Escape Goat has the pun/metaphor of being a goat that is blamed for all the bad things that happen (they are the Escape Goat) and they are an actual goat that is always escaping their pen. Ann Prachett’s latest picture book is one that deals with the story of telling the truth. It is not overly subtle but also does not come out and say, “You are lying. Tell the truth!” as the characters are being beaten over the head. Yet, it is said that people are not being honest. Therefore, there are no questions to the message of the book.
The metaphor of an Escape Goat will not escape the adult reader, but to the age it is aimed at (ages 3 to 7) will see just a goat that escapes its pen and takes the blame for all the rotten things the family does (eat the cupcakes, ruin the flower bed, spill the paint, burn the pie). And of course, there is one person who sticks up for the goat and tells the truth and everyone admits to their wrongdoings. The end. Therefore, there is nothing unique or special about the book. It is cute and sweet.
It is Robin Preiss Glasser’s classic styled illustrations that make the book. Not only are they fun to look at (there are some fun details hidden about if you’re willing to look around) they are colorful, soft and compliment the story.
There is nothing is wrong with this book, it is just a book that might be too sugary-sweet for some people. And it is very similar in style to Lambslide.