/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3 out of 5

Review - A Wisdom of Wombats

A Wisdom of Wombats: More Collective Animal Nouns and the Meanings Behind Them
by Kathy Broderick
illustrated by David DePasquale
Date: 2021
Publisher: Sunbird Books
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book non-fiction
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: library

From a journey of giraffes to a gaggle of geese, come explore animals and the wonderful words we use to describe them. Featuring definitions, this picture book of collective nouns will grow your vocabulary and expand your understanding. Companion title to A Loveliness of Ladybugs, winner of The National Parenting Center Seal of Approval.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I love picture books that teach things in a fun way. A Wisdom of Wombats: More Collective Animal Nouns and the Meanings Behind Them is set up sort of like an illustrated dictionary with colourful, amusing illustrations that highlight the double meanings of the various words used to describe groups of animals. For example, a group of giraffes is called a journey, and the page shows these tacky tourists going on a safari. There are 16 different animal groups in all, many with collective nouns readers might not be aware of.

This is a great choice for readers who love studying animals and their groups, or for readers who enjoy learning about language and word meanings. The illustrations are sure to delight, too.

Premise: 4/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 5/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 5/5

Overall: 4.5 out of 5