Goslings, Geese and other goose -ish trivia

Two Clever Geese has been sitting lazily neglected on my bookshelf for too long - it's time to give the book some fresh air and exercise!

This is a lovely simple little story to read to young children - it's a true story and if you're inspired and have the outside space, you too could adopt a goose or two!

Reading to your children is so important, not only for learning and letting their imaginations soar; but creates a lovely bond between you; memories that you will always share. My son is still nostalgic about books I read to him when he was little (over and over again - you know how children like to hear the same story!).

Browse my Lens page on this book and other goose-ish stuff! Music, movies, books, a laugh from Youtube - all quite surprising from a bird that we normally associate with farm life, food (shhh ...!) or duvets, pillows and comforters!

Wriiten by Acton Kaye

This sweet little story is a true story about Acton adopting two young geese and what happened next ...

He'd always wanted a goose and finally after moving to Clovelly, South Africa just across the road from the beach and close to the village of Fish Hoek right down at the bottom tip of Africa, it happened that a neighbour nearby had some goslings.

Acton took two little goslings home.

the magic of gosling life!

(Wow! Take a moment and check out the awesome nature photographs taken by this artist! Click on Michael S)

Michael S....

Buy This at Allposters.com

Acton was reading the life of Admiral Horatio Nelson at the time, so he named his goslings Horatio Lord Nelson Goose and Emma Lady Hamilton Goose - Nelson and Emma for short!

When they were old enough, collars and leads were made for the geese and they all went for walks on the beach.

Eventually, the geese became trained enough to not need the leads most of the time, following behind Acton where ever he went.

Acton discovered that geese make wonderful pets.

They are not usually noisy, do not smell or attract flies (he was told by some people that they do), they don't scratch up the lawn and flower beds and they keep the lawn nicely trimmed!

And will join him on walks. And sometimes watch TV with him!

We lived in Fish Hoek, South Africa where the Two Clever Geese book was written and where Acton walking his geese was a common sight.

My son, Harrington was out with his Grandfather when Acton was promoting his new book in Fish Hoek. It's always exciting when someone local becomes a celebrity, don't you think?

So, Harrington's Gumpy bought the book for him - and Acton Kaye signed it.

Writing about this book has been a trip down memory lane for me.

Seeing Acton with geese walking on the beach at Fish Hoek was a common sight when I lived there.

And occasionally, on a twilight evening, seeing a goose casually walking down Fish Hoek High Street with Acton was such a treat!

And I hope you can find a copy of this lovely little book - it seems there are not too many available!

Louisa May Alcott

Long ago in a poultry yard

One dull November morn,

Beneath a motherly soft wing

A little goose was born.

Who straightway peeped out of the shell

To view the world beyond,

Longing at once to sally forth

© Photographer Bruce Macqueen | Agency: Dreamstime.com

And paddle in the pond.

"Oh! be not rash," her father said,

A mild Socratic bird;

Her mother begged her not to stray

With many a warning word.

But little goosey was perverse,

And eagerly did cry,

"I've got a lovely pair of wings,

Of course I ought to fly."

As Acton Kaye wrote in his true story - they make wonderful pets.

With a bit of training they'll even join you on your daily walk!

I love love love this movie. It's heartwarming, you will laugh, get angry, cry and be uplifted - all the things that make a great movie!

Anthony Edwards was the character "Goose" who died tragically in the movie.