At first, I was not going to read Hank Goes Honk by Maudie Powell-Tuck as I was not in the mood for a picture book about a goose. However, the hat made me think, “That looks familiar….” And as I was gazing at this goose in a hat, I realized there was some stink eye being given!! Oh that goose was giving me the look of, “Whatcha mean ya not gonna read me?” Oh that side eye telling me I’d regret missing this opportunity. Man! I’ve never been afraid of a real goose like that before, and trust me, I don’t like real geese as they are Meeeeeeanie McMeanies!
Now, Hank never looked familiar during and/or after reading, so it must have been the stink eye that was familiar (I get it a lot from my enemies, coworkers, strangers on the street, and nephews…they just can’t appreciate the jenius that is me…). Anyway, the story by Powell-Tuck is familiar, but has a new take. Hank is a goose who is obnoxious. And the story shows all the obnoxious things he does. Of course, the narrator asks if maybe he is lonely and should change his ways. It is cute and funny, but not OMG my favorite book. I think the younger picture book audience will enjoy it.
However, I did like the illustrations by Duncan Beedie. They are basic and simple, but they have a bit of character (and not just the mouse in the background who has character and attitude). Overall, things are just nice. Nice color and minimal details allowing your focus to be on the story. Though available, I read via an online reader copy. 