(2) 1-3 Illustrated by Ann Kronheimer. Unlucky Farmer Skint and his family are about to sell Woebegone Farm when their goose lays a golden egg that produces a golden gosling. Joy's arrival heralds a time of prosperity, and the farm is saved. Even when Joy's lucky powers wane, the family's love for one another and the dear goose never does in this satisfying, humorous chapter book.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2005

(2) 1-3 Illustrated by Ann Kronheimer. The local children imagine Miss Slade is a witch, but when Patsy and Jim Reader move into a nearby cottage, they befriend the old woman, who shares a ramshackle caravan with her numerous pets. There are a number of quietly astringent messages in this likable chapter book, and King-Smith cuts the sweetness nicely with the brisk humor of the children's dialogue and his satirical portrayal of their parents.

Reviewer: Joanna Rudge Long | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2000